1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on the Refined elements of the information and communications technology strategy.

2. The Group of 77 and China thanks Mr. Anthony O'Mullane, Director of Policy Strategy and Governance, and Mr. Jakub Chmielewski, Vice- Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for introducing their respective reports.

3. The Group notes the refined elements of the information and communications technology strategy for the five-year ICT strategy planned for 2023-2028 in response to General Assembly resolution 78/243 in which the Assembly requested for refined elements of the ICT strategy that includes; more clarity and precision on the vision and intended objectives of the strategy, existing and envisaged challenges and risks, including cybersecurity, lessons learned and interlinkages with related initiatives, a clear and effective governance and accountability framework, estimates of the resources needed for the implementation of the strategy with a view to rationalizing the allocation of existing ICT expenditures and avoiding duplication and overlaps among others;

4. The Group notes that while the ICT Strategy is a critical enabler of the mandates of the Organization and is intended to define the high-level strategic vision, principles and expected outcomes of ICT activities across the Secretariat, the Group agrees with the Advisory Committee that the presented refined elements report is not adequately responding to the specific requests of the Assembly in resolution 78/243 and we look forward to further clarifications during the informal session;

5. The Group recalls that under the current ICT strategy, information and communications technology will be integrated and symbiotic with organizational priorities and will achieve a holistic coherence in overall working of the Secretariat entities. Considering that annual average Secretariat ICT combined spending by all entities is in the range of more than USD 773 million, the Group is of the view that the Secretary-General should ensure more effective and efficient use of, and reporting on ICT equipment and assets.
 
Madam Chair,

6. The Group of 77 and China reminds that increasing interdependence and interconnectivity of the Secretariat's digital environment requires a consistent, closely coordinated and transparent approach to cyber security that enables all Secretariat entities to comply with basic practices, policies and standards, while establishing accountability and providing global visibility and oversight in line with Part II of General Assembly resolution 69/262;

7. The Group emphasizes that due to a rapidly evolving technological landscape especially by the time of the conclusion of the implementation of the ICT strategy in 2028, driven by increased computing power and the use of artificial intelligence, the ICT Strategy must be able to adapt during the life of the strategy in order to align the relevant technologies with mandate delivery and in the context of emerging security challenges and risks.

8. The Group also stresses the need to avoid dependency on specific vendors to mitigate security risks and monopolization, and to ensure that services are accessible to all Member States, wherever they are located, in keeping with the principle of sovereign equality among all Members.

9. In conclusion, Madam Chair, the Group of 77 and China stands ready to engage constructively during the informal deliberations of this agenda item.

I thank you.