Distinguished Co-Chairs,

1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. At the outset, I would like to thank the Co-Chairs for providing a revised aid to discussions and negotiations on the Rules of Procedure for the Conference of the Parties, contained in document A/AC.296/2026/1. The Group continues to consider its position on the topic, and presents these points at this stage.

2. We reiterate the fact that the Agreement as well as relevant resolutions including resolution A/RES/78/272 establishing the present Commission, have paid particular attention to the developing countries and should continue to inspire and guide the discussion of the Preparatory Commission. As a general approach, the Commission should take into account the needs and priorities of developing countries and fully recognize the special circumstances of SIDS and LDCs. Such approach conforms with the provisions of the BBNJ Agreement and its spirit.

Dear Co-Chairs,

3. The Group reaffirms that our main deliverable is for a set of rules that provide clarity on procedure and enable a smooth running of the Conference of the Parties.

4. In Rule 3 bis, the G-77 and China marks a preference for prioritizing in-person meetings. We welcome such approach has been reflected in the revised text. The Group is still considering the question of possibility of virtual meetings including in light of the existing disparities among States in terms of access to technological resources and technical capacities.

5. On Rule 4, the G-77 and China notes a convergence for the COP to start on an annual basis to deal with the workload and then to transition to a biennial format. We generally agree, and now we should accommodate a practical way of how to prescribe such a transition.

6. On Chapter 3, Rule 6, we recognize that the discussion on how to best facilitate the participation of observers, and the modalities thereto, should be ongoing. The Group marks the importance of ensuring transparency in participation. As well as maintaining appropriate accreditation and verification procedures to preserve the institutional integrity of the process.

7. With regards to Chapter 6, Officers, the Group highlights the importance of ensuring appropriate representation of developing countries in the election of officers. It is important that provisions such as rule 2(b) should be based on clear, transparent, and equitable criteria, avoiding requirements that could be ambiguous or difficult to implement in practice. The G-77 and China notes our willingness to continue discussions with the aim to ensure that the rules governing the election of officers remain flexible, transparent, and capable of ensuring a balanced and broadly acceptable process.

8. On Chapter 7, Subsidiary bodies, the G-77 and China highlight the importance of clearly defining rules concerning voting rights, particularly in relation to the presidency and subsidiary bodies with the objective of preventing potential disputes in the decision-making process. The Group believes that ensuring transparency and clarity in the rules will prevent potential conflicts in decision-making processes. The Group is still considering whether these rules on subsidiary bodies should remain in the COP rules of procedure or should instead be in separate rules of procedure for subsidiary bodies.

9. With regards to Chapter 10, Decision- making, it is essential to ensure clarity in voting procedures.

Dear Co-Chairs,

10. As a general point regarding the works of the Preparatory Commission, given the fact that the G77 and China is still considering various topics and aspects of the draft documents and notes and the works of the Commission, the Group reserves its positions and rights to provide further comments, observations and proposals on matters related thereto including those that have not been addressed in the said documents and notes.

11. However, our member States will go into further detail in this context, and we look forward to the discussions.

I thank you!