The Group welcomes this opportunity to discuss the governance of artificial intelligence, in particular regarding cluster 3 and 4. In this regard, the Group underscores that discussions under this, and all clusters, must maintain a clear and explicit development orientation, ensuring alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Goals.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to contribute significantly to the achievement of the SDGs, and can support innovation, productivity and economic diversification, particularly in developing countries.

Notwithstanding, the Group remains concerned that significant digital and technological divides persist, further exacerbated by persistent gaps in financing and limited access to enabling technologies, which risk excluding many developing countries from fully participating in and benefiting from AI development.

Excellencies,

With respect to safe, secure and trustworthy AI, the Group emphasizes the importance of promoting interoperability and compatibility of governance approaches while fully respecting national sovereignty, national circumstances and development priorities.

The Group believes that there is no one-size-fits-all model for AI governance. Approaches must remain flexible and inclusive, avoiding fragmentation or the creation of barriers that could further disadvantage developing countries. Interoperability should facilitate cooperation, knowledge-sharing and trust, rather than impose standards that many countries may lack the capacity to implement.

In this regard, the Group highlights the importance of strengthening the participation of developing countries in standard-setting processes and technical discussions. Equitable participation is essential to ensuring that AI systems reflect diverse social, cultural and linguistic contexts and do not reinforce existing inequalities.

The Group further believes that trustworthy AI should be people-centered, ethical, reliable and development-oriented. This approach should be reinforced during the AI Dialogue.
Regarding the importance of respecting, protecting and promoting human rights in the field of AI, the Group underscores that the development and implementation of AI must be done in line with international law.

The Group notes the potential impact of artificial intelligence on labor markets and employment. It is essential to ensure that the deployment of AI promotes decent work, and does not exacerbate unemployment or inequality, particularly in developing countries with limited social protection systems.

We also stress the importance of meaningful human oversight, especially in areas that directly affect the rights and well-being of individuals and communities. AI should support human capacities and public interest objectives, not undermine them.

Transparency, accountability, and human oversight are essential elements of responsible AI governance and should therefore be central to the discussions during the Dialogue.

The Group notes with concern the increasing concentration of AI capabilities in a limited number of countries and corporations and emphasizes the importance of strengthening accountability frameworks for the private sector and technology platforms, ensuring that their operations are transparent, responsible, and aligned with national and international laws and development priorities.

Finally, The Group reiterates the importance of addressing the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence, which are currently not contemplated in any of the proposed clusters.

AI systems, including data centers and computational infrastructure, have significant implications for energy consumption, water use, and the extraction of critical minerals. These impacts must be fully considered in global discussions, ensuring that the environmental and developmental costs are not disproportionately borne by the Global South.

Excellencies,

The Group reiterates that effective AI governance must go hand in hand with strengthened international cooperation and support for developing countries.

Discussions on accountability and oversight can only be meaningful if accompanied by concrete efforts to close digital and technological divides, including through capacity-building, technology transfer on concessional and preferential terms, improved access to financing, infrastructure development, and initiatives in skills and education.

The Group trusts that the AI Dialogue will serve as a multilateral platform that is development-oriented, inclusive, and responsive to the needs and priorities of developing countries, and that it will foster deeper and more impactful partnerships, enabling developing countries to better understand and become more actively involved in AI development and implementation.

We remain committed to ensuring that artificial intelligence serves the common good, supports sustainable development, respects human rights, and contributes to a more just and inclusive digital future for all.

I thank you.

The Group of 77 and China would like to thank the Co-Chairs of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance for all their work throughout this preparatory process. We believe that these informal thematic deep-dive sessions have been structured in a highly appropriate manner to facilitate exchange among delegations.

We consider this meeting a key milestone in advancing a common understanding on how to harness artificial intelligence for sustainable development and inclusive growth, and for accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, through collaborative efforts that bring together governments, the entire United Nations system, international organizations, academia, the private sector, and civil society, while preserving the intergovernmental nature of this process.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer an emerging issue - it is a defining force shaping development trajectories, economic structures, and social outcomes across the globe. For the Group of 77 and China, AI presents both significant opportunities and profound risks. Whether it becomes a tool for sustainable development or a driver of deeper inequality will depend on the choices we make collectively, and the extent to which developing countries are meaningfully included in shaping its governance.

On the social dimension, AI holds the promise of expanding access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and social protection. However, these benefits remain unevenly distributed. Large segments of the population in developing countries continue to face limited or no access to the digital infrastructure and skills required to benefit from AI systems. Without urgent action, AI risks reinforcing existing inequalities and creating new forms of exclusion. Bridging the digital divide is therefore not optional - it is an urgent development imperative. This includes addressing gaps in infrastructure, connectivity, data access, computing capacity, education, skills and human resources.

