Dear Co-Chairs:

1. I would like to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. We thank you for the document, A/AC.296/2026/7 about the Arrangements with the Global Enviroment Facility.

2. As our Group is still considering the various aspects of arrangements with the Global Environment Facility, for the moment, we would like to touch upon a few general points along with some observations in relation to those arrangements.

3. The Group of 77 and China wishes to stress that the provision of support to developing States through capacity-building and the development and transfer of marine technology are essential elements for the attainment of the objectives of the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. In light of this and given the fact that these essential elements have been addressed in various provisions of the Agreement, including Article 52, appropriate consideration should be given, among others, to the arrangement with GEF to support developing States Parties in implementing the Agreement, while taking into account the special circumstances of small island developing States, least developed countries and the special interests and needs of landlocked developing countries.

4. We would like to stress the need for funding, in support of the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, to enable developing States to fulfil their obligations and secure their rights in the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of the ocean in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction. We further stress that the financial resources under the BBNJ Agreement shall be adequate, accessible, new, and additional and predictable.

5. The guidance process of the COP to the GEF should determine programming directions and priorities for the funds to be allocated in support for the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement in support of developing parties on the basis of their self-identified needs and priorities and non-discrimination.

6. The reporting of the GEF should allow for the COP to have a full picture of the current portfolio of projects under the BBNJ funding window, as well as information on access modalities, programming streams and priorities and their respective gaps.

7. Finally, we would like to mention that our Group is considering various aspects of the draft memorandum of understanding between the COP and the Council of GEF and thus reserves its position on this matter.

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

I thank you!