Madam Chair,

The Group of 77 and China would like thank you for convening this briefing on UNDP's proposed strategy for South-South and Triangular Cooperation to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to the UNDP team for drafting this strategy which aims at enhancing South-South and Triangular Cooperation to complement efforts in pursuing the commitments as laid down in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda) and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA).

Madam Chair,

On this note, please allow me to state the Group of 77 and China's four general points of observation in this regard.

First, the Group would like to reaffirm its position that South-South Cooperation is a manifestation of solidarity among peoples and countries of the South that contributes to their national well-being, national and collective self-reliance and the attainment of the internationally agreed development goals.

In this regard, as stated in the Nairobi Outcome Document, South-South Cooperation and its agenda and initiatives must be determined by the countries of the South and should be guided by the principles of respect for national sovereignty, national ownership and independence, equality, non-conditionality, non-interference in domestic affairs and mutual benefit. At the same time, we reiterate that South-South and Triangular Cooperation are not a substitute for, but rather a complement to, North-South Cooperation.

It is therefore crucial that any proposed strategy to support South-South and Triangular Cooperation fully respect and be mindful of the established definitions of South-South and Triangular Cooperation right from the start of its deliberation and formulation process.

Second, given the nature of South-South Cooperation as being initiated, organized and managed by developing countries, in order to ensure successful integration of this draft strategy into the work plan of UNDP, it is critical to ensure universal and inclusive consultation with all Member States, in particular developing countries who are the drivers of South-South and Triangular Cooperation, in the development of this proposed strategy, and that adequate time be devoted to this consultation process.

The Group is of the view that with this briefing, we have just arrived at the beginning of the consultation phase of this draft strategy; contrary to the timeline for "Phase 1" under the chapter "The Way Forward" as outlined in this draft. The Group of 77 and China looks forward to engaging constructively in a transparent and inclusive consultation process with all relevant entities.

Third, the Group is of the view that establishing a strategy on South-South and Triangular Cooperation for the UN Development System is long overdue. Notwithstanding this, the Group recognizes that the proposed draft strategy we are discussing today is solely for the UNDP. It is thus unclear how this proposed strategy will enhance the coherence and coordination of the broader work of the UN Development System in support for South-South and Triangular Cooperation.

Fourth, while the Group takes note that the proposed strategy attempts to engage and collaborate with the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), it is yet unclear as to how the proposed strategy relates to the respective mandates of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation and that of the UNDP. It is critical in the development process of such strategy to clearly distinguish these mandates to enhance the overall functioning of the UN Development system in this regard.

In this regard, the Group would like to seek clarification in particular on the role of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, if any, in formulating this proposed strategy. We would also like to reiterate the call, pursuant to the General Assembly resolution 69/239, for further strengthening of the Office for South-South Cooperation and a comprehensive up-scaling of financial and human resources for the UN Office for South-South Cooperation and seek clarification on whether and how the proposed strategy will move in this direction.

These must immediately be undertaken not only in light of the new development framework with the adoption of the 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda but also in light of this proposed new strategy on South-South and Triangular Cooperation.

Madam Chair,

The Group of 77 and China stands ready to constructively engage with UNDP on this endeavour and actively participate in the consultation for and formulation of this very important strategy.

I thank you.