Mr. President,

1. The Group of 77 and China welcomes the adoption by consensus of the resolution entitled "The Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management" at the 2011 Substantive Session of the Economic and Social Council.
2. The resolution recalls relevant initiatives at the UN and other forums on geospatial information and recognizes the importance of integrating cartographic and statistical information, as well as spatial data, with a view to fostering location-based geospatial information, applications and services.

3. It further recalls the important role of the United Nations in promoting international cooperation in geospatial information, including through the organization of conferences and expert meetings.

Mr. President,

4. In deciding to establish the committee on global geospatial information management, the ECOSOC is taking an important step to strengthen international cooperation in this growing field. G77 and China believes the committee will provide a forum for coordination and dialogue among Member States, and between Member States and relevant international organizations.

5. As its work progresses, we are confident that the committee will provide an effective platform for developing effective strategies on how to build and strengthen national capacities on geospatial information.

6. It will be able to propose work plans and guidelines with a view to promoting common principles, policies, methods, mechanisms and standards on geospatial information, including with respect to the interoperability and interchangeability of data and services. By compiling and disseminating best practices and experiences, the committee will become the locus for special data infrastructure, while allowing for the necessary flexibility for national development.

7. In this regard, the G77 and China considers that the committee will play a major role in assisting developing countries to build and strengthen national capacities by providing a forum for exchange of views and information, including with regards to international cooperation.

8. G77 and China looks forward to working with other groups and delegations in the committee of experts, with a view to ensuring that the new subsidiary body of ECOSOC will fulfill its ambitious mandate and meet the high expectations of the membership.

Thank you