H.E. Mr. Rytis Paulauskas, Permanent Representative of Lithuania,
H.E., Mr. Erastus Lokaale, Permanent Representative of Kenya

Excellencies and colleagues,

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

At the outset, I would like to thank the co-facilitators for presenting the zero draft and the proposed roadmap for the intergovernmental process on the consultations to finalize the modalities for the overall review by the General Assembly of the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society.

Mr. Chair,

The group hopes that the WSIS+20 Review will be vital in evaluating our progress, confronting the challenges we have faced, and reaffirming our collective commitment to harnessing ICTs for the advancement of information and knowledge societies. This review also aligns with the objectives of the Global Digital Compact, aiming to forge a shared vision for digital cooperation and governance.

The twenty-year review of WSIS outcomes, to be completed by the General Assembly this year, is a timely exercise in the context of elaborating the development agenda. We believe the digital economy is a source of innovation and productivity which brings improvements, as well as economic and social inclusion, that should be equitably harnessed by all countries, without exception or exclusion of any sort. It is therefore critically important to address the existing digital divide between developed and developing countries, as well as within societies and countries, particularly with regard to the availability, affordability, and quality of access to broadband connectivity and ICTs.

Recognising the importance of using ICT to advance sustainable development and achieve a pro-development global agenda until and beyond 2030, the Group calls for an appropriate preparatory process to be launched for the WSIS+20 review, drawing on experience from the three phases of WSIS. The twenty-year anniversary of WSIS should be the beginning of a new chapter for ICT development in developing countries that builds on the lessons learned over the past decade.

Lastly, the Group of 77 and China reaffirms the General Assembly's role in the overall review of the implementation of the WSIS outcomes and urges it to agree on modalities for the WSIS+20 review during the current session of the General Assembly.

Finally, the G77 and China reiterates its commitment to actively engaging in this very important intergovernmental process and looks forward to reaching a concise, action-oriented modalities resolution agreed by consensus through intergovernmental negotiations.

I thank you.