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

Dist

At the outset, the Group wishes to express its appreciation to you, distinguished excellencies in your capacities as Co-Facilitators, for convening today's meeting and for presenting the zero draft of the modalities resolution for the Fourth United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

The Group also wishes to thank the Governments of the Republic of Korea and Chile for their leadership and commitment as co-hosts of the forthcoming Conference, which is scheduled to be held in the Republic of Korea in June 2028. We look forward to working closely with both co-hosts to ensure the success of the Conference.

We thank you for the preparation of the zero draft, which we consider to be a solid basis for our negotiations. We appreciate that the draft generally follows the format and structure of the modalities resolutions adopted for the previous United Nations Conferences to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14. This approach provides continuity, builds on agreed language, and offers a constructive foundation for our work.

Co-Facilitators,

The Group of 77 and China attaches great importance to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources as an integral component of sustainable development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Progress on SDG 14 is closely linked with the achievement of many other Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to poverty eradication, food security, sustainable livelihoods, economic growth, climate resilience and the special needs of developing countries.

The Group reiterates that the 2028 Conference should maintain a clear focus on supporting the implementation of SDG 14, consistent with its mandate. The Conference should serve as an action-oriented platform that promotes the implementation of existing commitments, facilitates international cooperation, strengthens partnerships, and mobilizes the means of implementation necessary to support developing countries in achieving SDG 14.

In this regard, the Group emphasizes that the Conference should fully respect the integrated, indivisible and balanced nature of the 2030 Agenda and reaffirm that implementation of SDG 14, like all the Sustainable Development Goals, requires adequate and predictable means of implementation, including financial resources, technology development and transfer, capacity-building, and enhanced international cooperation.

The Group further stresses that the Conference should take into account the different national circumstances, capacities and priorities of countries, while recognizing the particular challenges faced by developing countries.

As we move into negotiations, the Group will carefully review the draft and engage constructively with all delegations. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, the Group respectfully request an extension of the deadline for submission and looks forward to receiving your proposed timeline to enable adequate planning and preparation.

We will be guided by the principles of transparency, inclusiveness and consensus, with a view to reaching an ambitious and balanced modalities resolution that enjoys the broad support of the membership.

The Group also underscores the importance of ensuring an open, transparent and Member State-led preparatory process that enables the full, effective and meaningful participation of all Member States. The modalities should also facilitate the valuable contributions of the United Nations system and other relevant stakeholders, in accordance with established United Nations rules and practices, while preserving the intergovernmental nature of the process.

Finally, the Group reaffirms its commitment to working constructively with the Co-Facilitators and all delegations throughout this process to ensure a successful outcome and a Conference that advances the implementation of SDG 14 and contributes meaningfully to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

I thank you.