On the economic dimension, AI has the potential to drive productivity gains, foster innovation, and support economic diversification. Yet, the global AI ecosystem remains highly concentrated, with a small number of countries and corporations controlling data, infrastructure, computing power and technological capabilities, mainly from the North. This concentration risks marginalizing developing countries, limiting their participation in global value chains, and constraining their prospects for industrialization. The Group underscores that developing countries must not remain mere consumers of AI technologies. We call for concrete measures to enable technology transfer on fair and equitable terms, enhance domestic innovation capacities, and ensure fair and equitable participation in the AI economy. We also stress the need to strengthen South-South and triangular cooperation, including through joint research, shared expertise, capacity-building and the development of AI applications adapted to local needs and contexts.

On the ethical dimension, the Group stresses that AI must be developed and deployed in an ethical, inclusive, accessible, lawful, and verifiable manner, with a risk analysis by countries based on the UNESCO principles. In this regard, the Group recalls the importance of "Data for Development", recognizing data as a strategic asset for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, rather than merely as a commercial commodity. We remain concerned about algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, and the misuse of AI for surveillance and manipulation. Ethical frameworks must be inclusive, intergovernmental, and reflective of diverse cultural and developmental contexts. Voluntary approaches alone are insufficient to address systemic risks. Adequate safeguards are required to prevent discrimination, bias, exclusion and other potential harms, while ensuring that AI remains safe, reliable and oriented towards the common good.

On the cultural and linguistic dimensions, we highlight the risk that AI systems - trained predominantly on data from a limited number of languages and contexts - may contribute to cultural homogenization and the erosion of linguistic diversity. This is of particular concern for developing countries, where rich cultural heritage and linguistic plurality are central to identity and development. We call for stronger support for multilingual AI systems, local data ecosystems, and the preservation and promotion of indigenous and local knowledge. AI governance should also support open, interoperable and culturally responsive ecosystems that reflect the diversity of all societies.

On the technical dimension, the Group notes the persistent structural barriers faced by developing countries, including limited access to computational infrastructure, high-quality datasets, foundational models, and advanced research capabilities. These constraints are further compounded by high costs and restricted access to enabling technologies. Addressing these challenges requires strengthened international cooperation, including adequate, predictable and accessible financial resources, knowledge-sharing, technical cooperation, and the development of inclusive innovation ecosystems.

Excellencies,

Turning to bridging AI divides, the Group emphasizes that the widening gap in AI capabilities between developed and developing countries is a matter of serious concern. If left unaddressed, this divide will entrench global inequalities and undermine the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Capacity-building must be at the center of international efforts. This includes not only training and skills development, but also institutional strengthening, support for research and development, and the creation of enabling policy environments. Capacity-building initiatives must be demand-driven, country-led, and aligned with national development priorities and plans. They should also support education, upskilling, institutional capacities and the development of local expertise in developing countries.

Access to AI technologies and their underlying components remains highly unequal. The Group calls for improved access to data, computing resources, foundational models, and digital public goods, as well as affordable and reliable digital infrastructure. Such access must be equitable, affordable and non-discriminatory. In this regard, we stress the importance of international support for expanding broadband connectivity, strengthening data governance frameworks, and promoting open and inclusive technological ecosystems.

We also underscore the importance of digital foundations. AI cannot be developed or deployed effectively without robust digital infrastructure, including connectivity, data systems, energy access and computing capacity. Many developing countries continue to face significant gaps in these foundational areas. Addressing these gaps requires increased investment, enhanced international cooperation, and the fulfillment of existing commitments related to financing for development. The Group therefore calls for strengthened financing mechanisms, including support for capacity-building, infrastructure and the effective participation of developing countries in AI-related processes.

Furthermore, the Group reiterates the need to address barriers that limit developing countries' access to critical technologies. Measures that restrict technology flows or impose undue constraints on access to knowledge, innovation, capacity-building and financing risk widening the AI divide and must be carefully examined. In this context, the Group underscores the adverse impact that such barriers may have on the ability of developing countries to develop and benefit from artificial intelligence.

Excellencies,

The Group of 77 and China reaffirms that AI governance must be anchored in multilateralism, with the United Nations playing a central role. Developing countries must have a strong and effective voice in shaping global AI norms, standards, and regulatory frameworks. Any approach that sidelines multilateral processes or excludes the majority of the world's population is neither sustainable nor acceptable. The meaningful participation of developing countries in all aspects of AI governance, including standard-setting and decision-making processes, must be ensured.

The Group further emphasizes that Member States must remain at the core of decision-making in this process, with full respect for national sovereignty, national development priorities and policy space. AI governance frameworks should remain responsive to different national contexts and capacities, and should support, rather than constrain, development pathways.

In conclusion, we stress that AI must serve as a tool for inclusive and sustainable development. This requires urgent, concrete, and collective action to ensure equitable access, strengthen capacities, mobilize financing, facilitate technology transfer, and address the structural imbalances that define the current AI landscape.

The choices we make today will determine whether AI becomes a force for shared prosperity or a driver of deeper inequality. For the Group of 77 and China, the path forward is clear: inclusivity, equity, multilateralism and development must remain at the center of global AI discussions.

