Mr. President, Distinguished Members of the Board, the UNDP Administrator,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the G77 and China.

At the outset, I wish to warmly congratulate you, Mr. President, and the four vice presidents on their election. We are confident that under your able leadership, the Board will have a successful year.

I would like to express my appreciation to the UNDP Administrator, Mr. Achim Steiner, for his statement and the UNDP's valuable contributions to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Developing countries continue to face unprecedented challenges that hinder their ability to recover from the socio-economic impacts of conflicts, economic and environmental issues, and the increasing digital divide. Significant development disparities persist, making it imperative for multilateralism to realign efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the commitments outlined in the Paris Agreement.

In 2025, we bear a significant responsibility to foster hope. With the newly adopted QCPR, Global Digital Compact, the forthcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, and the Social Summit, we are dedicated to making every effort in the remaining five years to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and ask our partners to do the same and fulfil the goals outlined in 2015 for the betterment of both people and the planet.

The United Nations Development System is a crucial partner in enhancing and accelerating assistance to developing countries in implementing their respective sustainable development priorities and supporting their efforts to achieve them through collaboration with the Resident Coordinators. The Group appreciates the significant efforts of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in this regard.

Even though there is no one-size-fits-all approach to development, the Group would like to highlight the following priorities we believe are essential to accelerate the SDGs implementation:

Firstly, a one UN approach that has a system that works together in a coherent, effective, efficient and transparent manner utilizing the very limited resources for development to optimize delivery;

Secondly, bridging the financial gap is urgent for economic recovery in developing countries. We urge developed countries to fulfil their ODA commitments, increase concessional finance, and provide a practical debt solution, including debt cancellation. We also stress that financing must be predictable and from core resources to support coherent efforts. In that regard, the Group emphasizes the necessity of increasing core and flexible resources to sustain UNDP's capability to deliver on its Strategic Plan, provide timely support in crisis settings, and maintain the highest standards of oversight and its robust risk management systems.

Thirdly, it is time to reform the international financial architecture to ensure the meaningful participation of developing countries in international economic decision-making. The Group continues to appreciate UNDP's support on this call, which has been acknowledged by many, including the UN Secretary-General.

Fourthly, we need to fully and urgently implement the climate change agenda in accordance with the principle of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, and respective capabilities. Importantly, we must also deliver on the various funds, especially the Loss and Damage Fund.

Fifth, to ensure that no one is left behind, we need to mobilise adequate investment in sustainable and resilient infrastructure, promote technology transfer and capacity building, build stable and sustainable supply chains, and promote sustainable food production systems to foster sustainable development. Global supply chains must be diversified, and more efforts must be made to link developing countries to these value chains.

We reiterate our overarching common goal to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, which is recognised as the most significant global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. UNDP's efforts in poverty eradication are highly needed and must remain a core focus of the UNDP work as an integral objective of all policies and be addressed as a multidimensional phenomenon and truly leave no one behind.

In closing, I would like to reiterate the Group of 77 and China support for your efforts. The Group looks forward to a constructive discussion during this session of the Executive Board that will lead to the necessary concrete action.

I thank you.