2. I feel a great sense of history to see you, a son of one of the proudest, but most challenged countries of the Caribbean, indeed of the world, presiding over this meeting. I congratulate you, sir, for the manner in which you have presided over the Council, and for your leadership and guidance.

Mr. President,

3. We meet at a most challenging time. The international community is confronted by multiple inter-related and mutually reinforcing crises, including a global food crisis, a financial crisis, an energy crisis driven significantly by a severely unbalanced international economic system, made even more unbalanced by speculation; a climate crisis and environmental crisis as well as a crisis of confidence in international institutions which were created to provide policy advice and coordination on global issues.

4. These crises come on top of fundamental structural challenges, including persistent wide-spread poverty, growing inequities among and between states, an unsustainable pattern of production and consumption and environmental mismanagement leading to possibly irreversible climate change and an entrenched inequality in the distribution of power in decision making.

Mr. President,

5. We also meet at a time when the world is increasingly looking to the United Nations, including the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), for leadership in tackling these global economic and social challenges.  In that context it is fortuitous that the two new institutional mechanisms - the Annual Ministerial Review (AMR) and the Development Cooperation Forum (DCF) - established by the World Summit in 2005 to strengthen the capacity of ECOSOC have come on stream at this stage. This week we participate in the first meeting of DCF and the second meeting of the AMR. It will be vital for the public perception of, and continued confidence in the United Nations and the ECOSOC that these two mechanisms establish an image of openness and demonstrate a capacity to make bold new recommendations based on factual evidence and to systematically monitor their implementation.

Mr. President,

6. In recognition of the confluence of circumstances, we have correctly focused this session of the Council on "implementing the internationally agreed goals and commitments in regards to sustainable development" and "promoting and integrated approach to rural development in developing countries for poverty eradication and sustainable development, taking into account current challenges".

Mr. President,

7. Implementation is the operative word. The ECOSOC must therefore methodically review where we are regarding implementation of various agreements and commitments, assess the constraints to implementation, and give direction to encourage and facilitate the coordinated effort required. All this in the context of the increased urgency induced by the current global economic crises, in particular the global food crisis.

8. Against this barometer of implementation the review in this second AMR of "Implementing the internationally agreed goals and commitments in regard to sustainable development" gives cause for concern. Two points will demonstrate this. First, the findings in the recent report of the International Panel on Climate Change is clear evidence of the failure of the developed countries to implement measures to mitigate adverse climate change as called for in the UN Framework Convention on  Climate Change. Second, we are behind schedule to achieve most of the MDG targets and the rate of progress in many areas could slow in the face of the current multiple crises which are impacting the poorer countries and the poorer segments within countries even more severely.

Mr. President,

9. The DCF will also find and should also highlight that national development strategies and the mobilization of domestic resources will not be sufficient for developing countries to achieve sustainable development, particularly integrated rural development, including the development of agriculture and food production. A coherent conducive and facilitative international economic policy environment is an important compliment. The international policy environment has not been either conducive or facilitative. External resources - private and official - have not focused on development. Put differently it has not been evaluated in terms of development effectiveness or impact.

Mr. President,

10. In the view of the Group of 77 and China, this Session of ECOSOC must demonstrate the preparedness of ECOSOC to be proactive, to become seized of emerging threats and to exercise its coordinating responsibility. Towards that end, we recognize, Mr. President, your efforts this year to have the Council address several emerging issues and to involve a wide cross section of stakeholders. To advance and institutionalize that process, this session of ECOSOC must, at a minimum:

I. Recognize explicitly the impact which the continuing lack of coherence in global macroeconomic and trade policies and the politics and actions of international financial institutions and some developed countries have on the achievement of global and national goals and use its authority to encourage and promote coordination and coherence. As stated earlier, a more facilitative and enabling environment is vital to the success of national policies and programs for sustainable development, for rural development and for poverty eradication in developing countries;

II. Begin to put itself in a position to pronounce on the performance of developing and developed countries and international institutions in relation to their commitments and address critical shortcomings in this regard.

III. Express its deep concern at the fall in ODA in 2006 and 2007 and the systematic decline in ODA for the rural development and the agricultural sectors over several years. It must call on developed countries to meet their longstanding commitments, including at the Doha Conference, which will review the Monterrey Consensus on Financing for Development, to address the issues fundamentally;

IV. Call attention to the continuing deleterious impact of inappropriate and incoherent global trade policies and global macro-economic policies, programs and advice on development prospects, in particular, rural development, agricultural development and poverty eradication in developing countries, as well as their role in the current food crisis. It must call for the immediate elimination of trade distorting subsidies and other market distorting measures by developed countries which have severely impacted on the agriculture sector in developing countries and constrain their ability to contribute meaningfully to sustained economic growth, food security and rural development. It should also call on member states; to address in a balanced manner all the issues related to the achievement of the MDGs, in particular the eradication of hunger and poverty, in accordance with the three pillars of sustainable development.

