Mr. Vice President,

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

2. The Group of 77 and China would like to thank the Presidency of the Economic and Social Council for convening today's meeting to consider the working arrangements of the 2016 sessions of the Council.

Mr. Vice President,

3. The Group of 77 and China wishes to express our support for the Draft decision submitted by the President, contained in documents E/2016/L.9, E/2016/L.10, E/2016/L.11 and E/2016/L.12 on the dates and theme of 2016 ECOSOC forum on Financing for Development follow-up (FfD forum), theme of 2016 thematic discussion, and theme of 2016 High-Level Political forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).

4. HLPF and FfD forum are deemed as the Group's priorities for 2016 since they will lay significant groundwork for the implementation and follow-up of the global development agenda and financing for development. Therefore, the Group has exercised utmost flexibility in the discussions on working arrangements of these important meetings with the aim of reaching mutually agreed conclusions. In this regard, the Group of 77 and China wishes to express our sincere appreciation for the efforts and contributions of the Presidency of ECOSOC and all Partners.

Mr. Vice President,

5. The Group would like to take this opportunity to convey our additional views on the above draft decisions as follows:

First, the Group deems that the full period of 5 days for the FfD forum stipulated in paragraph 132 of Addis Ababa Action Agenda is most appropriate, taking into account the need for comprehensive and substantive discussions to fulfill the implementation and follow-up process of the Action Agenda especially in the first year after its adoption last July. However, with the schedule of High Level Debate on SDGs to be convened by the PGA on April 21st and the High Level Signature Ceremony of the Paris Agreement on April 22nd, 2016, we decide to accept the decision to have 3 days for the 2016 FfD forum for practicality. The decision therefore does not constitute a precedent and is without prejudice to decisions regarding timing and duration of the future forums.

6. Second, in order to ensure a successful 2016 FfD forum which is soon approaching, we wish to request the ECOSOC Presidency to expedite its related preparation process and provide member states with the proposed modalities and programme of the forum at the earliest opportunity.

7. Third. The Group of 77 and China wishes to highlight that in accordance with the provisions in paragraphs 132 of Addis Ababa Action Agenda and UNGA Resolution A/RES/70/192, there is no mandate for a theme for the FfD forum. We are therefore of the view that the 2016 FfD forum should deliberate on the need for a theme for the 2017 FfD forum and decide on a theme accordingly if deemed necessary. This practice should also be applied to the subsequent FfD forums.

Mr. Vice President,

8. The Group of 77 and China wishes to once again extend our gratitude for the efforts of the Presidency of ECOSOC in facilitating the discussions on the working arrangements and also wish to express our support to the Presidency in future preparations for the upcoming meetings.

9. Last but not least, The Group of 77 and China stands ready to engage constructively with our Partners in reaching agreeable solutions for the remaining working arrangements for 2016 session including the Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters.

I thank you.