Mr. President,

Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

I have the honour to deliver this joint statement on behalf of the 87 members of the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI).

We meet at a time when the world is confronted with profound transformations and growing uncertainties. The fragile global economic growth, the widening financing gap and the rising protectionism continues to impede the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is high time to reaffirm our commitment to development, uphold multilateralism and reinvigorate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

Development should always be placed at the center of the UN agenda. Seizing the momentum of implementing the Sevilla Commitment, we must adopt a people-centered approach to mobilize greater resources for the priority areas of developing countries, including poverty eradication, food security, green development, infrastructure and digital transformation.

Developed countries must fulfill their respective commitments on ODA and climate finance, and provide more financial, technological, and capacity-building support. International financial institutions and multilateral development banks should play a greater role by providing more long-term, affordable, and concessional financing. More support should be given to developing countries in building sound financial systems and upgrading financial infrastructure and help them enhance economic resilience to better prepare for challenges such as climate change, debt burden and volatility in international markets.

The Group underscores the importance and urgency of reforming the international financial architecture. The governance reform of the international financial institutions needs to be expedited to address the lack of representation and voice of the developing countries. We advocate a financial culture characterized by prudence, integrity and innovation, and a commitment to serving real economy. We call for the strengthening of financial safety net. International financial institutions should further strengthen their economic and financial surveillance functions and enhance global macroeconomic policy coordination.

The Group is deeply concerned with the increasing unilateral protectionism measures and unilateral coercive measures that impede the full achievement of economic and social development, particularly in developing countries. We urge the international community to resolutely safeguard the WTO-centered, rules-based multilateral trading system, jointly promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and keep the global industrial and supply chains stable and smooth. 

Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies presents great potential when managed properly. We welcome the UN establishment of the multidisciplinary Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the convening of the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Switzerland in July, as well as the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai, China in July. 

President,

The Group of Friends of GDI stays committed to fostering development partnership, sharing development experience and advancing practical cooperation, to jointly contribute to financing for development and accelerate the implementation of the SDGs. Working together, we can realize the vision of a more prosperous future for all, where no one and no country is left behind. Thank you!