Mr. President,

1. The Group of 77 and China wishes to commend you on the manner in which you have been conducting the affairs of this substantive session of the Economic and Social Council.

2. The Group wishes to acknowledge the contribution and hard work of all delegations, particularly whose hardworking diplomats whom engaged extensively at many levels and dedicated long hours trying to achieve a consensual text. To these delegations, we wish to record our deep appreciation. The Group's thanks also goes to our Facilitator Ms Marcela Ordonez of the Colombian Mission for her tireless efforts. We would also wish to extend our thanks to the diligent staff of the Secretariat of the Council for their support.

Mr. President,

3. We regret that we are not in a position to adopt the Ministerial Declaration at this session. The Group considers the Ministerial Declaration to be a significant document, especially in light of the importance of science, technology, innovation and culture as enablers and drivers for promoting sustainable development and achieving the MDGs.

4. We are disappointed that agreed language relating to issues of critical importance to the Group, which was adopted by consensus by our political leaders in 2000 and 2012, as expressed in the Millennium Declaration and the Rio+20 outcome document respectively, as well as contained in the 2012 Ministerial Declaration of the High-level segment of ECOSOC, were questioned by a few of our developed partners for inclusion in this year's Ministerial Declaration. The Group, out of deference to you, and in recognition of the importance of a strong and united ECOSOC, agrees with the proposal to defer this agenda item to the resumed session in New York. In this regard, we respectfully urge you to continue your leadership to guide members towards achieving a consensual outcome as soon as possible.

Mr. President,

5. In agreeing to the deferral of action on this agenda item to the resumed session, the Group underscores the understanding that the circulated Draft Ministerial Declaration of today will be the reference document, serving as the basis of further negotiation. We would also wish to state that the Group reserves its right to call for a vote at the resumed session should the need arises.

6. Lastly, the Group thanks you, Mr. President, for your personal intervention and selfless efforts in trying to reach a consensus and to uphold a strong and united ECOSOC. We look forward to engage constructively in the resumed session in New York.

7. Before concluding this statement, the Group of 77 and China wishes to express its thanks to the Government of Switzerland and its people for the hospitality and the warm welcome that have been extended to visiting delegations at this session.

I thank you, Mr. President!