Co-facilitators,

1. It is my honor to deliver this statement on behalf the G77 and China.

2. We would like to thank you for convening this meeting and providing us a draft structure for the outcome document.

3. In that regard, G77 and China agrees to divide the outcome document in two main sections: the first one devoted to overall messages, guiding principles, review of the progress made towards the achievement of MDGs, lessons learned, best practices, gaps and challenges. And the second part to be devoted to concrete strategies for action on each MDG towards achieving all MDGs.

4. However, it should be noted that the agenda for action should not be limited to initiatives to be taken by the poor, as now suggested in the draft structure. The title of the section should be therefore adjusted to "Agenda for Action for the Achievement of the MDGs by 2015".

5. Furthermore, the Group believes that the specific headings and subheadings of the structure suggested in the annex of your letter contain elements which go beyond the basic outline and prejudges the outcome of substantive negotiations on key issues.

6. In this respect, the G77 and China considers that, at this stage of the negotiations, the participants should concentrate efforts in reaching an agreement on the general structure that could be helpful to the process and expedite the negotiations. The G77 and China reserves the right to present detailed comments on the specific elements of the structure at a later date.

7. In addition, we consider that the discussion on substantive issues should be addressed in the framework of the initial draft of the outcome document, which should be presented as soon as possible by the co-facilitators, certainly before June. With that purpose, the Group will provide substantive inputs for each MDG, which we hope can be considered in the preparation of the first draft.

Co-facilitators,

8. Finally, in view of the relatively limited time ahead, we believe that it is urgent to start the substantive discussion on an initial draft as soon as possible. In this regard, we would like to reiterate that the Group of 77 and China is ready to engage in a constructive and pragmatic discussion on the substance of outcome document.

I thank you.