Mr. Moderator,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group 77 and China to share our views and experience on this important and cross-cutting issue of climate change and South-South and Triangular cooperation which stands at the heart of the Group.

2. At the outset, allow me to express appreciation to the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) and the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) for the invitation to speak on behalf of the Group at this special event on the eve of the signing ceremony of the Paris Agreement of the UNFCCC COP21. The Group also takes note with great interest of the launch of the Southern Climate Partnership Incubator (SCPI). Today's event clearly demonstrates the high level of importance the United Nations attaches to the inter-linkage between South-South and Triangular cooperation and climate change challenges. As South-South and Triangular cooperation are dear to the heart of the Group, we wish to see the momentum created by this initiative to promote South-South and Triangular cooperation be carried forward in other important areas apart from climate change.

Mr. Moderator,

3. The 2030 Agenda calls for a revitalized global partnership for sustainable development. The Group of 77 and China are of the view that this new initiative will be crucial for mobilizing multi-stakeholder partnerships on the cross-cutting environmental dimension, in particular the issue of climate change through the traditional North-South cooperation and complementary South-South and Triangular cooperation towards that end to ensure sustainability of the economic and social dimensions.

4. The launch of the Southern Climate Partnership Incubator (SCPI) could support developing countries in their efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda and, once it comes into force, the Paris Agreement. The Group reiterates the open and inclusive nature of this initiative while attaching importance to relevant flexibility for national space in accordance with national priority and policy. In addition to the four key areas of interest specified namely renewable energy, climate resilience, smart cities and big data, the Group is of the view that further consultation with larger membership would be beneficial in identifying other key areas of interest under this initiative.

5. Furthermore, we stress the need for more clarity on the mechanism, both financial and logistical aspects, to support and sustain the implementation of partnerships under this new initiative as well as the role and mandates of EOSG and UNOSSC including the UN development system in this regard. This would provide great benefits for the membership of the Group in pursuing and taking active part in this initiative.

6. The Group of 77 and China 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. Such cooperation should also 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.

Mr. Moderator,

7. The Group would also like to reaffirm that as we try to promote and strengthen South-South and Triangular cooperation in the field of climate change, focus should be on supporting developing countries in their efforts towards adaptation. Financing for adaptation is critical and securing the continued role of the Adaptation Fund beyond 2020 is welcomed.

8. On mitigation, developing countries are still in a great need for capacity building to take effective climate change action. Apart from undertaking economy-wide absolute emission reduction targets for nationally determined contributions (NDCs) by developed countries, it is also equally important to enhance support for developing countries to allow higher ambition in the NDCs. The Group is of a firm belief that capacity-building should be based on and responsive to national needs and to fostering country ownership. The process of capacity-building must be participatory, country-driven and cross-cutting.

9. In closing the Group is of the view that in addressing climate change to yield sustainable future for all, genuine, open and inclusive partnership is crucial to make that difference. Towards this end, we wish you great success in this endeavour and stand ready to engage in and contribute actively and constructively to the implementation of this initiative.

I thank you.