Mr. Chairman,

1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. At the outset, let me thank you for your leadership of this session. The Group wishes to thank the distinguished panelists for their useful presentations on the thematic cluster under discussion.

Mr. Chairman,

2. The G77 and China is ready to engage on a 10-Year Framework of Programs on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP on SCP). The Framework should be in line with the 3 pillars of sustainable development, promote social and economic development as well as environmental protection, and incorporate the principles of corporate responsibility. A strong and ambitious 10YFP on SCP should encourage sustainable, inclusive and equitable global growth and poverty eradication through the use and production of goods and services that respond to basic needs and bring a better quality of life, while minimizing the use of toxic materials and the emission of waste and pollutants including over the life cycle as well as a more efficient use of natural resources, so that we do not jeopardize the needs of future generations.

3. In this context, the Framework should begin with a common vision based on Agenda 21, particularly Chapter 4 on "Changing Consumption Patterns", the JPOI, particularly Chapter 3 on "Changing Unsustainable Patterns of Consumption and Production", and the Rio principles, including the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, with the developed countries taking the lead while respecting their international commitments particularly with regard to trade and investment, and with all countries benefiting from the process.

4. At the same time, the Framework should include a set of assurances that would help build confidence in the process. These assurances include:

(i) The Framework should be flexible to respect different levels of development and national ownership of each country's development strategies, priorities and policies and enable the inclusion of new and emerging issues;
(ii) The Framework should not impose new constraints on the developmental needs of developing countries but rather offer further opportunities for development;
(iii) SCP activities should not result in additional conditionalities for international development financing and ODA; and
(iv) SCP activities should not be used to implement trade protectionist measures but open new market development opportunities in particular for products from developing countries.

Mr. Chairman,

5. The G77 and China believes that the 10 YFP on SCP should establish concrete measures to promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production. The Framework should therefore focus on short-, medium- and long-term SCP activities and programs and be based on work already done in this area. In this regard, the 10 YFP on SCP would foster and provide support for these activities and programs. The functions of the Framework would include:

(i) information sharing through the voluntary sharing of activities and programs, which would also give these activities and programs recognition and allow all relevant stakeholders to learn from them;
(ii) support the implementation of SCP initiatives and allow developing countries to submit their proposed initiatives to gain support. Such support includes predictable and additional financial resources, transfer of or access to environmentally-sound technology and capacity building. The transfer of technology and know-how is key for developing countries to leapfrog to achieve sustainable development, minimize economic inefficiencies, pollution and waste and open new market development opportunities for developing countries. A voluntary trust fund for the 10YFP on SCP should also be established with financing distributed alike to the SAICM quick-start model;
(iii) facilitate cooperation and networking by involving all stakeholders, including governments, civil society and the private sector and coordinating nationally, regionally and internationally and also through inter-agency collaboration;
(iv) draw on experience by recognizing existing programs and priority areas indicated by the various regions, including through the Marrakesh Process which uses a bottom-up approach and national cleaner production centers, as different countries have different realities and experiences;
(v) stimulate innovation and the development of new ideas by establishing a broad, flexible and dynamic criteria for the submission of SCP activities and programs and providing them with support;
(vi) raise awareness and educate the global community on SCP; and
(vii) encourage accountability in developed countries which have unsustainable consumption and production patterns, such as through a review mechanism to be established at the international level.

6. To support the work of the 10YFP on SCP, especially since consumption and production patterns evolve over time, appropriate institutional arrangements should be considered taking into account the experience of existing United Nations institutions.

Mr. Chairman,

7. The G77 and China is confident that with such a Framework in place, all countries could benefit from a richer and more sustainable future.

Thank you.