Mr. Vice President,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the G77 and China.

The G77 and China welcomes the convening of the first Coordination Segment of the Economic and Social Council.

The Council has an essential role to play in rallying the entire UN system towards coherent and coordinated actions aimed at attaining the SDGs within the remaining decade of action.

The Group believes that for a people centered, inclusive, and resilient recovery, we must ensure equitable and universal access to vaccines and related healthcare technologies; the mobilization of adequate finance to enable developing countries to realize the SDGs and achieve balanced growth; universal & equitable access to social protection and quality health services; urgent action on climate change and biodiversity loss; investments in sustainable and resilient infrastructure; and significant reform of the global financial architecture to provide fair and equitable access to concessional financing to the developing countries and an end to illicit financial flows.

The ECOSOC, and its subsidiary bodies, as well as regional economic commissions can make a significant contribution to realizing these objectives. To this end, the Group proposes:

First, ECOSOC should focus on social protection systems that guarantee the wellbeing of everyone, without discrimination and urge countries to establish nationally appropriate social protection systems, including universal health coverage and share best practices. The work of subsidiary bodies is essential in this regard.

Second, the review of SDGs 14 and 15 this year by ECOSOC provides an opportunity to raise the ambition on climate change and reverse biodiversity loss.

Third, the ECOSOC’s Forum on financing for development and its annual spring meeting with the Bretton Wood Institutions would provide an opportunity to address the financing needs of developing countries.

Fourth, through the work of the UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters, the ECOSOC could discuss ways to strengthen international tax cooperation, including addressing tax avoidance and evasion.

Fifth, the HLPF and the ECOSOC High-Level Segment should explore innovative solutions to bridge the digital divide.

I thank you.