Mr. Chair,

1. The Group reaffirms that eradicating poverty in all its forms remains the overarching goal of the 2030 Agenda and calls for accelerated, cooperative action to advance sustainable consumption and production, with full respect for developing countries' priorities and capacities.

2. We salute the adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS): A Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity and the Awaza Progamme of Action for LLDCs and commit to support their timely and full implementation, recognizing that countries in special situations deserve special attention. We hope that concrete progress can be made on the development of a Strategic Plan of Action for Middle-Income Countries in order to address the specific challenges faced by them.

3. Biodiversity loss and disasters continue to threaten sustainable development; the Group urges scaled-up means of implementation for developing countries to reduce risk, build resilience and protect livelihoods, in line with intergovernmentally agreed commitments.

4. The Group underscores longstanding principles, including equity and common but differentiated responsibilities, and reiterates the need for strengthened support to developing countries, recalling decisions on adaptation, financing, and technology transfer.

5. We call for enhanced implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and scaled resources for land restoration, drought resilience and sustainable livelihoods, especially in Africa and other severely affected regions.

6. The Group urges robust international support, finance, technology transfer and capacity-building, for full implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, to halt biodiversity loss while enabling sustainable development.

7. We reiterate the importance of inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels, including technical and vocational training, to equip societies with the skills needed for sustainable development.

8. Universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy remains critical to inclusive growth; the Group urges renewed partnerships and investment to close persistent gaps.

9. Sand and Dust Storms are an escalating transboundary hazard undermining progress toward the SDGs; the Group calls for coordinated international action, data-sharing and support for affected developing countries.

10. Recognizing heightened vulnerability of mountain ecosystems and downstream communities, we call for dedicated attention and support to sustainable mountain development.

11. To protect oceans and coastal communities, the Group supports integrated coastal zone management approaches that reduce pollution at source, build resilience to disasters, and advance SDG14 implementation.

12. The Group welcomed the work of the High-level Panel on the Development of a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index for Small Islands Developing States, and the adoption of General Assembly resolution 78/322, which decided to advance the multidimensional vulnerability index. In this regard, they called for the full and effective implementation of its mandates, including the appointment of members of the Independent Expert Advisory Panel and the relevant existing United Nations entity, which will act as the secretariat of the MVI

13. The Group emphasizes that tourism must be developed in harmony with nature and local traditions, generating inclusive economic benefits and decent employment opportunities, particularly for developing countries, including Small Island Developing States LDCS, LLDCs, and middle income countries.. The Group calls for enhanced international cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building to support sustainable, resilient, and ethical tourism sectors.

Thank you.