Mr. Chairman (DPM/FM of Iraq),

Excellencies,
Colleagues,

1. Let me begin by expressing our deep appreciation to the brotherly Republic of Iraq for its leadership in guiding the Group of 77 and China during a year of daunting challenges, yet important breakthroughs.

Excellencies,

2. We are confronted with an escalating development crisis. The SDG financing gap has widened from $2.5 trillion in 2019 to over $4 trillion today. Taking into account the requirements for climate action, several more trillions would be added to this staggering number. Inequalities are deepening. Debt distress has overtaken more than one hundred countries. Climate disasters are multiplying with alarming frequency. Geopolitical tensions are disrupting the world economy, and the digital divide threatens to emerge as the defining fault line of this century.

Excellencies,

3. Even in such adverse conditions, Our Group has demonstrated remarkable unity this year, securing substantial gains. The year ahead will have many important processes necessitating our focussed attention and united action:

1. First, the adoption of Compromiso de Sevillaat FfD4 was a notable achievement. The Group must ensure its full realization, especially on (i) convening ECOSOC special meetings on financial integrity and credit rating agencies; (ii) revitalizing the Development Cooperation Forum; (iii) scaling up MDB lending with an SDR playbook at the IMF; (iv) establishing a Borrowers’ Forum; and (v) launching an intergovernmental process to fix systemic gaps in the debt architecture.
2. Second, following up on the adoption of a General Assembly resolution establishing the Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Dialogue on AI governance, the Global South must have a strong presence in these new UN-led processes, and leverage these to bridge the digital divide, build capacity, and safeguard our collective interests.
3. Third, together with African group, we achieved the start of negotiations on a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. We must work closely with the African Group and all partners to bring the Convention and its protocols to fruition. A just and inclusive global tax regime will curb illicit financial flows, ensure fair taxation of multinationals, and unlock domestic resources for development.
4. Fourth, on climate, equity and the principle of “Common But Differentiated Responsibility” (CBDR) must remain at the core. Our partners must deliver on the commitment of $300 billion annually in predictable, grant-based finance. For Pakistan, the urgency is stark: three years after the 2022 floods that caused $30 billion in damages, we are once again facing catastrophic floods, despite contributing less than 1% of global emissions. This injustice remains unaddressed.
5. Lastly, on the UN80 Initiative, the Group must ensure that reforms place sustainable development at the core, with relevant mandates safeguarded and strengthened. Efficiency cannot come at the expense of programmes vital to sustainable development. Above all, the Initiative must be pursued in a transparent, inclusive, and Member State–driven manner.

Excellencies,

4. The Group must seize these opportunities to advance our collective ambitions and aspirations. I wish to assure you that Pakistan will remain a steadfast partner in our common endeavour to uphold and promote the shared interests of the Global South, both within the United Nations and beyond.

I thank you.

New York

24 September 2025