Mr. Chairman,

1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 131, entitled "Programme Planning".

2. The Group wishes to commend the Chairperson of the Committee on Programme and Coordination (CPC), Mr. Eric Saizonou for introducing the report of the Committee contained in document A/67/16. We also wish to thank Mr. Johannes Huisman, Director, Programme Planning and Budget Division, for introducing the report of the Secretary-General on the proposed strategic framework for the biennium 2013-2014 contained in documents A/67/6 (Part one, Part two and Programmes 1-28), as well as Mr. Mario Baez, Chief of Policy and Oversight Coordination Service, Office of the Under-Secretary-General for Management, for introducing the report of the Secretary-General on Programme performance of the United Nations for the biennium 2010-2011, contained in document A/67/77.

Mr. Chairman,

3. Programme Planning deals with the crucial task of translating the intergovernmental mandate into implementable programs. In this regard, the Group wishes to underline the importance of the work of the Committee on Programs and Coordination as the main subsidiary organ of the General Assembly and Economic and Social Council for planning, programming and coordination. The CPC not only gives guidance to the Secretariat by interpreting legislative intents but also considers and develops evaluation procedures for the improvement of programme design and avoid overlap and duplication. In fact, the work of the CPC forms the core of the General Assembly's capacity to provide oversight in this key area.

4. The Group of 77 and China appreciates the work of the Committee on Programme and Coordination during its fifty-second session. Like in previous years, the Report of the CPC provides an excellent basis for the consideration of the relevant issues in the Fifth Committee. We highly value the inputs provided by the CPC and fully endorse the recommendations and conclusions contained in its report. In this regard, the Group of 77 and China recalls the membership the importance of an active participation within the work of the Committee and encourages the State Members to fully engage with the Committee on Programme and Coordination.

Mr. Chairman,

5. We welcome the guidance provided by CPC on the proposed strategic framework for the period 2014-2015. The Group stresses the fact that setting priorities of the United Nations is the sole prerogative of the Member States.

6. The Group of 77 and China would also like to recall GA Resolution 66/288 which endorses the outcome document of the United Nations conference on Sustainable Development, and would like to express its fully commitment to work in order to ensure that the programme narrative of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2014-2015 related to the Environment section reflects the outcome of the Conference.

7. Given the importance of the evaluation processes in the Secretariat, G77 and China expects that the recommendations and conclusions of the CPC regarding evaluation are diligently implemented by the managers of the Secretariat. We also expect that the Secretariat, in accordance with the recommendations and conclusions of the CPC, when preparing future plan outlines takes fully into account the need to consult previously and widely with the Member States before presenting proposals on management reforms to the General Assembly.

8. The Group of 77 and China welcomes the ongoing efforts taken by the United Nations systems in supporting the New Partnership for Africa's Development and the debate generated around it during the session of the CPC. Like the CPC, the Group of 77 and China welcomes and congratulates the appointment of Amb. Maged Abdelaziz as the Under-Secretary-General and Special Advisor on Africa. We would like to assure him and his team our readiness in supporting him discharging his Office mandate. We would also like to thank Amb. Sheick Diara for the efforts he dedicated to the Office as Officer in Charge.

Mr. Chairman,

9. The Group of 77 and China continues to strongly believe that the United Nations Chief Executives Board (CEB) should play an important role in improving coordination in the UN system and thus enhance the effectiveness of the Organization.

10. The Group of 77 and China, however, urges the Secretary-General, in his capacity as Chairman of the CEB, to continue to take actions in order to enhance the Board's transparency and accountability to Member States in accordance with Assembly resolutions including 66/257. As the CPC recommended, there is a need for the Board to continue to act in accordance with its mandate of enhancing system-wide coordination and in conformity with the intergovernmental mandates of its member organizations.

11. The Group of 77 and China welcomes the continued cooperation among the CEB, the International Civil Service Commission and the Joint Inspection Unit and encourages a more effective dialogue and cooperation on matters of mutual interest.

Mr. Chairman,

12. Finally, the Group of 77 and China reiterates its appreciation for the work done by the Members of the CPC and for the support received from the Secretariat during the past session. Allow me to assure you of the constructive participation of the Group during the negotiations on this item.

I thank you.