Madam Chair,

It is my pleasure to make this contribution on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

Madam Chair,

The Group of 77 and China would like to express its appreciation to the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Germany for their warm hospitality and excellent arrangements for our meeting. I would like to assure you as well as our negotiating partners of the Group of 77 and China's determination to engage constructively so as to ensure a substantive outcome of this important meeting.

Climate Change poses serious risks and challenges, especially to developing countries and it is therefore imperative to have urgent global action and response. The Group is very concerned about the fact that the adverse effects of climate change and the associated phenomena threaten the sustainable development, livelihoods and the very existence of many developing countries.

Madam Chair,

Technology development and transfer of technology is key to the achievement of the ultimate objectives of the Convention. It constitutes one of the major means through which developing countries can meet their commitments under the Convention. We look forward at this session to reaching agreement on the terms of reference for the development of performance indicators forwarded to the SBSTA for its approval by the EGTT, to facilitate the work of the EGTT, the Group of 77 and China looks forward to the early approval of the 2008 - 2009 work programme presented by the EGTT. In this light the group wishes to express its gratitude to the Chair and members of the EGTT for the good work done thus far and hope that the EGTT works assiduously in order to achieve the objectives of its renewed mandate.

Madam Chair,

With regard to SBSTA agenda item 9; scientific, technical and socio-economic aspects of mitigation of climate change, a series of workshops have been held and proved to be very useful. We believe the goal of this item has been successfully achieved. Since mitigation is also a key element of AWG-KP, LCA and the fourth assessment report of the IPCC, to avoid duplication and proliferation of negotiations, this agenda item should be concluded within this session.

In conclusion, Madam Chair.

The success and effectiveness of the process going forward will depend to a significant degree on the extent to which we use openness, transparency and inclusiveness as our guiding principles. We should endeavour to afford equal opportunity for participation of all Parties.

I thank you Madam Chair.