H.E. Ms. Suela Janina, Permanent Representative of Albania,
H.E. Mr. Ekitela Lokaale, Permanent Representative of Kenya,

1. The Group of 77 and China welcomes your leadership as co-facilitators of the WSIS+20 review process and expresses its readiness to engage constructively to ensure the success of this important review.

2. Two decades after the adoption of the Geneva Plan of Action and the Tunis Agenda, the Group reaffirms that information and communication technologies (ICTs) remain critical enablers of development. They are indispensable tools for improving public services, driving economic transformation, and accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

3. However, despite notable global progress, developing countries continue to face deep and multifaceted digital divides. These include persistent infrastructure gaps, high connectivity costs, limited access to devices, and significant disparities in digital literacy and skills.

4. The Group underscores the urgent need to support developing countries in building their digital capacities. This includes investment in infrastructure, education and training systems, and national institutions that can design and implement inclusive digital policies tailored to local development needs.

5. At the same time, we recognize the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing offer immense potential to advance sustainable development. Yet they also pose new risks for developing countries, particularly in widening inequality, reinforcing structural dependencies, and eroding policy space.

6. The Group therefore emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the benefits of technological progress are shared equitably. To this end, we call for the transfer of technology to developing countries on preferential and concessional terms, alongside strengthened international cooperation in research, innovation, and capacity building. It is imperative that no country is isolated or left behind for any reason, as universal inclusion must be a cornerstone of the global digital future.

7. The Group further reiterates the need to uphold the principles of digital sovereignty, equity, and the right to development in the digital era. The WSIS+20 review must reflect the diverse realities of developing countries and ensure that digital transformation serves inclusive and people-centered development.

8. We also stress the need for coherence between the WSIS process and the broader UN development agenda. The outcomes of this review should complement the Global Digital Compact and meaningfully contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

9. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China calls for a transparent, inclusive, and action-oriented review process. We look forward to working with all delegations and stakeholders to produce an outcome that reflects the priorities of the Global South and paves the way for a more just and sustainable information society.

Thank you, Mrs\Mr. Co-Facilitator.