STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY MS. THANAVON PAMARANON, FIRST SECRETARY, PERMANENT MISSION OF THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE CLOSING OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON HOUSING AND SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HABITAT III) (New York, 21 October 2016)

Madam President,

1. I have the honour to express, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, our deep gratitude and sincere appreciation to the Government and the people of Ecuador for hosting and organizing the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III).

2. The excellent facilities, amicable team of staffs and exceptional services provided to all delegations during the course of this Conference contribute to the success of Habitat III.

3. The Group appreciate the warm welcome and hospitality extended to all delegations by the people of Ecuador and the beautiful city of Quito, the First World Cultural Heritage and the second highest capital in the world. We will bring back with us memories of the historical, architectural, and cultural richness of Quito and the active engagement of participants and the enthusiasm of Ecuadorians who gathered at Habitat III to "decide the future of cities together".

4. The Group of 77 and China would therefore like to request this meeting to adopt the draft resolution A/CONF.226/L.2 entitled "Expression of thanks to the people and Government of Ecuador".

Thank you Madam President.