V. The Council should also call for arrangements that can provide reliable and systematic information as the basis on which the AMR can effectively evaluate the performance of developed and developing countries, as well as international institutions in relation to the global partnership for development and more specifically to their commitments to the achievement of the IADG's including the MDG's and more generally to sustainable development.

VI. It should also recognize that the sustainable development challenge varies for different categories of developing countries, including Least Developed Countries, Small-island Developing States, Land-locked Developing Countries, middle-income developing states, states emerging from conflicts and people under occupation. All states must be accommodated in any effort at a comprehensive solution to the sustainable development challenge.

VII. Additionally, the Council should express its deep concern about the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures and urge for it immediate elimination.

VIII. Urge developed countries to work for a successful conclusion with a development oriented outcome of the Doha Round of trade negotiations.

Mr. President,

These are extraordinary times; they require extraordinary responses from the international community. The G77 and China is hopeful that the UN and ECOSOC can rise to that challenge.

I thank you.

The Group of 77 and China attaches particular importance to this process of consultation as it represents a forum where States can review in an open and transparent manner, the developments in ocean affairs.  

Co Chairs,

G77 and China recalls with great difficulty, the divergence of views and the lack of an agreed outcome of last year's ICP and believes that it is of utmost importance to ensure a successful and consensual outcome of this current ICP meeting. We hope that the meeting will give particular focus to the issues the Group of 77 and China highlighted during the consultations with the Co-Chairs in March this year; including, in particular, the inclusion of sustainable development and capacity building in all aspects of marine security and safety.

In this regard, the Group of 77 and China would recall that the ICP was established upon recommendation of the Commission on Sustainable Development in 1999 in connection with Chapter 17 of Agenda 21. Hence, any discussion and or recommendation on "Maritime Safety and Security" should be focused only on those aspects relevant to sustainable development as identified in Chapter 17 of Agenda 21.

It is important to highlight that sustainable development has three interrelated pillars, namely, environmental, social and economic. Thus the norms emanating from sustainable development law, policy and discourse must be prevalent in these consultations.  Sustainable development should be used at all times as a tool in strengthening the implementation of maritime safety and security measures, capacity-building and cooperation and coordination.  

Co Chairs,

The legal regime for the States Parties to the Convention on the Law of the Sea is applicable to areas within ones national jurisdiction, and this is clearly regulated by UNCLOS through the recognition of coastal States' sovereignty on maritime safety and security.  Paragraph 43 of the Secretary General's report; document A/63/63, affirms that "the international legal regime for maritime security consists of a number of international instruments, all operating within the framework of the Charter and UNCLOS."  Additionally, paragraph 163 of the Secretary General's report states that "a comprehensive body of global rules and regulations have been developed to provide for maritime safety within the overall legal framework provided in UNCLOS. The Convention sets out the rights and duties of States in respect of maritime safety, in particular the duties of flag States."  However, with regards to threats to safety and security that are beyond the scope of UNCLOS and falls outside the mandate of the Informal Consultative Process, the G-77 and China reiterates its position that the participation of its member States in this meeting does not, in any way, constitute a recognition of the conformity of such activities and/or initiatives with international law.

Co Chairs,

Indeed, issues concerning oceans and seas are closely interrelated. More than ever, coordination and cooperation among States remain a prerequisite for the application of existing norms in a coherent manner.  

G77 and China again stresses the importance of the review of maritime safety and security, however Co-Chairs, we should remain focused on the issue at hand so that it is not taken out of context. Additionally, the principles of sovereign equality of States and freedom of navigation should be paramount in all discussions.  

Concerning the procedural matters, Mr. Co-Chairs, and with the aim of ensuring broadest participation and representation in these important discussion, G-77 and China hopes for discussions, both formal and informal, to be undertaken in an open and transparent manner within a reasonable timeframe.

On the issue of the possible agreed recommendations emanating from this Informal Consultative process, G-77 and China would welcome the establishment of a deadline for the submission of new proposals by delegations and by the Co-Chairs.  This will ensure timely and adequate consideration of all recommendations.

The G-77 and China reminds that the mandate of the ICP is to facilitate the annual review to be conducted by the General Assembly of developments in ocean affairs, including by suggesting particular issues to be considered by it. It should not endeavour to preempt in any way a comprehensive debate within the GA and it should focus on recommending issues rather than specific language proposals to the plenary of the General Assembly.

In Conclusion, Co-Chairs, the Group of 77 and China will closely follow the panel presentations and ensuing discussions during the coming days, and will constructively contribute to the recommendations for the general Assembly.        

2. Mr. President, with regard to agenda item 9, as you are aware, it has been quite some time now since the Group has been engaged in extensive consultations with the UNDP and members of the Board on the 2008-2011 Strategic Plan, including in informal sessions since the first regular session of the Board in January of this year. As you are also aware, the Group has taken a very strong and principled stand on the revision and updating of the UNDP Strategic Plan. Developing countries - the programme countries which are also the client countries within whose borders the UNDP operates - firmly believe that the strategic plan be in line with the priorities of developing countries, and in line with the core development mandate of UNDP.

