Madam President,

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 membership of the General Assembly, but also approximately two-thirds of the world's population.

As the Assembly has adopted the proposals of the Second Committee at its eightieth session, the Group wishes to commend you, Madam President, as well as the Chairs and Bureaux of the Main Committees, in particular the Second Committee, for the tireless efforts undertaken throughout this journey.

Our Group has consistently defended and upheld the core principles that guide the consideration of development issues within this body: the advancement of the development pillar; 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 form the foundation of a global development architecture that must deliver for all, especially for developing countries, which continue to face structural vulnerabilities, constrained fiscal space, and the lingering socioeconomic impacts of multiple crises. In defending these principles, the Group has sought to ensure that the General Assembly remains focused on advancing the 2030 Agenda and addressing the systemic obstacles that hinder sustainable development.

Madam President,

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

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

In recent times, we have heard repeated affirmations that the primary mandate of this Organization is the maintenance of international peace and security. However, peace cannot be sustained where poverty persists, inequalities widen, and the basic needs of people remain unmet. Development is not an accessory to peace; it is its foundation. As underscored 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 therefore imbalanced and unsustainable.

The Group of 77 and China also regrets attempts to dismiss, dilute, or undermine the relevance of resolutions introduced by the Global South within the Second Committee and the General Assembly. Technical updates or the continued consideration of agenda items do not constitute unnecessary repetition; rather, they reflect the persistence of long-standing development challenges that have remained unaddressed for decades, despite repeated calls for action. These resolutions embody the legitimate priorities and aspirations of developing countries. In this regard, the Group will continue to advocate in the General Assembly for the resolution of these persistent challenges until the collective commitments of the 2030 Agenda are fully realized.

Madam President,

The United Nations is not the property of any single country. It belongs to all nations-large and small, developed and developing. We are encouraged that the vast majority of Member States have continued to demonstrate their commitment to this principle and to engage constructively in the work of the General Assembly. It is vital that we continue to reaffirm the indispensable role of partnerships that underpin the work of this Organization.

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 central role of the General Assembly as the chief deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the United Nations. We stand ready to continue engaging with all delegations in a spirit of good faith, mutual respect, and genuine cooperation, so that the General Assembly may continue to serve as a driving force for sustainable development.

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

Thank you.