STATEMENT OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA TO THE THIRTY-SIXTH SESSION OF THE STATISTICAL COMMISSION ON AGENDA ITEM 7(C): ACTIVITIES NOT CLASSIFIED BY FIELD: INDICATORS FOR FOLLOW-UP TO THE UN CONFERENCES (New York, 3 March 2005)

Madam Chairperson,

The Group of 77 and China welcomes the opportunity to share its views on the report currently before the Commission for its consideration. We welcome, in particular, the attention drawn to the need for statistical capacity building in developing countries, especially the focus on the importance of the provision of financial support and technical assistance to developing countries.

For the Group, the development and use of indicators as far as the implementation of the international development goals is of primary importance. As the intergovernmental system-wide focal point to deal with this issue, we believe that the role of the Commission should be further strengthened within the UN system. Against this background and while mindful of the work which has been undertaken to date, we would wish to reiterate the need for greater emphasis to be placed on indicators for monitoring implementation of the MDG Goal 8. Such a focus would be in keeping with several UN resolutions, notably paragraph 32 of General Assembly resolution 57/270B, which "stressed the need to apply and further develop indicators on means of implementation to evaluate progress towards conference goals in creating an enabling environment for development." For us, it would be a missed opportunity, in light of the significant review to be undertaken by the General Assembly later this year on the follow-up to and implementation of the outcomes of UN conferences and summits, for the Commission not to agree on the development of benchmarks, to ensure further progress in this regard. We hope that concrete action will be taken to advance prospects for the implementation of these commitments by our developed partners, so that developing countries can be given the necessary assistance for the achievement of the goals contained in the Millennium Declaration.

I thank you Madam Chairperson.