Co-Chairs,

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

1. Let me begin by thanking you for convening this meeting - the first in a series which we anticipate will culminate in an outcome document which is productive and action-oriented and which will redound to the benefit of its primary beneficiaries, namely the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

2. The Group of 77 and China attaches great importance to the five-year high-level review of progress made in addressing the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing Sates through the implementation of the Mauritius Strategy and we look forward to fruitful and constructive engagement with our negotiating partners over the next few weeks towards reaching an agreement on a consensual outcome document.

3. The draft declaration which will be prepared by the Co-Facilitators, should adhere to the format outlined in General Assembly resolution 64/199, which is to review progress achieved, challenges encountered, lessons learned and agree on what needs to be done.

4. Having said that, we have stated previously in other fora and continue to reiterate, that the negotiation of an agreed outcome should not be the sole raison d'etre of the Review. It is our view that the Review should produce tangible results and action-oriented outcomes. Anything less will fall short of global expectations in the light of the increasing vulnerabilities of SIDS.
 
Co-Chairs,

5. SIDS remain a special case for sustainable development. Their vulnerabilities, which have long been acknowledged by the international community, have indeed worsened over the last few years, given their high exposure to exogenous shocks. The special and unique challenges they faced five years ago have since multiplied, further depleting their already strained, limited capacities. The average vulnerability of SIDS has worsened over the last decade, primarily because of higher exposure to external shocks including increasing adverse impacts of climate change as well as the negative impact of fuel, food, and economic and financial crises. In particular, the ongoing economic and financial crisis which originated in developed countries, has further exacerbated SIDS vulnerabilities and threatened to reverse hard-won development achievements, with the consequent fall in tourism revenues and other important economic activities in small islands.

6. In this context, the international community has to commit itself to urgently increase international cooperation to ensure the survival and development of all Small Island Developing States, particularly through increased financial resources, capacity-building, transfer of technology and know-how, and increased participation of SIDS in international economic decision-making.

7. We would like to reiterate the need for developed countries to contribute to expand the application of new and accumulated scientific knowledge for enhanced studies on vulnerabilities and risks in all SIDS, through the compliance of their international commitments related to transfer of state-of-the-art technologies, as well as available methods and instruments to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.

8. Regrettably, the actions taken by the international community have not been commensurate with the magnitude and scope of the challenges SIDS face nor the adverse impacts with which they continue to grapple. If the limited gains achieved are to be sustained, they require substantial assistance from the international community. It is our hope and expectation that this Review will inspire a renewed commitment to fully and effectively address the needs and concerns of SIDS.

Co-Chairs,

9. Please be assured of the full support and cooperation of the G77 and China in your efforts to steer this process towards a successful conclusion.

I thank you Co-Chairs.