Firstly, the Group indicated that there is a need for a development-center focus to the programme, especiallly in light of the immense challenges currently facing the international development agenda, the Group expressed its concern that the programme's emphasis on themes such as peacebuilding, humanitarian issues, and other aspects, which extend beyond the core development mandate of the Segment. We therefore, respectfully urge that the programme be adjusted, particularly by revisiting the inclusion of agenda items 9 and 10 in their entirety.

Mr. Vice President,

Secondly, the Group requested clarification on the intended focus of Agenda Item 2 entitled "Supporting the front-lines of operational activities for development: Messages from the field" as it remains insufficiently defined. The Group suggested that sustainable development be clearly the focus of this segment and that the experiences of developing countries - Africa, MICS, LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS - be featured.

Thirdly, the Group underlined the importance of a substantive dialogue with the Executive Heads of UN development system entities, and proposed a full three hours be allocated for the session under Agenda Item 5.

Fourthly, the Group recommened that Agenda Item 6 should address not only SDG financing at the country level but also the broader challenge of mobilizing adequate resources for the UN Development System. It should also provide an opportunity to discuss the implementation of the funding compact 2.0.

On the other hand, while the topic of Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment remains of critical importance, the broader accountability challenges within the RC system-as identified in paragraph 124 of the 2024 QCPR-require higher-level attention. The Group therefore recommends that the Secretary-General's report under Agenda Item 3 also address these systemic concerns.

Finally,the group also highlighted the need for a standalone segment on the Means of Implementation, particularly digital. We recall that last year's programme contained two such segments.

Mr Vice President,

The Group's letter also addressed the matter of the outcome for the segment, and in particular your recommendation for an ECOSOC decision to be adopted at the conclusion of the Segment, the Group reaffirmed its well-established position that it serves as the penholder for all OAS and QCPR-related outcomes.

Nevertheless, recognizing the procedural need for a formal outcome to take note of the reports presented, the Group is open to the adoption of a concise and procedural intergovernmental decision that only takes note of the Reports of the Secretary-General, the Report of the Deputy Secretary-General in her capacity as Chair of the UNSDG, and the report of the System-wide Evaluation Office. The Group will submit a draft text for this purpose and wishes to reiterate its view that the scope of the decision should remain limited to these elements, without the inclusion of additional substantive elements.

The Group trusts that this balanced approach will meet procedural requirements while upholding the integrity of the intergovernmental process.

Finally, Mr. Vice President, the Group looks forward to a revised Programme, which will ensure that in this challenging times for development that our focus in this OAS centers around frank dialogue and addressing possible durable solutions for the development challenges programme countries face.

Please be assured of our constructive and meaningful engagement to ensure this Segment is successful.

I thank you.

2. We meet at a time of multiple, overlapping crises that are threatening sustainable development across all dimensions. For the countries of the Global South, durable, home-grown solutions are essential, but they must be complemented by stronger international cooperation and support.

3. As we negotiate the outcome of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, we are sadly not witnessing the high level of action and commitment needed from developed countries to address the current state of development. If our countries are to move forward, we must be represented and heard in the reform of the international financial architecture. High indebtedness, the rollback of ODA, the ongoing and multiple adverse impacts of climate change, slow economic growth, poverty, hunger, the increasing financing gap to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and widening digital divide demand immediate actions.

4. The Global South must also look within for best practices and shared experiences. But external support remains vital. We need to press our developed partners to meet their ODA and other intergovernmentally agreed commitments and obligations, because the reality still remains that they also have tremendous action to undertake to help us overcome some of the gravest of challenges we face.

5. Year after year, we acknowledge that progress is going in the wrong direction, especially in eradicating poverty, halting hunger, and addressing climate change, debt, energy and food insecurity, and civil unrest. Presently there are approximately 700 million people living in extreme poverty, 260 million people facing acute food insecurity, 122.6 million people forcibly displaced, 2.6 billion people offline and a high number of countries experiencing extreme debt crisis these are startling numbers.

