The Group welcomes the convening of the Partnership Forum at this critical juncture, where the world is simultaneously confronted with multiples crisis and global challenges, and still not yet on the right track to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Goals, stressing the need for concrete and immediate action to create the necessary enabling environment at all levels for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

We are deeply concerned about the significant impacts of the current challenging global environment on national efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda, including not only economic factors -in the areas of trade, investment, tax, finance and technology-, but also disasters, natural and man-made hazards, climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, sea level rise, melting glaciers, environmental degradation, humanitarian crises and conflicts.

Implementing the 2030 Agenda at all levels requires political will, as well as the provision and mobilization of adequate means of implementation, and a revitalized global partnership, which puts sustainable development front and center in accordance with SDG 17, and in correspondence with national plans and priorities, taking into account all national circumstances, realities and capacities and different levels of development, including support to the countries affected by conflict or emerging from crisis. We call for a new phase of international cooperation through a strengthened and scaled-up global partnership for development, upholding multilateralism with the UN at the center.

The entire UN system as well as the Bretton Woods Institutions and bilateral donors should align their cooperation programmes with the national development strategies, with a view to making the optimum contribution to its realization.

To foster sustainable development in its three dimensions and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda it is urgent, and a priority for developing countries, the promotion of technology transfer and capacity building. Governance system based on evidence-based data, science, technology and innovation is essential to identify problems and find effective solutions aimed at inclusive and sustainable economic development, including poverty eradication and inequality reduction. It is key to strengthen strategic partnerships between countries of the North and the South so as to contribute to the sharing of knowledge, innovation and transfer of technology on preferential and concessional terms.

The Group reaffirms that South-South Cooperation is a strong, genuine, broad-based partnership grounded in the principle of solidarity and mutual respect, but it is a complement to, rather than a substitute for North-South Cooperation.

Mr. President,

We reiterate we cannot postpone anymore the reform of international financial architecture. We need to strengthen the voice and participation of developing countries in international economic decision-making.

We also need a fair trade system that promotes economic growth and quality job creation; invest in sustainable resilient infrastructure; fight climate change and its negative effects and moderate food prices.

To conclude, the Group acknowledges that the upcoming review of ECOSOC and the HLPF and the ongoing process of UN80, including the review of the sustainable development pillar, if inclusive and responsive, represent opportunities to further deepening international partnerships, cooperation and coordination in order to advance sustainable development, addressing the priorities and concerns of developing countries, reducing inequality among and within countries, leaving no country and no person behind.

The G77 and China reiterate its continued unwavering commitment to further translating ambitions set out in the 2030 Agenda into real action, and we encourage ECOSOC, as the main coordinating organ of the UN, to assess the underlying obstacles and support progress in its implementation as well as give a coherent, transparent, and consultative approach to all partnership initiatives, while ensuring equitable representation from the South.

I thank you.

2. The Group congratulates ECOSOC on eight decades of service to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. This milestone stands as a testament to the enduring importance of multilateral cooperation in advancing international economic and social development. In this regard, we reaffirm that the principles of the UN Charter-sovereign equality, solidarity, and shared responsibility-remain as relevant today as ever.

3. Established by the Charter of the United Nations in 1945 as one of the Organization's principal organs, ECOSOC was conceived as a forum to advance international cooperation in the economic, social, and related fields. For eight decades, the Council has provided a universal platform for dialogue, coordination, and partnership among Member States and stakeholders, reflecting the shared commitment of the international community to promote social progress, improve standards of living, and foster inclusive and sustainable development in line with the purposes and principles of the Charter.

4. Since its establishment, ECOSOC has served as a central pillar of international economic and social cooperation. As we mark this anniversary, the Group reiterates that sustainable development must remain at the heart of the United Nations system, with the eradication of poverty as its overarching priority.

5. The Group reaffirms its unwavering commitment to multilateralism and the rule of law, firmly anchored in the UN Charter. As we commemorate "ECOSOC at 80", we emphasize that our collective efforts must strengthen the unity, inclusivity, and effectiveness of the multilateral system in responding to global challenges.

6. Today's world is confronted with multiple and interlinked crises, including climate change, persistent poverty and inequality, mounting debt burdens, significant gaps in financing for development, rapid technological transformations, widening disparities in global governance and the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures. The Group stresses that these challenges cannot be addressed unilaterally or by a select few, but require collective action and shared responsibility.
 
7. In pursuit of a more equitable, just, and sustainable world, the Group underscores that development must be placed at the core of all reform processes. ECOSOC, the High-Level Political Forum, and other intergovernmental platforms must be adequately empowered to deliver on the 2030 Agenda in a fully inclusive, transparent, and Member State-driven manner, recognizing that developing countries continue to face structural impediments to its full implementation.

8. The Group reiterates its support for the UN80 Initiative and its objectives of enhancing efficiency, coherence, and responsiveness across the UN system. At the same time, we stress that reform efforts must not undermine development mandates, institutional expertise, or equitable geographical representation across all pillars of the United Nations.

9. The Group underscores the importance of the full, timely, and unconditional payment of assessed contributions by all Member States, as well as the need for predictable, adequate, and sustainable financing for development programmes, to enable ECOSOC and the UN system as a whole to effectively fulfil their mandates.

