I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the G77 and China on agenda item 137, Programme Planning.

Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished delegates,

The Group continues to emphasize that Programme Planning is essential to the functioning of the Organization, as it is the exercise that allows the legislative mandates of the various United Nations intergovernmental bodies and organs to be translated into concrete actions to ensure that the United Nations contributes to the development and well-being of our peoples.

The Programme Plan, as the Organization´s principal policy directive, must receive special attention in all its phases. The Group reiterates the role of the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC), as the main subsidiary body of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council for planning, programming, oversight and coordination. We stress that the CPC plays a critical technical advisory role in the General Assembly's review of the United Nations programme plan. In this regard, providing recommendations to the General Assembly on programme plans should remain the primary responsibility of the CPC.

The Group encourages CPC members to work together with a constructive approach to agree on recommendations on all programmes in the future and to ensure that they are in line with the mandates generated by Member States.

Chair,

The Group takes note that once again the CPC was not able to agree on several programmes critical to drive forward the development agenda, and we note with grave concern that once again this year UNCTAD was one of those, alone with programme 7 - economic and social affairs. The Group wishes to highlight that the work of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and UNCTAD toward the implementation of its development programmes, as well as support towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. , is fundamental and a key factor in assisting countries and the UN system. as the Department is at the heart of the United Nations programme for sustainable development to eradicate poverty and advance inclusive economic growth.

As developing countries, we continue to face record high levels of poverty, unemployment, unsustainable debt, commodity-dependence, food insecurity, which are compounded by rising insecurity and climate related disasters. In this context, the role of the various United Nations entities and divisions, especially DESA and UNCTAD remain key in providing policy recommendations and strengthening the capacity of developing countries to address these challenges, as well as in building consensus around efforts to promote national and international strategies and policies conducive to development.

We therefore call on all countries to continue their support to DESA and UNCTAD, as their work help developing countries participate more equitably and effectively in the global economy and supports their efforts to eradicate poverty, build capacity and advance technologies critical for sustainable development, and in the case of UNCTAD supports their efforts to use trade, investment, finance in this regard.

Chair,

In conclusion, the Group remains committed to working with you, the Bureau and other delegations to reach a successful outcome for this session.

I thank you.