6. We call for substantive reform of the international financial institutions, including the IMF and World Bank, and for enhanced access to trade and development financing. A strong Financing for Development outcome document must provide tools for transformation in the South.

7. For the reform of the international financial architecture the following are critical:

- Further governance reform of the IFIs, particularly IMF and World Bank;
- Strengthening the global sovereign debt architecture for developing countries;
- Voluntary rechanneling of unutilized Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to developing countries
- Inclusive and effective platforms to design and discuss international tax rules and norms at the UN, and here welcome the process on tax cooperation; and
- Last but not least, an early and sizeable implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) Report to meet the significant financial needs of developing countries.

8. The decisive advancement towards a meaningful reform along the lines of what we have discussed is no longer an option, it is an imperative. Developing countries must continue leading up the fight towards a more just and equitable international economic order, including through a strong call for the lifting of all unilateral coercive measures that hamper the ability of the countries of the Global South to achieve sustainable development. That would also be essential to build a common future for all and a better world for current and future generations.

9. Finally, we must revive multilateralism, strengthen South-South cooperation, and advance our collective self-reliance, while recognizing that official development assistance remains an essential pillar of international solidarity and support for many of our countries, we must also strive to address the structural vulnerabilities and work towards more sustainable and resilient development pathways.

10. We look forward to continued engagement as we chart a new course for the Global South.

I thank you.

a) The Clearing-House Mechanism must serve as a platform to facilitate international cooperation including the matching of capacity development needs and opportunities and the transfer of marine technology. The functionality of the Mechanism is particularly important for developing countries that will rely on the mechanism to access information and technical resources. The Clearing House Mechanism under the Agreement will also play a critical role in promoting transparency in its implementation. The Mechanism should be accessible, user-friendly, interactive, multilingual and interoperable. We recall its role in facilitating coherent information exchange between and among BBNJ subsidiary bodies and Parties, as well as in relation to other relevant stakeholders, international frameworks and bodies in accordance with article 51 while providing an effective platform to match needs for capacity building and transfer of technology of Parties.

b) The Group also highlights the critical role the Mechanism will play in the implementation of all provisions related to marine genetic resources, digital sequence information and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits. In this regard, we are open to explore provisional arrangements for its early operationalization, through a pilot phase. We firmly believe that the discussions on design of the Mechanism should focus on MGR related matters, as well as on the creation of capacity-building for developing countries Parties to the Agreement.

c) Pursuant to article 51(5), in the management of the Clearing-House mechanism, the special requirements of developing States Parties are to be fully recognized. While we note the consideration of user-friendliness of the platform and accessibility via internet, as well as financial support mechanism and capacity-building workshops in the respective draft documents presented by the Secretariat, we opine that the needs of developing countries need to be addressed in a broader scope. Article 52 is also responsible for facilitating international cooperation and collaboration, including scientific and technical cooperation and collaboration. This should encompass appropriate ways and means to promote such cooperation with developing countries and to address the obstacles that these countries encounter in this area.

d) The mandate of the Mechanism in facilitating international cooperation and collaboration should be seen in tandem with the overarching requirement of in article 51 which stipulates the full recognition of the needs and requirements of developing countries including the special circumstances of small island developing States Parties. Given that in accordance with 51(4) of the Agreement, the Secretariat manages the Mechanism, further consideration may be made as to duties and mandates of the Secretariat specifically with regard to the role of Mechanism including in facilitating international cooperation and addressing related challenges of developing countries.

e) Facilitating the access of developing countries to information and data, promoting capacity-building support, transfer of technology and enhancing funding opportunities for developing countries as well as appropriate training and technical assistance and scientific scholarships for such countries are also among the areas that the Mechanism could address and facilitate. Lastly, it is of practical utility to also explore cohesion and coordination in structuring communication among the subsidiary bodies; and also establishing clear linkages with the Clearing-House Mechanism.

2. In conclusion, the Group will reflect its further observations and views on the topic related to the Clearing-House Mechanism at a later stage. We are looking forward to a fruitful discussion on this matter.

I thank you.