The Group reaffirms its commitment to engage constructively in this Global Dialogue, with the aim of achieving tangible, just and development-oriented outcomes, ensuring that AI becomes a force for the common good of all peoples, leaves no one behind, and contributes meaningfully to sustainable development.

I thank you.

2. The Group would like to thank Ms. Maria Costa, Deputy Controller and Director of the Finance Division of OPPFB, Ms. AnneMarie van den Berg, Assistant Secretary-General of the Department of Operational Support, Ms. Fatoumata Ndiaye, Under-Secretary-General of the Office of Internal Oversight Services, Mr. Christian Saunders, Under-Secretary-General and Special Coordinator on Improving the United Nations Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Ms. Eileen Cronin, Inspector of the Joint Inspection Unit, Ms. Federica Pietracci, Senior Programme Management Officer of the CEB Secretariat, and Ms. Juliana Gaspar Ruas, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for the presentation of their respective reports.

Madam Chair,

3. The Group takes note of the proposed reduction of 12.4 per cent in the overall peacekeeping budget for the 2026/27 period, excluding new mandates, reflecting continued adjustments in the size and configuration of missions, including transitions, drawdowns, and the implementation of efficiency measures. The Group stresses that any reductions must be data-driven, evidence-based, and subject to thorough assessment, so as not to undermine safe and effective mandate delivery, particularly in complex and high-risk environments.

4. The Group expresses serious concern regarding the persistent and worsening liquidity challenges affecting peacekeeping operations. We note that unpaid assessed contributions have reached significant levels, resulting in reduced cash balances, increased reliance on cross-borrowing and delayed reimbursements to troop- and police-contributing countries, including important deferrals for contingent-owned equipment. These developments are not sustainable and risk undermining both mandate delivery and the credibility of the Organization.

5. In this regard, the Group reiterates that the timely and full payment of assessed contributions by all Member States remains the only sustainable solution to the Organization's liquidity challenges. We emphasize that financial constraints should not be addressed through measures that compromise the effective functioning of missions or shift the burden onto those Member States that contribute personnel and capabilities to peacekeeping operations, as it is now the case.

6. The Group acknowledges the Secretariat's efforts to promote a culture of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. While we support genuine efficiency gains, we stress the importance of clearly distinguishing between structural efficiencies and short-term expenditure compression measures, such as hiring freezes and delayed deployments, which may have adverse implications for mandate implementation, safety and security of personnel, and timely reimbursement to T/PCCs.

7. The Group further notes that the current financial environment has led to the prioritization and scaling down of activities in several missions, with potential implications for the full implementation of mandates. In this regard, we stress the importance of comprehensive and transparent reporting on the impact of such contingency measures, including on mandate delivery, operational effectiveness and the safety and security of personnel.

8. The Group reiterates its long-standing concern regarding the lack of equitable geographical representation within the United Nations, particularly at senior levels and in entities supporting peacekeeping operations. In this regard, the Group underscores the importance of ensuring the fair and balanced representation of developing countries, including troop- and police-contributing countries, across all levels of staffing, both in the field and at Headquarters, including in departments funded through the support account.

9. With respect to the report of the Office of Internal Oversight Services, the Group notes the significant volume of oversight activities and recommendations issued in relation to peace operations. We underscore the importance of effective follow-up to these recommendations, particularly in areas such as procurement, supply chain management, mission transitions and internal controls, to strengthen accountability and improve operational performance.

10. Turning to the reports on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse, the Group acknowledges the progress made in strengthening policy frameworks and coordination mechanisms across the system. At the same time, we note with concern that efforts remain uneven, with persistent gaps in prevention, accountability and victim support. We stress that a system-wide, properly resourced and fully institutionalized approach is essential to effectively address this issue.

11. In this regard, the Group emphasizes the importance of the development of a renewed system-wide strategy, including a costed implementation framework, clear indicators and strengthened accountability mechanisms. We look forward to further information on how these elements will be integrated into existing structures and supported through predictable and sustainable financing.

12. The Group also acknowledges the report of the Joint Inspection Unit and the emphasis placed on enhancing system-wide coherence, strengthening coordination mechanisms, and ensuring a victim-centred approach that upholds the principles of presumption of innocence, impartiality, and fairness. We underline that the effective implementation of these recommendations will depend on sustained resourcing, a clear delineation of responsibilities, and strong commitment across all entities.

13. With respect to the report on the triennial review of contingent-owned equipment, the Group expresses its appreciation for the work of the 2026 Working Group, which brought together a broad range of technical expertise and achieved a significant number of consensus-based outcomes. We note the progress made in advancing reforms aimed at enhancing accountability, operational readiness and transparency. The Group will examine carefully the proposed changes, including the introduction of usage-based reimbursement models, to ensure that they are implemented in a fair, transparent and practical manner, taking into account the perspectives of T/PCCs.

Madame Chair,

14. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China reiterates its commitment to engaging constructively on this agenda item, with a view to ensuring that peacekeeping operations are adequately resourced, effectively supported and able to deliver on their mandates, while upholding the principles of accountability, transparency and sound financial management.

I thank you.