Madam Chairperson,

1. I have the distinct honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2. Three years ago in Bali the AWG-LCA was launched with the aim of enabling " the full, effective and sustained implementation of the Convention through long-term cooperative action, now, up to and beyond 2012". Last year in Copenhagen, the mandate of this Ad Hoc working group was extended "to enable it to continue its work with a view to presenting the outcome of its work to the Conference of the Parties for adoption at its sixteenth session" in Cancun. In this important gathering, success is the only option for the Group of 77 and China.

3. Our people are suffering from the adverse effects of climate change even as we speak! The Group places particular emphasis on reaching an outcome that addresses the needs of our societies and is consistent with the Convention in meeting the needs of developing countries. We are, indeed, at a point where addressing the challenges of this universal menace is a moral and existential imperative. The existence of our Mother Earth, our societies and their development prospects is at stake. That is why, Madam, we cannot afford to leave Cancun empty handed.

Madam Chairperson,

4. The Convention clearly states that the Parties should protect the climate system for the benefit of present and future generations of humankind, on the basis of equity and in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. It also stipulates that the developed country Parties should take the lead in combating climate change and the adverse effects thereof. And without a doubt, Madam, this leadership is long overdue and is most needed at this critical juncture if we are to succeed.

5. The G77 and China appreciates your efforts in facilitating our work. We are certain that you will guide this process towards a successful outcome. It is in this vein, Madam, that the Group of 77 and China will constructively engage, given the urgency of the issue, in order to secure an outcome that is concordant with the Bali Action Plan and the principles and provisions of the convention in particular the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

6. Moreover, the Group of 77 and China stresses that balance between the two negotiating tracks must be respected and that balance in the degree of details of decisions within each track must be maintained. It is also our firm belief that whatever outcome we might reach in Cancun must not compromise or prejudge the overall objective of reaching a comprehensive, fair, ambitious and legally binding outcome in the future.

Madam Chairperson,

7. Transparency is key to success of cooperative actions. Cooperative and ambitious solutions require that all parties including our negotiating partners must be fully engaged and deliver results in accordance with the Bali Road Map. The Group of 77 and China, once again, stresses the fact that in order to succeed, our work process must be open, party-driven and transparent. Likewise, the centrality of the multilateral process under the UNFCCC in addressing Climate Change must be respected and maintained.

8. In conclusion, allow me to assure you of our full support and continued active and constructive engagement in this process. We are confident that, here in Cancun, we will reach a balanced outcome that will serves the interests of humanity.

I thank you.