Mr. Chair,

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

The Group commends you and the Bureau for your leadership and assures you of our full support and commitment to the work of the Committee. We also express our sincere appreciation to the former Bureau for their dedication and leadership during the previous term.

We thank USG Ms. Melissa Fleming and the team at the Department of Global Communications (DGC) for the detailed reports on Campaigns and Country Operations, News Services, and Outreach and Knowledge Services.

As the penholder for both resolutions to be examined by this Committee, the Group looks forward to a constructive session characterized by open and constructive dialogue, with the ultimate goal of reaching a consensus resolution that strengthens the UN's communication mandate.

Mr. Chair,

The partnership between the DGC and this Committee is the cornerstone of strategic communications at the United Nations. In an era marked by rapid technological shifts and a fragmented media landscape, the UN must remain a "voice of reason" to promote the purposes and image of the Organization. The Group recognizes the DGC's essential role in conveying messages on peace and security, development, and human rights to a global audience.

We remain deeply concerned by the "information divide" that persists between developed and developing nations, which is exacerbated, among other things, by the continued application of unilateral measures not in accordance with international law. To bridge this gap, we emphasize the critical work of the United Nations Information Centres (UNICs) in our respective regions. These centers are vital for translating global mandates into local contexts, ensuring that the work of the UN reaches the grassroots level in a way that is culturally and linguistically relevant.

For the Group of 77 and China, multilingualism is not merely a technicality; it is a fundamental principle of equity. We reiterate that information must be disseminated in all six official languages to ensure maximum outreach and inclusivity. We encourage the DGC to continue exploring innovative financing and voluntary contributions to bolster these efforts and expand the UN's digital footprint in non-official languages whenever possible.

Mr. Chair,

The Group notes with alarm the profound challenges caused by the proliferation of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech. These phenomena undermine the integrity of information and can exacerbate conflicts, xenophobia, and religious intolerance. We urge the DGC to take all necessary measures to ensure the public has access to factual, impartial, and reliable content.

Regarding specific mandates, the Group underscores the importance of the DGC's communication efforts on the Question of Palestine. Raising international awareness of the situation in the Middle East, especially the most recent escalations, in accordance with international law and UN resolutions, remains a priority for the Group to support the path toward a just and lasting peace.

Furthermore, we reiterate our unwavering commitment to the protection of journalists and media professionals. We strongly condemn all attacks on media professionals and civilian communications infrastructure, particularly in armed conflicts, as these actions constitute a direct assault on the right to information and freedom of expression.

Mr. Chair,

In conclusion, achieving Sustainable Development amid evolving global challenges requires a collective effort, underpinned by the dissemination of accurate and accessible information. The Group of 77 and China remains ready to engage actively and constructively during this session. We are confident that under your able stewardship, we will reach a successful and consensus-based outcome that ensures the United Nations remains a trusted source of information for all.

I thank you.