H.E. Ms. Maritza Chan Valverde, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica,
H.E. Mr. Héctor José Gómez Hernández, Permanent Representative of Spain,

Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

I am honoured to deliver this statement on behalf of the G77 and China.

At the outset, I would like to thank the co-facilitators for their efforts in leading this intergovernmental process and consultations to identify the terms of reference and modalities for the establishment and functioning of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on Al Governance for adoption by the General Assembly.

The Group believes that when discussing the role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, we must consider the ongoing issue of the digital divide. While technology has been an essential tool for addressing development needs, not everyone has equal access to its benefits. Therefore, the Group emphasizes the importance of taking significant action to reduce the growing digital divide if we aim to create an inclusive Information Society.

On the eve of unprecedented digital transformation, AI has the potential to bring new development opportunities and accelerate the progress and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and sustainable development in its three dimensions - economic, social and environmental - in a balanced and integrated manner.

The group reiterates its position and concern regarding the lack of digital infrastructure connectivity and skills, including education, expertise and human capacity, which remains a fundamental challenge in many developing countries, in particular the least developed countries, which can contribute to artificial intelligence and other digital divides, including different levels of readiness to make use of and benefit from artificial intelligence,

The Group looks forward to a fair modalities for the establishment and functioning of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, which should help enhance member states' understanding and knowledge of how AI technologies can be developed and deployed in ways that are human-centric, reliable, explainable, ethical, inclusive, responsible, respect the international law and sustainable development-oriented, and that have the potential to accelerate and enable progress towards the achievement of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals and sustainable development in its three dimensions - economic, social and environmental, and it is important that the International Scientific Panel on AI is able to better inform Member States such that they are able to take advantage of the opportunities of AI towards this end.

The Global Dialogue is an equally important initiative, providing a platform for inclusive engagement on the broader implications of AI. At this initial stage, the Group highlights the importance of establishing a strong foundation for meaningful and inclusive discussions.

The dialogue, therefore, should ensure inclusive participation while maintaining a strong intergovernmental foundation. This will ensure that states' priorities are central to its outcomes. Inclusivity and an intergovernmental focus should inform the format of the dialogue, its location, and its participation.

Excellencies,

How we approach artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies will determine whether digitalisation produces inclusive and sustainable outcomes or further widens the digital divide.

Finally, the Group stresses that the use of artificial intelligence in information and communication technologies should consider, as appropriate, the Declaration of Principles of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

Thank you.