Mr. Chairman,

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

2. The issues covered under this Agenda Item are of particular relevance to the development prospects of developing countries. It was hoped that the era of globalization would bring sustained and equitable growth for all, as a consequence of free movement of capital, goods and services. The impact of the globalization process has, however, been uneven and unpredictable. The benefits and costs of globalization are not shared equitably.

3. Although globalization can be a powerful and dynamic force for strengthening cooperation and accelerating growth and development, it nevertheless presents many risks and challenges especially to developing countries. Therefore, national efforts need to be complemented by intensified international cooperation in order to reverse the marginalization, manage the risks, overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities created by globalization.

4. On the issue of the role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence, it is the conviction of the Group that the UN is in a unique position, as a universal forum, to strengthen international cooperation for promoting development in the context of globalization; in particular the integration of developing countries into the globalizing economy to enable them to take full advantage of all their potentials for economic growth and development. Therefore, it is our belief that the United Nations should play a fundamental role in the promotion and the strengthening of international cooperation and coherence, coordination and implementation of the internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs.

5. Moreover, there is a need to strengthen coordination within the United Nations system in close cooperation with all multilateral financial, trade and development institutions in order to promote sustained economic growth, poverty eradication and sustainable development.

6. At the same time, the Group is of the view that each country has primary responsibility for its own development. Managing globalization for the benefit of all therefore remains a major predicament of our time, and we need to ensure the achievement of the right to development, in particular through policy space for developing countries, taking into consideration their unique social, political, economic and environmental conditions.

7. We recall, in this regard, all the operational activities principles supported by the UN system, including predictability, universality and progressivity, and reaffirm the importance of providing strategic support to all programme countries, including middle-income and least developed countries, upon request of the recipient government, in order to address their specific needs.

Mr. Chairman,

8. On the issue of development cooperation with middle-income countries, The G77 and China would like to stress that, while acknowledging the efforts made and successes achieved by many middle income countries to eradicate poverty, they are still facing significant challenges in their efforts to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs.

9. In this regard, the G77 and China highlights that national averages based on criteria such as per capita income do not usually reflect accurately the actual particularities and special development needs of significant diverse middle income countries.

10. Furthermore, it is of utmost importance that international support, through its various forms, is well aligned with national priorities to address the special development needs of middle-income countries.

Mr. Chairman,

11. On the issue of culture and development, it is the view of the Group that globalization and interdependence, while strengthening common values, should boost and maintain local development, taking into account the traditions, culture and identity of the people. Special attention should be paid to preserve diversity which is the principal wealth of human development.

12. The interlinkages between culture and development are multi-faceted. While the full extent of these interlinkages is yet to be explored, there is a growing consensus that strategies to achieve development goals have to be embedded in the cultural traditions of each society. To pursue a culture sensitive approach to development, it is important to enhance the understanding of the quantitative and qualitative contribution of culture to development. In this regard, we welcome the positive assessment made by UNESCO concerning the need for organizing a high level Conference on Culture and Development.

Mr. Chairman,

13. Regarding the item on science and technology for development, the G77 and China considers that in an increasingly knowledge-based world economy, access to technology has become a vital component of any viable development strategy. In fact, the restraints on access to technology, specially advanced technologies which could address critical development problems, are now a major manifestation of inequality between the developed and the developing countries.

14. Let me stress once again that advances in science and technology and easier access to latest technologies will certainly help developing countries achieve significant progress in areas such as agriculture, health, energy, trade, water and environmental protection.

15. Finally, Mr. Chairman the Group stresses the need for developmental considerations to be placed at the centre when managing globalization at the international level to ensure that all countries will profit from its benefits. In this regard, the national development plans and strategies of developing countries deserve particular attention.

I thank you.