Mr. President,

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

2. At the outset, I wish to express our appreciation for the valuable analysis, information and policy recommendations contained in the Secretary General's reports on the items being discussed today.

3. Despite progress in recent years, African countries continue to face new and emerging challenges that ultimately impede advancements made in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These challenges vary in categorization, ranging from poverty to high youth unemployment, and more frequent to more intense climate extremes.

4. The lack of adequate resources continues to embody the main constraint facing African countries in development prospects throughout the continent. Despite these challenges, African countries have strengthened their commitments and actions in the socio-economic developmental framework. Therefore, it is very important to highlight African countries' roles and initiatives in transforming the development agenda through the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

5. The Group believes that Africa requires more support in its development path, including through its developmental framework entitled "the African Union's Agenda 2063" as its strategic agenda for ensuring a positive socio-economic transformation in Africa within the upcoming decades.

6. The Group also reemphasizes the critical role of Official Development Assistance (ODA) and foreign direct investment (FDI) which remain major sources of financing for development in Africa. The Group, therefore, would like to reiterate that the fulfilment of all ODA commitments remains crucial, including the commitment by many developed countries to achieve the target of 0.7 per cent of ODA/GNI to developing countries and 0.15 to 0.20 per cent of ODA/GNI to least developed countries. We urge those who have not fulfilled their commitments to step up efforts towards the ODA targets.

7. Furthermore, the Group is encouraged by the importance attached by States in supporting the AU Agenda 2063 and we are certain that the support given will translate into firm commitments toward Africa's development.

8. The Group recalls that African countries have taken numerous and significant steps to address peace and security challenges at national and regional levels. Despite the progress in the areas of security, the international community and partners must continue to support activities and initiatives in order to strengthen African efforts in addressing the continent's peace and security. To prevent and resolve conflict at the earliest stage, the Group maintains the need for the UN system to support African regional and sub- regional organizations in supporting the efforts of African countries to achieve the goal of a conflict-free Africa in the coming years.

9. The Group also believes that progress made by African countries in the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda requires collective support in both areas of development and security, which face numerous challenges that have the potential to impede and reverse the continents advancements.

Mr. President,

10. In the last decade, the international community has witnessed remarkable progress on malaria control and prevention. Many African countries have successfully reduced malaria incidence, resulting in meaningful actions to save lives and strengthening collective efforts. In this regard, the Group welcomes the World Health Organization's Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030 as a framework for continued global efforts against the disease.

11. Despite the success in reducing malaria incidence rates, much work remains to be done as many African countries continue to experience challenges in rolling back malaria, consequently falling short of national and international targets.

12. The 2030 Agenda highlights the international community's commitment to eliminate malaria, which constitutes a major challenge for sustainable development. In this context, the Group reiterates the need for the UN system to assist in upgrading health systems and ensuring equitable access to health services, as the health and well-being of population lie at the heart of inclusive and sustainable development.

I thank you.