2. On this day 80 years ago, following a horrific war and gruesome period in time several nations came together to establish the United Nations and its foundational document, the UN Charter, which was finalized and adopted at the San Francisco Conference in 1945.

3. On this auspicious occasion as we commemorate the signing of the Charter of the United Nations, some 8 decades in, we find ourselves at the cusp of multiple crises, including a serious threat of war, which goes contrary to the fundamental principles and purposes of the Charter. We therefore, must reflect on and fully respect the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, particularly as they relate to equality among States, respect for the independence of States, national sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of States, and stress that those principles and purposes inspire our full commitment to multilateralism and the search for a more just and equitable international economic system that offers opportunities to eradicate poverty and raise the standard of living of our peoples.

4. The Group of 77 and China reiterated its commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter to ensure that the dignity of every person is respected and to foster the attainment of social progress and better standard of living for all. The Group commits to do everything it can through partnerships to fulfill obligations to foster peace, while ensuring prosperity for people and planet, through the proper execution of the three equally important, interlinked and mutually reinforcing pillars of the United Nations - peace and security, human rights and development, in a balance and equitable manner, and calls on all the Member States of the UN to do the same.

Mr. President,

5. The Group of 77 and China also calls on all nations to seize this opportunity to renew the multilateral spirit of this August Organization and its Charter, which we all joined with the hope of working together to create a better tomorrow for the current generation and for many more generations to come. Let us remember why we chose to come together it was with the hope to support each other to tackle present and future problems and challenges facing humankind, and arriving at solutions within an overarching framework agreed to multilaterally, in a democratic and equitable way, and inspired by common interests and aspirations of "we the peoples of the United Nations".

6. We need to work, cooperate and exist together in harmony, solidarity and peace because we know that "United we stand, divided we fall".

I thank you.

2. The Group would like to express its appreciation to you Madam Chair, and to all bureau members, for the leadership and guidance throughout the second resumed session of the 79th Session of the General Assembly and for successfully concluding your chairmanship.

3. The Group also extends its appreciation to the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee, led by Lionel Berridge, to the coordinators for their hard work, dedication and the important roles they play to support us in our negotiations.

Madam Chair,

4. With respect to the agenda items that were before the Committee this session, we are pleased to have reached consensus on the Strategic Heritage Plan (SHP) which reflects the Group's commitments to the successful implementation of this important United Nations project in Geneva.

5. The Group also welcomes the consensus achieved on the report of the Board of Auditors and on the approval of the budgets for peacekeeping missions.

6. The Group notes the number of agenda items that were concluded at a skeletal resolution.

Madam Chair,

7. Our inability to conclude some of the other agenda items is a matter of concern for our Group.

8. In particular, the Group regrets the absence of comprehensive agreements under the agenda item on improving the financial situation of the United Nations. We made every attempt to achieve consensus by moving significantly from our positions in the true spirit of compromise. It is concerning that we were not able to adopt substantive resolutions on these important matters, especially in identifying steps to address the Organization's recurrent liquidity problems. We look forward to continuing discussions on this agenda item during the main part of the ( 80th) session. We also find it regrettable that the Committee was not able to adopt a resolution on Cross-Cutting issues and Close Peacekeeping Operations.

9. We hope that in the future, the Committee will make greater efforts to have negotiated outcomes and give appropriate guidance to the Secretariat on the management of the Organization.
10. Before concluding, allow me to thank all our negotiating partners, the likeminded plus+ and the Russian Federation for their constructive engagements with the Group of 77 and China, on several issues during this session.

11. Finally, as we look ahead and prepare for the eightieth session, the Group reaffirms its commitment to always engage constructively in the work of the Fifth Committee in helping this Organization deliver on its mandates.

I thank you.

2. We thank the distinguished Cluster Coordinators for their Presentations on UN80 Workstream 3 on potential structural and programme realignments and wish to really express our appreciation for all the hard work undertaken by the various workstream teams.

3. Whiles the Group sees the work to be undertaken by this Workstream as extremely crucial and important, we believe it is essential that any structural adjustments respect the operational realities of field presences, particularly in countries hosting regional offices or vulnerable populations, and therefore emphasizes the importance of inclusive dialogue with Member States and affected stakeholders. The Group welcomes further engagement on how structural proposals will be developed and assessed, including in terms of cost implications, governance oversight, and the impact on the delivery of services on the ground.

4. The G77 and China supports the objective of enhancing the cost-efficiency and effectiveness of the United Nations. We agree on the need to eliminate duplication, rationalize structures, and promote a more integrated and coherent UN system. However, this must not come at the cost of development priorities, institutional expertise, and more importantly equitable geographical representation of all member states.

5. We are deeply concerned about the risk of reforms disproportionately affecting developing countries, especially SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs, as well as MICs. Any proposed merger or relocation must prioritize:

- Retaining and strengthening development mandates;
- Enhancing-not weakening-the Resident Coordinator system;
- Preserving institutional knowledge and regional expertise, particularly within the Regional Commissions;
- Avoiding disruptions to field-based support and service delivery.
- Be coordinated with governing bodies of the specialized agencies and programs.

6. We welcome the assurance that the Resident Coordination system will remain unaffected and call for transparency in any reductions or relocations being considered. However, this must not be at the detriment of development programme activities and projects on the ground in programme countries.

7. The Group would also like to point out that any proposals aimed at achieving efficiencies by reducing duplications and redundancies across the UN system should not aim at dismantling the UN agencies, funds and programmes to the detriment of due support to Member States. Most of the UN Entities accumulate specific institutional know-how that must not be lost in the process of streamlining. In this regard, the Group underscores the vital role of the Regional Commissions as indispensable institutional assets with deep regional knowledge, policy integration functions, and proximity to country needs that need to be strengthened, not diminished.

Mr. President,

8. We understand the need to undertake these changes as a matter of urgency. However, noting the possible implications and impacts to the Organization and its staff, there needs to be careful and meticulous analysis weighing the pros and cons of every decision to be proposed to Member States for their consideration and approval. Again, the Group wishes to reiterate that these reforms cannot and should not be undertaken heavily influence by the current liquidity and austerity crisis facing the Organization, but must be conducted in the context of making the UN fit for purpose.

9. The Group of 77 and China remains dedicated to work constructively to ensure that this reform will place this August Organization in a place where it can better deliver to those most in need and those furthest behind. Most importantly is the facilitation for our vision for people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership.

I thank you.