Co-facilitators,

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

        At the outset, the Group of 77 and China commends your tireless efforts and able leadership in steering this process. The Group reiterates its firm belief that it is through 'follow-up and review' that the United Nations will be in a position to assess progress in the implementation of the ambitious global agenda, ensuring that its overall objectives of poverty eradication and achieving sustainable development are duly attained.

        With regards to the final draft resolution on the Follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the global level which was circulated on 7 June, we understand that it was a very delicate compromise.

        However, we are disappointed that one of the Group's most important historical principles regarding countries and peoples under foreign occupation is omitted. This draft resolution is the resolution on the Follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Paragraph 35 of the 2030 Agenda clearly states "the full realization of the right of self-determination of peoples living under colonial and foreign occupation, which continue to adversely affect their economic and social development as well as their development." This is indeed one of the crucial principles that unites our Group and cement our solidarity.

        In this regards, exactly one week ago, the Group proposed "the final package" which OP11 reads:

11. Reaffirms paragraph 11 of resolution 67/290, while also recognizing the challenges facing countries and peoples under foreign occupation and countries in conflict and post-conflict situations and support the principle of leaving no one behind, and ensuring that the meetings of the forum provide for effective linkages with the follow-up and review arrangements of all relevant United Nations conferences and processes including on least developed countries, small island developing states and landlocked developing countries;

        However, the final draft resolution which was put under silent procedure did not take the Group's proposal to include "countries and peoples under foreign occupation" into account:

11. Reaffirms paragraph 11 of resolution 67/290, while also recognizing the challenges facing countries in conflict and post-conflict situations and the principle of leaving no one behind, and ensuring that the meetings of the forum provide for effective linkages with the follow-up and review arrangements of all relevant United Nations conferences and processes including on least developed countries, small island developing states and landlocked developing countries;

        We were informed by the Co-facilitators that the proposed language of "countries and peoples under foreign occupation" was not accepted by some Member States. In our view, the language could have been bracketed and submitted to the President of the General Assembly so that the President could conduct consultations among concerned Member States and groups.

Co-facilitators,

        The Group would like to reiterate and reaffirm our strong position in inserting "countries and peoples under foreign occupation" in OP11 of this resolution.

        We are here to find a solution with you and continue the dialogues and consultations on this matter in OP11. We would like to hear your views and we trust that you will guide us forward.

I thank you.