3. For these reasons, the Group seeks to ensure that the UNDP carries out the mandate of decision DP/2007/32, which, among other things, stresses that the UNDP plan 2008-2011 is a living document, which will be reviewed by the Executive Board on a regular basis during the plan period, and emphasizes that the UNDP should take a human development-based approach to programming.

4. In our view, the previous version of the plan significantly overlooked the views and perspectives of developing countries on our development needs and priorities. Given the urgency of progress required to achieve the MDGs in many parts of the developing world, in particular Africa, LDCs and countries emerging from conflict, and underscoring the need for progress in achieving sustainable development, development effectiveness requires that the UNDP's strategic focus be in line with the real development needs and priorities of the programme countries.

5. Underpinning the position of the Group on the Strategic Plan is the high level of importance the Group accords to the core development mandate of the UNDP, in advancing efforts towards the achievement of the MDGs, particularly in supporting national efforts at poverty eradication, and for the organization to continue to effectively deliver on its mandate and produce the desired positive impacts on economic growth, sustainable development and poverty eradication. It continues to be a priority for the Group of 77 and China that the UNDP remains focused on its core development mandate, in particular support to capacity-building and capacity-development efforts of programme countries to achieve internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs.

6. Mr. President, the consultations on this and other issues have been intense and at times quite testing. From our perspective, however, it has been worthwhile. Indeed one of the things we hope will ensue from our experiences over the last year or so on this particular issue is a greater culture of listening and responding to the views and perspectives of developing countries, as well as a culture of engagement with developing countries to inform the strategic direction and planning of the organization and the decision-making processes of the Executive Board. This we believe is essential for improved development effectiveness, particular given the UNDP's move towards results-based management and operations.

7. Mr. President, the Group is therefore pleased to see that the Strategic Plan, as contained in document DP/2007/43/Rev. 1, and its annexes, contain some significant improvements, and we are pleased that the many consultations and brainstorming sessions have not been in vein. We sincerely hope that the UNDP will continue to be responsive to the views and interest of the programme countries. Indeed we reiterate our view that what we hope for is a true partnership between programme countries, donor countries and the UNDP, with the aim of achieving decisive, significant and measurable development on the ground.

8. Our discussions on the UNDP's strategic plan have involved disagreements on certain approaches to development that do not give the level of primacy and priority to poverty eradication, the MDGs and economic and social development that is required and desired by programme countries. In this regard we highlight the development perspectives to which developing countries themselves ascribe, i.e. perspectives focused on human development, sustainable development and poverty eradication, and urge that these be reflected in a meaningful way in implementation of the Plan during the current four-year period.

9. Mr. President the Group is also of the view that responding to the priority development needs of programme countries requires operationalizing the principle of "national ownership." Numerous intergovernmental agreements have highlighted and emphasized the importance of national ownership and leadership in the success of development assistance, including the 2007 TCPR. As such, during the current four-year plan period, implementation of the Strategic Plan should include robust operationalization of the principle of national ownership. This is one of the important implications of the 2007 TCPR on the Strategic Plan, and we would urge the UNDP to keep this in mind throughout implementation of the Plan.

10. Additionally, Mr. President, and with regards to the annual report of the Administrator (DP/2008/23), the report states that major initiatives were undertaken in 2007 to enhance the UNDP's focus on capacity development of programme countries. We encourage UNDP to continue in this direction by enhancing such initiatives to focus increasingly on capacity development as well as capacity building. The report also provides us with an analysis of programme portfolios, and we note that poverty eradication was not the number one programme priority in terms of the percentage of spending during 2007. Again, the Group of 77 and China urges UNDP to make poverty eradication the top priority in terms of programme spending, in line with requirements for achieving the MDGs. This issue also takes on a renewed sense of urgency given the current global food crisis and the need for food security.

11. The Report also provides us with information on support to UN system coordination. In this regard we would welcome the inclusion of a comparative analysis of spending on support for UN System coordination vis-à-vis spending on programme portfolios (including levels of core and non-core resources) in future annual reports, to help us ensure that coordination and coherence does not become a cost-cutting exercise, and that it does not detract or divert vital resources required for development programming.

12. In conclusion, Mr. President, the Group would like to say a special thank you to you, Sir, for your leadership and guidance, particularly on the issue of the Strategic Plan, and for your patience and understanding during the consultations and brainstorming sessions. We would also like to thank the Vice Chairs of the bureau, the facilitators you appointed, and the individuals within UNDP with whom we have had discussions on this issue, and in particular those UNDP representatives who have made themselves available to listen to and respond to the concerns of the G77 and China. Indeed we will continue to work with you and your bureau in a constructive manner throughout the rest of your presidency.

Thank you.