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 have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. We extend our appreciation to the co-facilitators for their continued efforts in guiding this intergovernmental process and facilitating inclusive consultations to define the terms of reference and modalities for the establishment and functioning of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

The Group emphasizes that the AI Panel must be a multidisciplinary, evidence-based, and representative body. Its mandate should be to provide policy-relevant scientific assessments on AI's risks, opportunities, and governance. While synthesizing existing research, the Panel should also have the capacity to commission studies to address knowledge gaps, particularly for developing countries.

Regarding potential thematic focuses, the Group has identified potential sub-areas of focus under Opportunities, Risks, and Governance, which include but are not limited to:

- for Opportunities:
o AI for the SDGs
o Interoperability of AI systems
o Mapping and surveying current AI capabilities
o Identifying emerging trends and breakthroughs
o Assessments on global efforts to close digital divides and enhancing global digital connectivity

- for Risks:
o Potential risks of emerging systems

- for Governance:
o Identifying gaps in AI governance
o Identifying areas for international cooperation

Regarding The panel's structure, the Group supports a governance model akin to the IPCC, with a Plenary Panel, a Bureau, an Executive or Steering Committee, and Working Groups. This structure should prioritize equitable Global South representation at all levels.

On the selection process, the Group emphasizes transparency, inclusivity, and merit-based selection, ensuring regional and academic diversity. A multi-track approach should be adopted whereby government representatives comprise the Plenary Panel, Bureau members would be elected by Member States based on equitable geographical representation, and contributors to the Working Groups would be independent and subject to a similar nomination and review process as in the IPCC model.

The Group envisions that the Panel will produce annual reports on AI capabilities, risks, and policy gaps, alongside quarterly thematic research digests and special reports on emerging AI trends. The possibility of long-term reports should not be precluded. This will facilitate informed policymaking and bridge existing knowledge divides.

On the Dialogue:

The Global Dialogue on AI Governance should serve as an inclusive and participatory platform that fosters global collaboration on AI regulation and governance, ensuring that developing countries' perspectives are fully represented. The Group underscores that the Dialogue must address information asymmetries, promote AI capacity-building, and align governance frameworks with the SDGs.

The Group supports a structured, recurring format for the Dialogue, aligning with key UN meetings, and adopting a two-track approach:

- Intergovernmental Track: For government-led discussions on regulatory approaches, voluntary commitments, and governance standard-setting.
- Multistakeholder Track For technical and ethical discussions involving academia, industry, and civil society.

The Dialogue should lead to policy recommendations, shared governance frameworks, and international cooperation mechanisms, while also serving as a platform for bridging digital divides.

On the Relationship between the Panel and the Dialogue:

The Panel and Dialogue should be linked, with the Panel's findings informing the policy discussions of the Dialogue, while the Dialogue can, but not necessarily must, provide inputs to the research agenda of the Panel.

On UN System Support:

The Group underscores that the Panel and Dialogue should align with existing UN initiatives. A dedicated office could coordinate efforts, ensuring coherence, systematic capacity-building, and global AI governance alignment.

In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China reaffirm our commitment to ensuring an inclusive, transparent, and equitable approach to AI governance. The success of these efforts will depend on fostering international cooperation, bridging the digital divide, and ensuring that AI serves as a tool for sustainable development for all.

We will submit more specific proposals to the co-facs after this meeting.

I thank you.