Mr. Chairman,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2. At the outset, the Group would like to thank the Secretary-General for the reports submitted under this agenda item.

3. We believe that Globalization can play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development. As such, the international community should give greater attention to harnessing its potential, to the full benefit of all peoples.

4. The Group reaffirms that a reinvigorated multilateral system, with the United Nations at its centre, is the cornerstone of a renewed approach toward a more inclusive and sustainable globalization. This is necessary, we believe, in order to address cross-border and other global challenges.

5. We, therefore, reaffirm the vital importance of an inclusive, transparent and effective multilateral system, recognizing the universality of the United Nations and the role of the General Assembly on matters of concern to the international community, as set out in the Charter of the United Nations.

6. Notwithstanding the economic opportunities and trade momentum triggered by globalization, major challenges remain to be addressed through multilateral cooperation. There is the need for multilateral efforts to guide the direction of globalization to make it more inclusive, equitable and sustainable.

Mr. Chair,

7. The Group remains concerned about the multiple interrelated global crises, in particular, an impending financial and economic crisis triggered by COVID-19, the challenges of climate change and the food crisis, all of which have negative ramifications for the development prospects of our countries.

8. These negative impacts threaten to further widen the gap between developed and developing countries; they could subvert the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals.

9. We also stress the importance of addressing the particular and diverse needs and challenges faced by countries that are close to surpassing or have recently crossed the upper middle-income threshold but still have structural gaps and vulnerabilities.

Mr. Chair,

13. We are cognizant that migration has been a permanent part of human development throughout history, however, international migration has become a growing and complex phenomenon.

14. Countries of origin, transit and destination are today attaching increasing importance to this phenomenon and its contribution to development. Thus, its multidimensional relevance to the development of such countries must be addressed in a coherent, comprehensive and balanced manner.

15. We stress the need to implement effective social communication strategies on the contributions of migrants to sustainable development in all its dimensions, particularly in countries of destination. Concerted efforts are needed to combat discrimination, including racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, facilitate social integration and protect and promote migrants’ human rights through national frameworks.

16. We also reaffirm our commitment to promote and protect, effectively, the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants, especially women and children, regardless of their migration status.

17. Migrants are among the most vulnerable populations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, yet they continue to serve in the frontlines of the fight against the pandemic. Furthermore, the World Bank noted that the economic recession caused by COVID-19 has taken a toll on the ability of migrants to send money and remittances are expected to decline by 20 percent in 2020. Remittances are an important source of external financing for many developing countries and it is important to keep remittance flows open and with low transaction costs.

Mr. Chair,

18.We reiterate that the New International Economic Order is based on the recognition that the international economic system should maximize policy space so that countries can adopt the measures most suited to them, according to their own capabilities and needs.

17. The Group recognizes that if we are to emerge from the prevailing harsh economic conditions, towards development with equity, in the framework of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, we must pursue economic, industrial, social and environmental policies aligned with progressive structural change.

18. We remind the United Nations of its fundamental role in the promotion of international cooperation, and in guiding the coherent and coordinated implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other development initiatives agreed upon by the international community.

19. The Group recognizes the critical role of trade and development and interrelated issues in the areas of finance, technology and investment for inclusive and sustainable development. We call for the consideration of integrated policy responses to issues arising in these areas.

20. We also acknowledge the need for the multilateral trade, economic and financial architecture to incorporate and promote sustainable development and ensure greater coherence and an enabling international environment that facilitates the work of Member States in addressing poverty, inequalities and environmental degradation.

21. In closing, we emphasize the need for Member States to advance economic reforms proactively, as appropriate and avoid inward-looking policies and protectionism, so as to promote an open world economy and generate greater positive effects of globalization.

22. Please note that the Statement of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 16 – Information and Communications Technologies for sustainable development, has been submitted for circulation through the e-delegate portal.

I thank you.