Dear Co-Facilitators,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

At the outset, the Group wishes to express its appreciation to the Co-Facilitators from Iraq and Bulgaria for the preparation of this comprehensive Zero Draft resolution on the modalities for the intergovernmental review of the implementation of the Buenos Aires outcome document of the Second High-level United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation. We thank you for your efforts in presenting a structured basis for our consideration and for launching this process in an open, transparent and inclusive manner.

The Group considers this Zero Draft a useful starting point for our discussions. We note positively that the text reaffirms the foundational principles of South-South cooperation, including respect for national sovereignty, national ownership and independence, equality, non-conditionality, non-interference in domestic affairs, and mutual benefit. We also welcome the reaffirmation that South-South cooperation is not a substitute for, but rather a complement to, North-South cooperation. These principles remain essential and should continue to guide both the review process and its outcomes.

As we look toward the BAPA+40 review, the Group underscores that the process must be forward-looking, inclusive, transparent and development-oriented. It should not only assess progress achieved since 2019, but also identify persistent gaps and emerging challenges affecting developing countries. In this regard, the review must remain Member State-led and ensure the full, effective and meaningful participation of developing countries, including their substantive engagement in shaping the outcomes of the process.

The Group also attaches importance to ensuring that the modalities provide adequate space for a review that is responsive to the current realities and priorities of developing countries, including financing constraints, climate impacts, widening digital divides, and the particular challenges faced by countries in special situations. In this context, the process should contribute to strengthening support for demand-driven and country-led initiatives, as well as for means of implementation, including finance, technology transfer and capacity-building.

At the same time, the Group believes that certain aspects of the text would benefit from further refinement. We see value in continuing discussions on the institutional and organizational dimensions of the review. In particular, the Group considers that logistical and procedural matters should be addressed in a timely, transparent and balanced manner. We would therefore welcome further clarification from the Secretariat regarding the practical implications of the options currently under consideration, including with respect to possible host countries, timelines, and the preparation of the report and background documentation supporting the review process. Such information would assist Member States in engaging on these matters on the basis of clarity and informed consideration.

Dear Co-Facilitators,

The Group of 77 and China remains committed to engaging constructively throughout this process. We look forward to working with all delegations to ensure that the modalities resolution provides a solid foundation for a meaningful review that further strengthens South-South cooperation as a central instrument for development, solidarity and collective action among developing countries.

I thank you.