Distinguished Co-Facilitators,
Dear colleagues,
 
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

Firstly, the Group wishes to congratulate Guyana and Spain on their appointment as co-facilitators of this important process.

The Group would like to express in this first consultation its appreciation for the work done on the Beyond GDP Process to develop a framework on measures of progress on sustainable development to complement and go beyond gross domestic product [Action 53 PoF]. These measurements should reflect progress on the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development [Paragraph 81 POF].

Regarding the intergovernmental process, the Group takes note of the presentation of the final report by the Independent High-Level Expert Group and looks forward to reviewing its recommendations for country-owned and universally applicable indicators of sustainable development that complement and go beyond gross domestic product.

For the G77 and China, the shift toward "Beyond GDP" metrics is a necessity to accurately reflect the complex development realities facing developing countries. Reliance on income-based indicators alone can sometimes obscure deep-seated poverty and development needs. At the same time, the Group underscores that this process must remain a United Nations-led intergovernmental process. Following the work of the Expert Group, the transition to a Member State-driven political process is vital to achieving a shared understanding of progress.

We recognize that this may require increased investment in national statistical systems, in data collection, and in capacity building for national statistical agencies.
 
In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China looks forward to reviewing the final report of the Expert Group at this stage. The Group reaffirms its commitment to exploring metrics for measuring progress in sustainable development that complement or go beyond GDP to help us all advance the three dimensions of sustainable development.

I thank you.