Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

I am honored to deliver this statement on behalf of the G77 and China.

We thank the Co-Chairs of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance for convening today's consultations, which provide an opportunity to share the Group's views and suggestions on the proposed themes and overall structure of the Global Dialogue.

Before moving to the specific comments on the themes and structure, the Group would like to underscore the importance of facilitating the participation of representatives of developing countries in the Dialogue, including by offering travel support, as established in the modalities resolution 79/325. This would help ensure broad representation and foster richer, more impactful discussions, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the Dialogue. In this regard, we would appreciate an update from the Co-Chairs and the Secretariat on any progress made toward the implementation of paragraph 11 of said resolution.

That said, the Group would like to share the following reflections:

Regarding the proposed thematic clusters:

We thank the Co-Chairs for the proposal. Overall, the Group supports the clusters proposed by the Co-Chairs, as they reflect all the topics identified in the modalities resolution 79/325 including many of the main priorities for the Group, such as capacity building and bridging the digital divides.

Notwithstanding this, there are several areas of particular importance to the Group that are not explicitly reflected in the thematic clusters, but which can be addressed during the various discussions scheduled throughout the two-day programme.

In that sense, regarding the proposed structure:

The Group recognizes that the structure also aligns with the modalities, as it includes a multistakeholder plenary meeting, a high-level governmental segment, provides time for the presentation of the annual report of the International Scientific Panel on AI, and includes thematic discussions.

That said, we have some questions and suggestions to make both on the structure and its substance:

o Regarding the substance:

As previously noted, the Group believes that certain important areas are either missing or not adequately reflected in the proposed structure and should therefore be included in the Dialogue's discussions.

Among these, the Dialogue should provide a clearer link with Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, with a stronger focus on development.

There should also be greater attention to financing, including financial mechanisms for capacity building, infrastructure, and the participation of developing countries. This includes references to the Global Fund on AI, which also appears to be absent on the document. These issues could be addressed within the thematic discussion on capacity building.

The Group further considers that the environmental impacts of AI should be addressed in the Dialogue. This area does not seem to fit within any of the current segments, so the Group requests its inclusion, taking into account the already proven impacts of AI data centers on energy and water, as well as on critical minerals used for AI development, which often originate in the Global South.

In the thematic discussion on "AI Opportunities and Implications: Societal, Cultural, and Economic Dimensions," the Dialogue should also consider the impact of AI on the labor market, as well as the effects of unilateral coercive measures on developing countries' capacities to develop and benefit from AI.

The Dialogue's structure should also provide space for practical discussions on AI solutions for development, including applications in agriculture, education, and health, as well as for discussions on the accountability of the private sector and technology platforms, on the importance of ensuring equitable participation of developing countries in AI governance and on the central role of the UN on the AI global governance.

o Regarding the structure and other procedural matters:

The Group appreciates the Co-Chairs' efforts to avoid simultaneous sessions. Given that many G77 delegations are relatively small, overlapping meetings could limit effective participation. The Group therefore encourages the Co-Chairs to maintain this approach.

The Group would also like the Co-Chairs to allocate more time to the High-Level governmental plenary segment and suggests that this segment not be divided into two parts, as it currently stands. It is essential to ensure sufficient time for all delegations to participate and be heard during the plenary.

In the same vein, the Group notes that the time currently allocated for the presentation of the Scientific Panel report may not allow adequate interaction with the experts. The Group would therefore like to ask the Co-Chairs whether other opportunities for engagement with the experts are envisioned.

Finally, the Group further considers that a recap session at the beginning of the second day may not be necessary. Instead, a summary could be presented at the conclusion of the Dialogue, thereby freeing additional time for substantive breakout discussions on Day 2.

On other procedural matters, the Group would like to seek clarification from the Co-Chairs on the following points:

o Considering the importance of multilingualism, the Group would like to know whether interpretation services will be provided during the Dialogue.
o The Group would also like clarification on how delegations will register to speak in the different sessions, and how it will be ensured that all delegations have the opportunity to speak.
o Will a list of civil society organizations participating in the Dialogue be published in advance?
o Will the thematic discussions be co-chaired by Member States?
o Are the Co-Chairs considering providing opportunities for engagement between governments, and between governments and the private sector, to facilitate further partnerships or pledges?

In closing, the Group reaffirms its readiness to contribute constructively to the Global Dialogue. We are committed to ensuring that AI governance evolves in a way that is inclusive, development-oriented, and aligned with the aspirations of the Global South.

I thank you.