Mr President,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Group of 77 and China. The Group welcomes the adoption by consensus of the resolution on Human Settlements at this the 2011 Substantive Session of the Economic and Social Council.

Mr President,

2. The growing importance and urgent need to focus on and address challenges of urbanization has never been greater as it is today. With the increase in the number of people living in urban areas, growth of slums and slum dwellers is accelerating exponentially. The vast majority of these lack safe housing, access to water and sanitation, modern energy supply and waste collection and disposal. Urbanization also brings a wide range of social, economic and environmental problems including in consumption and production patterns.

3. The challenge of sustainable human settlements and adequate shelter for all requires our urgent attention, especially as it is closely intertwined with poverty, employment, transportation and the provision of basic services such as water and sanitation.

4. It is, therefore, imperative for the international community to support the implementation of the Habitat agenda as it focuses on critical aspects of human livelihoods, basic needs and poverty eradication.

5. Simultaneously, we believe that the international community should also give due attention to the continuing challenge of human settlements, including the provision of the necessary means of implementation, through improved quality and quantity of ODA, transfer of technology, capacity building, enhanced market access, increased foreign direct investments to the developing countries and resolving their external debt problems.

I thank you Mr. President.