Mr. President of the General Assembly,

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

2. At the outset, the Group wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the Co-Facilitators for their tireless efforts and dedicated leadership throughout this complex and evolving negotiation process. We are particularly grateful to the Permanent Representatives of Costa Rica and Spain for their unwavering commitment and steady guidance.

3. We also extend our deep appreciation to the delegation of Kenya for their exemplary representation of the Group throughout the eight-month negotiation process. Their professionalism and steadfast dedication to the Group's priorities have been instrumental in advancing our collective position.

4. The Group of 77 and China recognizes the transformative potential of artificial intelligence when deployed responsibly, inclusively, and to serve the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. If governed properly, AI could unlock new opportunities for improving public services, expanding access to education and health, enhancing digital economies, and accelerating the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. However, such benefits are contingent upon the establishment of fair and inclusive international governance frameworks that ensure equitable access, promote shared prosperity, and prevent the widening of existing technological divides. In this regard, the Group also underscores the importance of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, taking into full consideration the social, economic, ethical, cultural, linguistic, and technical implications of artificial intelligence in the conduct of their work.

5. Throughout this process, we have consistently underscored the urgent need for comprehensive international frameworks that guarantee the full inclusion of developing countries in shaping the future of AI governance. These frameworks must uphold the principles of national sovereignty, equity, and transparency, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

6. The Group of 77 and China has demonstrated considerable flexibility throughout this negotiation track, offering bridging proposals and constructive engagement at every stage. However, this flexibility should not be misconstrued as a willingness to compromise on our core priorities, first and foremost, the need for robust and inclusive capacity-building provisions. We have also emphasized the importance of meaningful participation in nomination processes, a clear outcome for the dialogue, and continuity of the mechanisms under a strong intergovernmental framework.

7. In light of these considerations, the Group of 77 and China is pleased to join consensus on the draft resolution contained in document A/79/L.118. We encourage all delegations to support this carefully negotiated outcome, which we believe lays a balanced and forward-looking foundation for international cooperation on AI governance.

8. In closing, the Group reaffirms its readiness to remain actively engaged in the implementation of this resolution, and to contribute constructively to the work of both the Scientific Panel and the Global Dialogue. We are committed to ensuring that AI governance evolves in a way that is inclusive, development-oriented, and aligned with the aspirations of the Global South.

Thank you.