STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY H.E. MR. CHAYAPAN BAMRUNGPHONG, AMBASSADOR AND DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE ON PARTNERSHIPS FOR SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES (SIDS) (New York, 25 February 2016)

Mr. Co-Chairs,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. At the outset please allow me to express my appreciation on behalf of the Group to the Co-Chairs for convening this very important meeting.

2. The Group of 77 and China is pleased to participate in this inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee on Partnerships for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). SIDS are an integral part of the Group, and for us we look forward to the success of this initiative as it can chart the way to ensure more durable and sustainable partnerships for the vulnerable among us.

3. The Group stands in full solidarity with our brothers and sisters of SIDS. Partnerships are crucial as we embark on implementing and delivering progress and results for the new development framework. Following-up on these partnerships is crucial for the follow-up and review of the S.A.M.O.A. Pathway which was adopted in September 2014 during the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States.

Co-Chairs,

4. The destruction and havoc caused by Cyclone Winston in Fiji last Saturday is a stark reminder to all of us of SIDS' vulnerability and unique challenge in the face of climate events. I take this opportunity to express on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and also on behalf of the Government and People of the Kingdom of Thailand, our sincerest sympathies with the Government and people of Fiji during this very difficult time. The Group remains ready to assist in anyway possible in this time of need.

5. We are only too familiar with these devastating annual occurrences and the enormous impact to development that these events have on developing countries.
6. The formulation of this Steering Committee will, in our opinion, ultimately provide SIDS a way of monitoring partnerships and gaining more insights into what works and why they work or not work, and also the what and where as it relates to gaps. It is very crucial that the work of this Steering Committee in this regard is ensured as this is vital to the implementation of the mandates of the S.A.M.O.A. Pathway and the broader 2030 Agenda.

Co-Chairs,

7. The Group of 77 and China intends to play a constructive role in this Steering Committee and we urge others to do likewise, for the success of SIDS development will bring us a step closer to the mandate of the 2030 Agenda of leaving no one behind.

I thank you.