Mr. Chair,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, a group that represents not only two-thirds of the General Assembly, but also two-thirds of the world's population, approximately 5.4 billion people.

At the conclusion of the main part of the work of the Second Committee in its 80th session, the Group wishes first to commend you, Chair, and the Bureau, for the tireless efforts undertaken throughout this intensive period.

Throughout this session, our Group has consistently defended and upheld the core principles that guide the work of the Second Committee: the need to advance the development pillar, the respect for national ownership and policy space, the need for an enabling international environment, the defense of multilateralism, and the imperative of strengthening international cooperation and solidarity, particularly in support of developing countries.

These principles are not abstract. They are the foundation of a global development architecture that must deliver for all, especially developing countries which are the ones facing structural vulnerabilities, limited fiscal space, and the lingering socioeconomic impacts of multiple crises. In defending these principles, the Group has sought to ensure that the Committee remains focused on advancing the 2030 Agenda and addressing the systemic obstacles that hinder sustainable development.

Mr. Chair,

It is with deep regret and serious concern that the Group notes that all resolutions of this Committee were subjected to votes during this session. This is unprecedented in the history of the Second Committee and represents a deeply regrettable and harmful practice. The Committee has long prided itself on consensus-building, constructive engagement, and respectful negotiation, values that have allowed us to address development issues in a spirit of unity and collective action.

What we have witnessed this year undermines the cooperative nature of this Committee, politicizes development issues, and threatens the delicate balance that has allowed Member States to work constructively despite the existing differences. This practice fractures the trust needed for multilateralism to function effectively. The Group strongly condemns this tendency, which risks weakening the Committee's ability to deliver outcomes and uphold the global commitments we have collectively endorsed.

In recent times, we have heard repeated affirmations that the mandate of this Organization is to maintain international peace and security. However, peace cannot be sustained where poverty persists, where inequalities widen, and where the basic needs of people remain unmet. Development is not an accessory to peace, it is its foundation. As underlined in the 2030 Agenda, "Sustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security; and peace and security will be at risk without sustainable development." Any approach that seeks to strengthen global peace and security while sidelining development is both biased and unsustainable.

The Group of 77 and China also regrets attempts to dismiss, dilute, or undermine the relevance of the resolutions that the Global South presents in the Second Committee. A technical update or the recurring consideration of an item does not mean unnecessary repetition; it reflects the persistence of long-standing development challenges that have remained unaddressed for decades, despite our repeated calls. These resolutions embody the legitimate priorities and aspirations of the developing world. In this regard, the Group of 77 and China will continue to advocate in this Committee's work to address persistent challenges until the collective commitments of the 2030 Agenda are fulfilled.

Mr. Chair,

The United Nations is not the property of any single country. It belongs to all nations, large and small, developed and developing alike. We are encouraged that the vast majority of Member States have continued to exhibit their commitment to this principle and have continued to engage constructively in negotiations. It is vital that we continue to reaffirm the indispensable need for partnerships that underpins the work of the UN and indeed this Committee.

Despite these challenges, the Group of 77 and China reaffirms its unwavering commitment to multilateralism, to the principles of the United Nations Charter, and to the development mandate of this Committee. We stand ready to continue engaging with all delegations in a spirit of good faith, mutual respect, and genuine cooperation, so that this Committee may continue to serve as the driving force for sustainable development within the General Assembly.

We look forward to advancing our work in the months ahead as we continue to strive for a more inclusive, equitable, and development-oriented international order.

Thank you.