The Group of 77 and China welcomes the constructive efforts that contributed to the adoption of this strategic document, while expressing its regret that the adopted text did not adequately reflect a number of core concerns of developing countries, both in terms of substance and with regard to the procedural approach through which the final phase of the negotiations was conducted.

1. The Group regrets the absence of an explicit mention of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), a well-established principle within the United Nations system that is especially relevant to global digital transformations. The omission of this principle has weakened the development aspect of the Declaration and overlooked the structural disparities in capacities and resources among countries, particularly when WSIS is expected to serve as a framework to support digital equity and bridge technological divides.

2. We also hoped for a more ambitious and action-oriented text on financial mechanisms to close all digital divides and ensure meaningful connectivity for developing countries. While we welcome the establishment of a financial taskforce, we urge its work to be purpose-driven and concrete, including recommendations and best practices on new, innovative, and inclusive financial mechanisms, as well as increased access to these for developing countries at risk of getting left further behind.

3. The Group considers that references to unilateral coercive measures (UCMs) were diluted, as they failed to reflect the real negative impacts of such measures on access to technology, knowledge transfer, and digital capacity-building in developing countries. Reliance on general formulations does not address the actual challenges these measures pose to inclusive digital development efforts.

4. The Group expressed concern over the absence of a clear approach to "misinformation and disinformation," despite the direct threats they pose to social cohesion, public trust, and democratic systems, as well as to the stability of the digital space in many developing countries. The Group is of the view that overlooking this challenge undermines a key element in building a safe and trustworthy information society.

5. We also regret that the language regarding the intergovernmental segment for dialogue among governments has been weakened. Additionally, the specific reporting requests from the group on closing digital divides and on the impacts of automation and AI on labour and employment were not reflected in the final text.

6. We call on all relevant action line facilitators and UNGIS to deliver greater impact and more relevant work in the implementation of the WSIS framework for developing countries, as addressing these issues is crucial to achieving the SDGs and the vision of WSIS of a people-centred and development-oriented information society.

7. The Group of 77 and China stressed that the lack of transparency in the final stages of the negotiation process caused doubts within the Group regarding the procedural approach. The Group believes that transparency and equal sharing of information among all members are essential prerequisites for ensuring collective and balanced ownership of the adopted outcomes.

In light of the above, the Group of 77 and China stresses that its participation in the adoption session does not necessarily mean satisfaction with all elements of the Declaration, but rather reflects its commitment to multilateralism and its determination to maintain the unity of the United Nations process, while clearly recording its substantive and procedural reservations. It hopes these reservations will be duly considered during the follow-up and implementation phases.

1. Since the adoption of the Geneva Declaration and Plan of Action, the Tunis Agenda, and the WSIS+10 outcomes, the World Summit on the Information Society has provided a unique multilateral framework for advancing a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society. The WSIS+20 review offers a critical opportunity to take stock of progress, address persistent gaps, and renew commitments in light of profound technological change.

2. Over the past two decades, digital technologies have evolved at an unprecedented pace. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing and advanced connectivity, are reshaping economies, transforming modes of production, and creating new opportunities for innovation, growth and social inclusion. For developing countries, these technologies hold significant potential to accelerate structural transformation, expand access to services, enhance productivity, and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

3. At the same time, the Group underscores that the WSIS process remains of vital importance for developing countries. Despite notable progress, many developing countries continue to face structural digital divides in access, affordability, skills, infrastructure and meaningful connectivity. These divides risk reinforcing existing inequalities and limiting the ability of developing countries to fully benefit from digital transformation.

4. In this regard, the Group notes with concern that many of the commitments contained in the Geneva and Tunis outcomes-particularly those related to means of implementation-have not yet been fully realized. Financing remains a central challenge. Adequate, predictable and affordable financing is indispensable to expand digital infrastructure, promote universal and meaningful connectivity, and close the digital divides within and between countries.

5. The Group also wishes to draw attention to the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures, which hinder the ability of affected countries to access technologies, digital infrastructure and related services. Such measures undermine international cooperation, impede sustainable development, and restrict the legitimate right of countries to harness technology for the benefit of their peoples.

6. Furthermore, the Group reaffirms the importance of digital sovereignty, including the right of States to exercise authority over their national data in accordance with their legal frameworks and development priorities. Data governance must support development objectives, ensure equitable benefit-sharing, and respect national ownership.

7. We recognize that no single country or stakeholder, or a small group thereof, should be allowed to monopolize or control the Internet core infrastructure.

8. At the same time, we recognize that rapid technological progress also brings new and evolving risks. These include ethical concerns, social disruption, labour market impacts, data misuse, and widening inequalities. Addressing these risks requires inclusive international cooperation, policy coherence, and a balanced approach that enables innovation while safeguarding development and human well-being.

         At the outset, the Group welcomes the convening of the fourth high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being, held on 25 September. The meeting benefited from high-level participation and provided a substantive exchange among stakeholders on avenues to better prevent, control, diagnose and treat NCDs along with the promotion of mental health and well-being.

         The Group commends the Permanent Representatives of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Luxemburg and their staffs for facilitating the process of consultations on NCDs, and for their leadership and tireless work. The Group wishes also to thank Indonesia and Guyana for their remarkable efforts representing the Group position during the past few months.

Throughout the negotiations, the Group engaged constructively and demonstrated great flexibility and a willingness to compromise when possible. However, the Group expresses its profound regret and disappointment that the following crucially important matters failed to be included in this text:

1. First: Unhindered access to health products and services; a challenge laid bare by the Covid-19 pandemic, when many of our countries struggled to secure vaccines, diagnostics, and essential medical supplies under restrictive conditions;

2. Second: Equitable access to health technologies and digital solutions as well as digital divide, could not be retained in the text. These concepts lie at the heart of multilateral cooperation and of the UN's commitment to leaving no one behind. The Group therefore cautions that the principle of equity must remain central to our collective efforts, as its deletion risks undermining the very spirit of inclusiveness and solidarity that defines this organization;

3. Third: Financing section proved particular difficulty. References to global solidarity and collective efforts were challenged to retain. Several of the means of implementation references where heavily caveated.

Finally, we extend our congratulations to all delegations on the formal adoption of the draft political declaration by the General Assembly today. Negotiations were undeniably difficult, yet we were able to firmly fulfil our shared commitment to confronting NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being with the seriousness they demand.

Together, through renewed solidarity and cooperation, we can reduce premature mortality and build resilient, inclusive health systems.

I thank you.