Co-Facilitators,

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

2. The Group wishes to thank you Co-Facilitators, for the very useful and informative 'Food for Progress' paper you have provided us. It summarises succinctly the various contributions and views made by delegations over the last six rounds of informal consultations. Having reflected on the helpful paper you circulated and after some discussions on the best way to strengthen ECOSOC, the Group wishes to make some concrete proposals on the way forward.

Co-Facilitators,

3. The Group of 77 and China supports an 'early harvest' approach as a means of progress. This approach on the one hand recognises the complexity of the review of Resolution 61/16 to strengthen ECOSOC as a principal body of the United Nations for sustainable development. On the other hand, it ensures that the momentum generated from these informal consultations is preserved and at the same time does not preclude ECOSOC from continuing its discussion on other important issues within the remit of Resolution 61/16. In addition, it does not preempt other ongoing processes, notably the consultations in the High Level Political Forum.

4. In this regard, the Group concurs with your proposal that the outcome of the consultations could be reflected in two ways: a report and a draft resolution. The report should contain a concise summary of the issues discussed during the consultation process as well as a list of doable recommendations for action to be taken by ECOSOC, preferably presented in a matrix format for ease of reference. The draft resolution should outline concrete measures to be mandated by the General Assembly.

Co-Facilitators,

5. On the recommendations requiring a new General Assembly resolution, we note the proposals to revise ECOSOC's substantive session, its current segment structure and the call to revisit the New York and Geneva alternation of ECOSOC sessions. The Group welcomes open discussion on these important issues. We agree that cost effectiveness and the ability of developing and less developed countries to attend the substantive sessions are key elements of consideration. We must also recognise and stress the importance of ensuring that any revision must be aimed at strengthening ECOSOC and making it more relevant and effective in fulfilling its mandate. While we aim to make ECOSOC and its work program relevant throughout the year, the Group is of the view that it does not necessarily require splitting the substantive session into a number of sessions to be held at various times over the calendar year and at alternate locations. Such restructuring may be costly to many developing countries and impede the participation of capital based officials.

Co-Facilitators,

6. The Group of 77 and China reiterates its call for equitable geographical representation in the ECOSOC membership without seeking expansion or Charter amendment. Adherence to the principle of equitable geographical representation within the existing ECOSOC membership is a systemic issue. It only needs political will and a genuine effort to democratize ECOSOC to give equal voice to all regions within the UN membership."

7. In conclusion, we wish to underscore that the Review of Resolution 61/16 should focus on the implementation of ECOSOC's existing mandates and their relevant follow-up. The outcomes of these consultations and any new ideas proposed must therefore add value to those existing mandates if we are to truly strengthen ECOSOC.

Thank you.