GROUP OF 77
GENEVA

INTERVENTION ON BEHALF OF THE G77 AND CHINA ON THE SPECIAL SESSION OF THE TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD
(Geneva, 23 June 2025)

Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan
Ambassador Bekkers, President of the Trade and Development Board,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,

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

2. At the outset, the Group would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam for its commitment and efforts in seeking to host the sixteenth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. We acknowledge the extensive preparatory work undertaken by Viet Nam and understand the circumstances that have ultimately prevented the Conference from being held there this year.

3. We acknowledge that while Viet Nam's efforts to resolve current legal and technical constraints would have required additional time, there was a strong interest in maintaining the established conference calendar, which ultimately necessitated a change in strategy. Nevertheless, we are confident that Viet Nam will continue to play a meaningful role in the process ahead, with the same commitment and engagement it has consistently demonstrated.

Mr. Chair,

4. One of the characteristics that makes this organization truly unique and irreplaceable is its nature as an institution focused on developing countries-our wellbeing lies at its core. For that reason, holding the Conference in a developing country, has been the longstanding tradition of this house. Doing so brings the realities, challenges, and priorities of the Global South to the forefront.

5. However, we are also mindful of the current constraints and the urgency of holding the Conference within this calendar year. In that regard, we welcome and sincerely appreciate the generous offer by the Government of Switzerland to host UNCTAD 16 at this critical moment.

6. Switzerland is a long-standing and highly valued partner of UNCTAD, with deep-rooted traditions of multilateralism, inclusive dialogue, and development cooperation. We are confident that Switzerland will take into account the special concerns and priorities of developing countries and help create an enabling environment where the voices of the Global South are heard and respected. Its unwavering support for the United Nations system, and strong commitment to international development are its undeniable assets.

7. We firmly believe that UNCTAD16 will be a success. The Group of 77 and China stands fully committed to contributing to that outcome. In a time of mounting global challenges, this Conference represents a key opportunity to demonstrate that solidarity, cooperation, and multilateralism are necessary.

8. UNCTAD16, under the leadership and stewardship of Switzerland, will be a success-because this organization needs it, multilateralism needs it, and above all, because our people need it. Mr. Chair, Madam Secretary-General, and dear Host, you can count on the full support and engagement of the Group of 77 and China to make this Conference a meaningful milestone.

Thank you, Chair.