Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 134: proposed programme budget for the biennium 2016-2017, in particular the Revised Estimates for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Revised Estimates for Financing for Development.

At the outset, the Group would like to thank Ms. Bettina Tucci Bartsiotas, Assistant Secretary-General, Controller, for introducing the Secretary-General's report on this agenda item. We would also like to thank Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for introducing its related report.

Mr. Chairman,

As you will recall, the Group of 77 and China has expressed its concerns regarding the delay in preparing the revised estimates for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as for Financing for Development. In this context, the Group therefore notes the efforts of the Secretary-General in providing revised estimates during this main session, even if they are only partial at this juncture. The Group fully supports the mandate of DESA and its lead role in supporting the implementation of the outcomes of both the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Group, however, would like to express its concern that the revised estimates presented do not constitute a comprehensive proposal that fully addresses the needs of Member States, specifically with regards to the incorporation of regional consultations and views in the preparatory work for both processes, including the FfD follow up and review forum and the follow up and review of the Agenda 2030 at the High Level Political Forum, as provided for in General Assembly resolutions 69/313 and 70/1. The Group believes that a comprehensive proposal should be provided as expeditiously as possible for the consideration and approval of the General Assembly

The Group emphasizes that the implementation of both the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is dependent on actions and activities by the United Nations system to ensure an enabling domestic environment and regional efforts. Regional commissions must be actively involved in the preparatory work for the FfD follow up and review forum and the HLPF follow up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Mr. Chairman,

In conclusion, the Group would like to assure you of its readiness to engage constructively in the deliberations on this agenda item with the aim of reaching a positive outcome as quickly as possible, taking into account the time constraints that the Committee is now operating under.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.