2. After lengthy, arduous and intense negotiations, the Group of 77 and China would like to thank you, Madam Chair, your team and the bureau members, for your leadership throughout this session. Your leadership played a crucial role in ensuring the successful conclusion of the work of the Fifth Committee.

3. Our sincere appreciation also goes to the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee led by Mr. Lionel Berridge, for the high professionalism shown in facilitating the work of the Committee. We also thank the Controller and Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Chandru Ramanathan, and his team for being responsive and helpful throughout the session as well as the Chair and members of the Advisory Committee for well-reasoned recommendations to this Committee.

Madam Chair,

4. This session was conducted under exceptional circumstances, in the context of the UN80 Initiative, where the Committee considered the related documents within a limited time frame, compounded the challenges faced by the Committee in concluding its work in a timely and orderly manner.

5. In this regard, the Group reaffirms that adequate time should be given to each agenda item and that practical steps must be taken to ensure that reports from the Secretariat and the (ACABQ) are issued in all official languages in a timely fashion, in line with the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly. We stress that any necessary adjustments should remain rare, strictly limited to this session, and should not create precedent for future sessions.

Madam Chair,

6. The Group of 77 and China demonstrated a responsible and constructive engagement, particularly at a time when the Organization is engaged in reflection on its future direction, in the ongoing context of the Secretary-General's UN80 initiative. The Group attaches great importance to the work of this Organization, we worked constructively to ensure an adequate level of resources for the effectively implementation of all mandated activities, in particular funding the development pillar of the United Nations, in order to support the achievement of the Development Goals.

7. We are particularly pleased that the Secretary-General's request for UNRWA's funding was fully approved. A testament to the importance, relevance and indispensable nature of this unique agency that performs functions that cannot be replaced by any other UN entity. The adoption is further proof that UNRWA remains a legitimate agency supported by all member states, regardless of the false slander and unfound allegations against it and its staff members. We hope this will provide much-needed relief to the Agency during this extremely challenging period, and we reaffirm the Group's continued commitment to ensuring that UNRWA receives the resources required to fulfill its vital mandate. We also request the Secretary General to fully implement the recommendations of the (ACABQ) under section 26, including those related to the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound in occupied East Jerusalem, and report to the committee thereon.

8. The Group is also pleased that deliberations were successfully concluded on other important agenda items. These included Programme budget; the UN common system; OIOS/IAAC; Revised estimate of ECOSOC; Administrative expenses of the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund; the ECCC and RSCSL; Budget performance report; Capital master plan; Administration of justice; Condition of Services; Construction projects at ECA, ECLAC, ESCAP, UNON blocks A-J and UNON conference facilities; Strategic heritage plan; Board of Auditors; Pattern of conferences; Ethics Office, IRMCT, Workplace at UNHQ; and Support Account.

Madam Chair,

9. The Group of 77 and China is proud to have upheld its commitment to engaging all negotiating partners in an inclusive, transparent, and constructive manner. We thank all other groups and delegations for their cooperation and flexibility. This spirit of collaboration enabled the Committee to reach successful outcomes across its agenda items. The Group also commends all Coordinators for their invaluable efforts, which contributed significantly to achieving a successful outcome of this session.

10. On a personal note, as my delegation prepares to conclude its role as Chair of the Group of 77 and China, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all members of the Group for their solidarity, trust, and unwavering support in advancing and defending our shared priorities. I would extend my deep gratitude to the former Chair of the Group of 77 and China, our dear colleague Mr. Medard of Uganda, for his tireless efforts and continued cooperation in advancing the work of the Group.

11. My special appreciation goes to the incoming Chair of the Group of 77 and China, our dear colleague Mr. Laureano of Uruguay. I wish him every success in leading the Group in the coming year. I am certain that all Group members will extend to him the same support that I have received.

I thank you and Happy New Year to all!

The Group of 77 and China welcomes the constructive efforts that contributed to the adoption of this strategic document, while expressing its regret that the adopted text did not adequately reflect a number of core concerns of developing countries, both in terms of substance and with regard to the procedural approach through which the final phase of the negotiations was conducted.

1. The Group regrets the absence of an explicit mention of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), a well-established principle within the United Nations system that is especially relevant to global digital transformations. The omission of this principle has weakened the development aspect of the Declaration and overlooked the structural disparities in capacities and resources among countries, particularly when WSIS is expected to serve as a framework to support digital equity and bridge technological divides.

