The following is the G-77 statement for the joint meeting of the Executive Boards of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS, UNICEF, UN Women and WFP delivered by the Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations Ambassador Aamir Khan;

“Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the honor to make the statement on behalf of the G-77 and China.

The world today faces interrelated crises of conflict, climate change and environmental degradation, as well as socio-economic downturns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, further compounded by an increase in global inflation, which reached a decade high. 5.2% last year.

Unfortunately, developing countries are disproportionately affected, particularly due to the unsustainable debt burden that many of them have accumulated at this time. To face these challenges, we need a transformative vision, a strong expression of global solidarity and a collective will to support the national efforts of developing countries to build their resilience to future shocks.

The G-77 Group and China suggest that our collective “call to action” to address these challenges should:

First, to strengthen cooperation, collaboration and coordination of development activities, especially for countries facing humanitarian emergencies or conflict situations.

Second, build climate resilience across food systems, in line with national priorities/strategies and circumstances, while recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Third, rationalize international agricultural trade, including tackling the huge agricultural subsidies provided by some wealthier economies that not only distort global markets, but also prevent farmers in developing countries from being competitive.

Fourth, emphasize flexibility and speed to ensure the timely provision of emergency concessional financing, including grants, with an emphasis on ensuring net positive resource transfers to countries in difficulty social and economic.

Fifth, to meet the external financing needs of developing countries, in particular in the form of extraordinary emergency measures for countries that are over-indebted or at high risk of over-indebtedness.

Sixth, most of the historic US$650 billion SDR allocation went to developed countries. We must aim to channel at least US$250 billion out of US$650 billion to deal with the liquidity crisis in developing countries.

Seventh, meet the commitment of developed countries to provide US$100 billion per year for climate finance and begin discussions on climate finance beyond 2025 from the floor of US$100 billion.

Eighth, respect the ODA commitment of 0.7% of GNI and protect current shares of aid to developing countries. Ninth, increase investment in sustainable agricultural infrastructure?—to facilitate the transportation, production, and distribution of agricultural inputs and food products.

The Panel is very concerned about the visible trend of significant cuts in the basic development allocation which hampers the essential role of UN development agencies in supporting developing countries’ efforts to achieve the SDGs. Cutting development funding and defunding key development agencies in the UN system is the opposite of what the world needs right now.

Finally, the Group also wishes to reiterate that the mandates defined by the General Assembly in the QCPR must be fully respected and implemented by the United Nations development system.

The Boards of Directors must play their oversight and guidance role to ensure compliance with agreed mandates and to ensure that the potential and capacities of United Nations entities are strengthened and fully exploited.

In this critical context, as developing countries grapple with the triple crisis, it is time for action and the strengthening of the Development Pillar of the United Nations Development System is essential.

I thank you”.