Distinguished Co-facilitators, Delegates,

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

The Group wishes to congratulate you distinguished co-facilitators on your selection to lead this extremely important process and we look forward to working closely and constructively with you.

At the outset, the Group underscores that this review must be conducted in a transparent, inclusive and member state-driven manner through intergovernmental, line-by-line negotiations. Any outcome should strengthen and enhance implementation of the existing mandates in a manner that reflects their agreed parameters and ensure that the current intergovernmental structures can most effectively fulfil their roles in accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and achieve our common development aspirations.

Previous reviews, in particular the substantive review conducted in 2021 as reflected in UNGA Resolution 75/290, provide clear guidance for our work. In this regard, the Group reiterates that the reviews of ECOSOC and the HLPF are distinct and should continue to be conducted through separate review processes, reflecting their different mandates, functions and roles within the UN system, with due attention to their interconnectedness and coherence. The intergovernmental nature of both ECOSOC and HLPF must also be preserved.

The Group emphasizes the importance of clarity and coherence in the respective roles of the General Assembly, ECOSOC and the HLPF, including through strengthened coordination, which could help reduce duplication and ease reporting burdens.

With respect to the High-Level Political Forum, the Group reaffirms that the HLPF is a follow-up and review mechanism for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Group further emphasizes that all aspects of the HLPF review process are voluntary and country-led, fully respecting national ownership, national circumstances and policy space.

In this context, Voluntary National Reviews must remain voluntary and not evolve into tools for benchmarking, standard-setting or conditionality. At the same time, the Group notes the need to ensure that the VNR process allows adequate time for preparation and presentation, and that it supports meaningful exchange of experiences, with a view to advancing implementation on the ground. The time presently allotted to present VNRs is inadequate and should be increased. Strengthened partnerships in terms of follow-up are also required. Furthermore, the Group believes that the VNRs could be further strengthened by gradually placing greater emphasis on analytical reflection, including policy choices, trade-offs and lessons learned, while serving as a platform for sharing practical, solution-oriented approaches to accelerate implementation in the lead-up to 2030.

We recognize that the Voluntary National Reviews presented by countries reflect their efforts to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into national plans and policies and we reiterate the need to continue supporting countries in the Voluntary National Reviews, including through the Group of Friends of the Voluntary National Reviews, initiative led by Morocco and the Philippines.

Regarding ECOSOC, the Group underlines its central role in advancing sustainable development priorities of developing countries. The Group is of the view that this process should not attempt to rewrite the ECOSOC mandate but rather should enhance ECOSOC's effectiveness, coherence and capacity to deliver on its Charter mandate, including its role in following up on major UN outcome documents, such as those recently agreed on financing for development and social development recently agreed in 2025 in Seville on financing development and in Doha on social development. ECOSOC should be strengthened, not sidelined, in the context of ongoing UN80 reform discussions and mandates should be safeguarded.

The Group also notes that any consideration of ECOSOC's segments, including the High-Level Segment, should be approached in a balanced and constructive manner, with a focus on improving engagement, effectiveness and impact, rather than the elimination of existing structures. In that context, the Group underscores the importance of ensuring coherent procedural arrangements for the adoption of the HLPF Political Declaration, and of preserving the political consensus reached at the Ministerial level when it is subsequently considered by ECOSOC, to enhance the credibility and consensus-based nature of the process.

Co-facilitators,

The Group of 77 and China remains committed to engaging constructively in this review. We believe that this exercise should be substantive, focused and results-oriented, and responsive to the challenges and priorities of developing countries, particularly in light of the limited time remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda.

In this regard, the Group intends to submit concrete and substantive written inputs to the elements paper within an agreed timeframe. We look forward to working closely with you, co-facilitators and all Member States to ensure an outcome that reinforces ECOSOC and the HLPF, in line with their mandates and taking into account the interests of developing countries.

I thank you.