2. We also hoped for a more ambitious and action-oriented text on financial mechanisms to close all digital divides and ensure meaningful connectivity for developing countries. While we welcome the establishment of a financial taskforce, we urge its work to be purpose-driven and concrete, including recommendations and best practices on new, innovative, and inclusive financial mechanisms, as well as increased access to these for developing countries at risk of getting left further behind.

3. The Group considers that references to unilateral coercive measures (UCMs) were diluted, as they failed to reflect the real negative impacts of such measures on access to technology, knowledge transfer, and digital capacity-building in developing countries. Reliance on general formulations does not address the actual challenges these measures pose to inclusive digital development efforts.

4. The Group expressed concern over the absence of a clear approach to "misinformation and disinformation," despite the direct threats they pose to social cohesion, public trust, and democratic systems, as well as to the stability of the digital space in many developing countries. The Group is of the view that overlooking this challenge undermines a key element in building a safe and trustworthy information society.

5. We also regret that the language regarding the intergovernmental segment for dialogue among governments has been weakened. Additionally, the specific reporting requests from the group on closing digital divides and on the impacts of automation and AI on labour and employment were not reflected in the final text.

6. We call on all relevant action line facilitators and UNGIS to deliver greater impact and more relevant work in the implementation of the WSIS framework for developing countries, as addressing these issues is crucial to achieving the SDGs and the vision of WSIS of a people-centred and development-oriented information society.

7. The Group of 77 and China stressed that the lack of transparency in the final stages of the negotiation process caused doubts within the Group regarding the procedural approach. The Group believes that transparency and equal sharing of information among all members are essential prerequisites for ensuring collective and balanced ownership of the adopted outcomes.

In light of the above, the Group of 77 and China stresses that its participation in the adoption session does not necessarily mean satisfaction with all elements of the Declaration, but rather reflects its commitment to multilateralism and its determination to maintain the unity of the United Nations process, while clearly recording its substantive and procedural reservations. It hopes these reservations will be duly considered during the follow-up and implementation phases.

1. Since the adoption of the Geneva Declaration and Plan of Action, the Tunis Agenda, and the WSIS+10 outcomes, the World Summit on the Information Society has provided a unique multilateral framework for advancing a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society. The WSIS+20 review offers a critical opportunity to take stock of progress, address persistent gaps, and renew commitments in light of profound technological change.

2. Over the past two decades, digital technologies have evolved at an unprecedented pace. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing and advanced connectivity, are reshaping economies, transforming modes of production, and creating new opportunities for innovation, growth and social inclusion. For developing countries, these technologies hold significant potential to accelerate structural transformation, expand access to services, enhance productivity, and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

3. At the same time, the Group underscores that the WSIS process remains of vital importance for developing countries. Despite notable progress, many developing countries continue to face structural digital divides in access, affordability, skills, infrastructure and meaningful connectivity. These divides risk reinforcing existing inequalities and limiting the ability of developing countries to fully benefit from digital transformation.

4. In this regard, the Group notes with concern that many of the commitments contained in the Geneva and Tunis outcomes-particularly those related to means of implementation-have not yet been fully realized. Financing remains a central challenge. Adequate, predictable and affordable financing is indispensable to expand digital infrastructure, promote universal and meaningful connectivity, and close the digital divides within and between countries.

5. The Group also wishes to draw attention to the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures, which hinder the ability of affected countries to access technologies, digital infrastructure and related services. Such measures undermine international cooperation, impede sustainable development, and restrict the legitimate right of countries to harness technology for the benefit of their peoples.

6. Furthermore, the Group reaffirms the importance of digital sovereignty, including the right of States to exercise authority over their national data in accordance with their legal frameworks and development priorities. Data governance must support development objectives, ensure equitable benefit-sharing, and respect national ownership.

7. We recognize that no single country or stakeholder, or a small group thereof, should be allowed to monopolize or control the Internet core infrastructure.

8. At the same time, we recognize that rapid technological progress also brings new and evolving risks. These include ethical concerns, social disruption, labour market impacts, data misuse, and widening inequalities. Addressing these risks requires inclusive international cooperation, policy coherence, and a balanced approach that enables innovation while safeguarding development and human well-being.