Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,

1. The Group of 77 and China has the honour to convene this Special Event on the International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South. This day, proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution 78/259, is both a commemoration and a call to action. It highlights the centrality of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in tackling the multidimensional crises facing humanity and in advancing the development priorities of the Global South. The Group recalls in particular the Havana Summit of 2023, where our Heads of State and Government underscored the indispensable role of STI for economic diversification, competitiveness, resilience, and sustainable development. The Havana Final Declaration not only reiterated the Group's historical and principled positions, but also mandated concrete actions, including the convening of a High-Level Meeting on STI for Development during the 80th Session of the General Assembly.

2. The global community is navigating a moment of profound challenges. Climate change, geopolitical tensions, food and energy insecurity, fragile health and education systems, debt distress, and systemic inequalities continue to impede the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. According to the Secretary-General's report on Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (A/80/81-E/2025/62), nearly half of the targets are not advancing at the necessary pace, and many are regressing, placing more than two-thirds of the Goals at risk

3. In this context, STI stands out as a vital enabler of progress. It is a driver of productivity growth, competitiveness, and effective integration of developing countries into the global economy. Moreover, STI strengthens resilience in the face of global challenges and accelerates the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Harnessing STI through solidarity, international cooperation, and the exchange of knowledge and technologies is therefore essential to building a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

4. The Group reaffirms that information and communication technologies (ICTs) remain critical enablers of development. They are indispensable tools for improving public services, driving economic transformation, and accelerating progress across all Sustainable Development Goals. Harnessing ICTs for inclusive development is no longer optional; it is essential for resilience and prosperity.

5. However, despite notable global progress, developing countries continue to face deep and multifaceted digital divides. Persistent infrastructure gaps, high connectivity costs, limited access to devices, and significant disparities in digital literacy and skills hinder our capacity to fully participate in the digital era.

6. The Group underscores the urgent need to support developing countries in building their digital capacities. This includes scaled-up investments in infrastructure, education and training systems, and national institutions that can design and implement inclusive digital policies tailored to local development needs.

7. We firmly reject the application of unilateral coercive measures. Such actions undermine international law and the Charter of the United Nations, hinder scientific cooperation and medical collaboration, restrict access to technology, and obstruct the efforts of developing countries to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.

8. At the same time, we recognize the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, biotechnology, and cloud computing offer immense potential to advance sustainable development. Yet they also pose new risks of widening inequality, reinforcing structural dependencies, and eroding policy space for developing countries.

9. The Group therefore emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the benefits of technological progress are shared equitably. We call for the transfer of technology to developing countries on preferential and concessional terms, alongside strengthened international cooperation in research, innovation, and capacity-building. Universal inclusion must be a cornerstone of the global digital future. In this regard, we stress the urgent need to develop fair governance frameworks for artificial intelligence and data, foster open models of AI systems, and safeguard digital public goods.

10. The Group further reiterates the need to uphold the principles of digital sovereignty, equity, and the right to development in the digital era. The ongoing WSIS+20 review must reflect the diverse realities of developing countries and ensure that digital transformation serves inclusive, people-centred development.

11. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China calls for a transparent, inclusive, and action-oriented process as we commemorate this International Day and prepare for the forthcoming High-Level Meeting on STI for Development during the 80th session of the General Assembly. We stand ready to work constructively with all delegations and stakeholders to ensure an outcome that reflects the priorities of the Global South and paves the way for a just, equitable, and sustainable information society.