GROUP OF 77
GENEVA

G-77 and China Closing Statement

91st Session of the Working Party on the Programme Plan and Programme Performance (5-9 October 2026)

(Geneva, 9 October 2026)

Madam President,

On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I thank you, the Bureau, the Secretariat and all delegations and my fellow Group Coordinators for the constructive engagement throughout this session.

The Group appreciates the discussions on technical cooperation, evaluation and UNCTAD’s future programme of work.

As we conclude, we would reiterate a few priorities. UNCTAD’s technical cooperation should remain demand-driven, aligned with developing-country priorities, and give particular attention to African countries, LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS.

Its effectiveness also depends on adequate, predictable, flexible and, where possible, multi-year and less-earmarked resources. We recognize the important contribution of developing countries through South-South cooperation and self-financed activities, while recalling that South-South cooperation complements, and does not substitute for, broader international development support.

The Group also supports greater transparency on technical cooperation demand, including pending requests and the constraints affecting their implementation.

On evaluation, we support strong evaluation and results-based management, while stressing that recommendations should be implemented in line with agreed mandates, available resources and the views of member States. Resource constraints should not lead to the narrowing or reprioritization of mandates.

We also underline the importance of preserving UNCTAD’s distinctive development mandate and expertise within the wider UN system.

Finally, the Group reiterates the importance of UNCTAD’s continued assistance to the Palestinian people, including through adequate support for and strengthening of the Assistance to the Palestinian People Unit, in accordance with its existing mandate. We request that the report of this session appropriately reflect the Group’s intervention and the importance attached to this matter.

We thank all delegations and look forward to carrying this work forward in the Trade and Development Board.

I thank you.