President of the General Assembly,
Secretary General,
Excellencies,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of G77 and China for the Cluster V issues.

2. Today is the final round of clustered discussions on the “Our Common Agenda” report. We just heard an important statement from the Secretary-General. The Group therefore requests clarity from you, Mr. President, on the way forward.

3. In general, the Group believes that it is important to maintain inclusivity and the intergovernmental structure of the United Nations. The Group therefore proposes that the “Summit of the Future” should be preceded by preparatory events and inclusive state led consideration to discuss the modalities of the Summit.

4. The Group also requests clarity and stress the need of further consideration on the proposed “High-level Advisory Board” and “Scientific Advisory Board” including its intended composition and functions while recommending ensuring equitable geographical representation on the Boards.

Mr. Vice President,

5. Regarding the selection and recruitment process, the Group reiterates that geographical balance should be taken into account to enhance the representation of developing countries in the UN system, including while promoting gender balance.

6. At the same time, the Group also reiterates that the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly is the one entrusted with the responsibility for all administrative, financial, and budgetary issues.

7. The Group also supports investing in innovation and digital transformation as well as use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to make the United Nations more effective and efficient with full respect for the existing rules of procedures.

8. The Group would also seek detailed information regarding the “quintet of change” capabilities proposed by the Secretary General as well as on transformation towards a “United Nations 2.0”.

Mr. President,

9. The G77 and China supports the equitable participation and engagement of civil society organizations in the work of the United Nations in accordance with existing modalities.

10. However, we stress the importance of preserving the inter-governmental nature of the negotiating and decision-making process at the United Nations, as well as the existing rules of procedure for the participation of non-governmental actors. Therefore, we would like to seek further elaboration regarding the following four points in the Report:

– First, a single, high-level entry point for civil society.

– Second, a dedicated focal point for civil society in all entities of the United Nations.

– Third, the role of the United Nations Office for Partnerships.

– And fourth, modalities, mandate, and scope of an annual civil society caucus in conjunction with the General Assembly’s high-level week.

11. The Group would also like to seek further elaboration of the mandate, modalities, and scope of the proposed Advisory Group on Local and Regional Governments.

12. The Group emphasizes that any engagement and consultation in this regard should be conducted through dialogue and coordination with national governments and in a manner consistent with the sovereignty of the states and in accordance with the principles and purposes of the UN Charter.

Mr. President,

13. The Group recognizes the need for mobilization of resources from the private sector, without caveats, for achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

14. To this end, the Group would like to highlight the importance of public-private partnerships in supplementing national efforts for achieving the 2030 agenda while respecting the sovereignty of states.

15. Finally, in the context of role of private sector, we would also like to stress that fair and equitable treatment should be given to large, medium, small, and micro enterprises from the developing countries.

I thank you.