Mr. Chair,

1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and would like to thank the Secretariat for the introducing report A/77/325 under this agenda item. We also thank ACABQ for introducing the related report A/77/486 of the Advisory Committee.

2. At this critical juncture when the world is grappling with the negative consequences of food insecurity, this agenda item is timely and indispensable. We express deep concern over the current state of global food insecurity, which is exacerbating humanitarian needs and increasing the risk of famine around the world in developing countries, including African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, Small Island developing States and middle-income countries. A sudden spike in global prices of wheat, other food supplies and essential fertilizers has put food security of many vulnerable countries at risk.

3. The Group of 77 & China welcomes the mandates stated in resolution 76/124 & resolution 76/264 on the state of Global Food Insecurity. We further welcome the Secretary-General’s efforts in coordinating a comprehensive global response to mitigate global food insecurity and its humanitarian impact through the parallel implementation of the two initiatives: the Trade Facilitation Initiative and Black Sea Grain Initiative.

4. The Group expects discussions by the Fifth Committee to take into account the urgent needs of developing countries and to avoid politicization of this important agenda item. Thus, we put forward a proposal to swiftly adopt a short concise resolution granting the Secretary General the required resources.

5. In conclusion, the Group stands ready to engage constructively on this agenda item during the upcoming informal consultations.

I thank you, Mr. Chair.