10. The Group calls for the further strengthening of South-South and Triangular Cooperation, capacity-building, technology transfer, and inclusive partnerships that leave no one behind. In this regard, we emphasize the central role of international cooperation in science, technology, and innovation as key enablers of sustainable development.

11. In this context, the Group of 77 and China reiterates that the United Nations was founded on the ideals of peace, cooperation for development and human dignity, and must continue to uphold multilateralism, equality among nations, and shared progress for all peoples.

12. ECOSOC at 80 is not merely a commemoration of the past, but a call to renewed and strengthened action. Let us honour the vision of the founders of the United Nations by recommitting to solidarity, equality, and cooperation, and by working collectively towards a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for all.

13. Lastly and in this same vein, the Group of 77 and China commits to engage constructively in the review process on the strengthening of the Economic and Social Council and on the high-level political forum on sustainable development and the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the global level, with a view to enhancing this Council's effectiveness and leadership in shaping global economic and social cooperation.

I thank you.

At the outset, the Group wishes to convey its appreciation to the Co-Chairs, Ambassador Brian Wallace, Permanent Representative of Jamaica, and Ambassador Carolyn Schwalger, Permanent Representative of New Zealand, for their work on the zero draft resolution of the Mandate Implementation Review process under the UN80 Initiative. The Group also notes the proposed roadmap, and appreciates the informative briefing held on 8 January, and the opportunity to present general comments today.

We would like to highlight, on a preliminary basis, the following general comments:

First, in our view this process must remain fully Member-State-led. From mandate creation to delivery and review, the intergovernmental nature of the United Nations must be preserved. Mandate texts are political instruments agreed upon by Member States, and this process should not result in the erosion of the substantive content or negotiated language that embody the collective will of Member States. Secretariat support should remain neutral and procedural, ensuring that negotiated language and the original intent of mandates are upheld.

Second, measures aimed at addressing growing administrative burden, including by consolidating meetings and reports, should be considered on a case-by-case basis, and should be undertaken only with the direction and consent of all Member States.

Third, the Group reiterates that the development pillar should maintain its priority under the UN80 Initiative with a focus on how to further enhance support to developing countries.
In addition, we would appreciate the Co-Chairs guidance on the following preliminary thoughts and questions:

1- We take note of the proposal to continue the work of the "Informal Ad Hoc Working Group on the Mandate Implementation Review" as the "Working Group on Mandate Implementation Review", "to monitor implementation of the principles and actions contained in this resolution from 1 April 2026 onwards". In this regard, we would appreciate further clarity on the proposed WG mandate, terms of reference, co-chairs, timeline and how it will reconcile with and avoid overlap with existing oversight bodies and processes.

2- Given the current roadmap, further information would be welcomed on how sufficient space will be ensured for genuine and transparent intergovernmental negotiations to build consensus. Any details regarding the format of the negotiations, including whether there will be an opportunity to engage in line-by-line negotiations, would be especially welcomed, as this would ensure transparency and inclusivity.

We acknowledge the additional information on the proposed "hybrid workshops with permanent representatives" provided in your Note dated 14 January, and we would appreciate further clarity on how it will be ensured that all Member States have the right to speak across the four workshop areas, and that developing countries are adequately represented. We also seek clarification on the expected outcomes of the workshops and on how consensus on the text will be achieved in the absence of direct negotiations among all Member States.

3- Considering that the United Nations mandate landscape is broad and diverse, spanning across the different areas of its three pillars, we would appreciate receiving detailed information on how the WG plans to move forward.

4.-Considering that the requests to the Secretary-General included in this resolution are significant, we would appreciate further clarity on their financial implications, as well as on the proposed timelines. We would also welcome additional information on how the creation of new duplications and PBIs will be avoided, while noting the need to prevent any additional burden on small delegations.

We also wish to underscore that all provisions pertaining to budgetary matters must be fully aligned with the authority, procedures, and established practice of the Fifth Committee, in accordance with its mandate.

5- Without prejudging the position of our group and its Member States, we also take this opportunity to note that further clarification is needed on several terms used in the resolution, including but not limited to: "standardized approach" in OP1E; "intergovernmental coordination and oversight mechanisms" in OP3; "absolutely necessary" on OP8; "greater flexibility" for the SG in OP11; "implementation assessments" in OP12; and "every available opportunity" in OP17 and OP18.

In conclusion, we reaffirm that the review must avoid the path of the 2006 exercise, nor should duplicate ongoing revitalization discussions in the General Assembly and the main committees. Instead, our efforts should be forward looking, objective, and balanced across all three pillars of the United Nations in line with the purposes of the UN Charter, ensuring that decisions remain firmly with Member States and that ongoing priorities, especially those of developing countries, are safeguarded, recalling that there is no "one size fits all" approach. We must uphold the general rule that UNGA resolutions remain valid until they are fully implemented.

Excellencies, dear Co-Chairs,

The Group of 77 and China acknowledges your hard work and stands ready to engage constructively in all negotiations related to the development pillar, with a view to ensuring that mandates remain fit for purpose, that resources are used effectively, and that the priorities of developing countries are fully reflected and advanced.

I thank you.