Mr. Chair,

1. On the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, the Group of 77 and China solemnly reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles of solidarity, mutual respect, and shared development among countries of the Global South. This observance, established by General Assembly resolution 58/220, is not only a commemoration of the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries (BAPA), but also a reaffirmation of the vision and aspirations that continue to guide our collective journey. The BAPA of 1978, and later the BAPA+40 outcome document, remain foundational milestones in the architecture of South-South cooperation, shaping a path of unity and resilience for developing countries.

2. Today, as the international community navigates an era defined by overlapping crises, such as climate change, debt distress, digital inequality, food insecurity, and the uneven recovery from the pandemic. The Group stresses that South-South and triangular cooperation provide tested, context-sensitive, and scalable solutions. They are not a substitute for North-South cooperation, but a vital and complementary mechanism, one that must be led and owned by countries of the South, rooted firmly in the principles of sovereignty, equality, non-conditionality, non-interference, and mutual benefit. In this respect, the Global South is not merely a recipient of development assistance; it is a dynamic source of transformative ideas, resilient leadership, and enduring partnerships that enrich global governance and the 2030 Agenda.

3. We therefore reaffirm our commitment to fully implementing the BAPA+40 outcome document and express strong support for the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation. The Group also emphasises the vital role of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) as the main coordinating entity within the United Nations system. UNOSSC's platforms, such as the South-South Galaxy, which features nearly a thousand solutions from over 190 countries, and the newly established Solutions Lab, demonstrate the innovative spirit and leadership of developing countries. We call for enhanced financial and institutional support to UNOSSC, enabling it to expand its mandate and impact.

4. The Group further recognizes triangular cooperation as a powerful modality to complement South-South efforts through technology transfer, financing, and capacity-building. We highlight, in particular, the importance of scaling up collaboration in science, technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, nutrition, and vaccine development. Joint research and peer-to-peer innovation can accelerate progress, reduce dependency, and strengthen resilience. Likewise, expanding preferential trade arrangements and fostering inclusive global trade remain vital to advancing our shared economic prospects.

5. Let this United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation serve not only as a celebration of past achievements, but also as a renewed call to action anchored in solidarity, guided by shared purpose, and committed to leaving no one behind. The Group of 77 and China stands ready to harness the collective strength of the Global South to shape a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future for all.

Thank you.