Mr. Chairman

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

Mr Chairman

In the context of the recently adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development, the role of the United Nations in promoting development in relation to globalization and interdependence becomes even more paramount. Globalization is the reality of today's economic landscape which needs a well-coordinated and effective multilateral approach in a push to end poverty in all its forms and dimensions, as well as achieve sustainable development. Although globalization can be a powerful and dynamic force for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, its benefits remain elusive for developing countries as these benefits continue to be uneven and unpredictable.

Mr Chairman

On the agenda sub-item 22(b), the Group of 77 and China acknowledges the importance of enhanced North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science and environmentally sound technologies for development. Therefore operationalizing science and technology partnerships in the context of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development becomes even more necessary for us to overcome the complex, interrelated global challenges of the twenty-first century, including poverty, inequality and unemployment, which require multiple and complementary interventions. The UN should provide strategic leadership and direction for modern science and technology in pursuit of development goals.

The Secretary-General's comprehensive report, A/68/259 on the Role of the UN in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence, remains relevant as it states that expanded, deepened partnerships around science, technology and innovation are essential in ensuring that the benefits of advances in these sectors are broadly shared. Through innovation in science and technology, humanity will be able to better address obstacles to sustainable development and contribute to a better quality of life for present and future generations. In this regard, the Group of 77 and China highlights the establishment of the Technology Facilitation Mechanism as one of the most relevant decisions contained in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. The Mechanism constitutes a relevant effort for mobilizing science, technology and innovation for the implementation of the SDGs. The Group looks forward for the operationalization of all the components of the Technology Facilitation Mechanism in the following months.

The Group of 77 and China remains committed to promoting the principles which underpin South-South Cooperation, for developing countries to support one another, in sharing best practices on science, technology and innovation policies.

Mr Chairman,

On the agenda sub-item 22©, the Group of 77 and China acknowledges that culture is an essential component of human development. It represents a source of identity, innovation and creativity for the individual and the community and that it is an important factor in social inclusion and poverty eradication. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development stresses the need for international cooperation and relationship building through inter-cultural understanding, tolerance, mutual respect and an ethic of global citizenship and shared responsibility. As a crucial enabler with regard to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, cultural activities can provide decent work opportunities, help grow economies and promote sustained economic growth.

Mr Chairman

On the agenda sub-item 22(d), whilst acknowledging efforts made by many middle income countries in the eradication of poverty, they too will face challenges in their efforts to implement internationally agreed development goals.

In this regard, the G77 and China believes that the development cooperation strategies for middle-income countries should address their diverse and specific development needs. Development measures based on criteria such as per capita income do not usually reflect accurately the particularities and specific challenges of significantly diverse middle income countries.

Mr Chairman

In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China believes that the United Nations must remain an anchor for the global dialogue on globalization and interdependence and should continue to be responsive to the needs of developing countries on issues relating to globalization and interdependence.

I thank you.