Mr. Chairman,

1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 132: Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations, on the important issue of Accountability.

2. The Group would first like to thank the Under-Secretary-General for Management, Mr. Yukio Takasu, for introducing the Secretary-General's report, A/68/697 entitled "Third progress report on the accountability system in the United Nations Secretariat" and the Chairman of the ACABQ, Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, for introducing the Advisory Committee's report, A/68/783.

Mr. Chairman,

3. The Group of 77 and China has considered the Secretary-General's report, which was expected to respond to the requests of the General Assembly, as reflected in its resolution A/RES/67/253, and to present comprehensive information on the progress of the Organization towards the implementation of the accountability system in the United Nations Secretariat. The Group recalls that in its resolution A/RES/66/257, the General Assembly also requested the Secretary-General to develop, as a priority, a clearly defined and well-documented plan that includes clear objectives, responsibilities and a timeline for accomplishing the specific actions he is undertaking to strengthen accountability in response to the present resolution and resolution 64/259 (A/RES/66/257, para. 6).

4. The Group of 77 and China wishes to recall that resolution A/RES/64/259 stated the definition of accountability as, "the obligation of the Secretariat and its staff members to be answerable for all decisions made and actions taken by them, and to be responsible for honoring their commitments, without qualification or exception. Accountability includes achieving objectives and high-quality results in a timely and cost-effective manner, in fully implementing and delivering on all mandates to the Secretariat approved by the United Nations intergovernmental bodies…".

5. The Group of 77 and China would also like to recall that resolution A/RES/66/257 emphasized the importance of establishing and fully implement real, effective and efficient mechanisms that foster institutional and personal accountability at all levels.

6. In this regard, the Group of 77 and China emphasizes the special responsibility of senior managers and heads of departments to set the appropriate tone and to model exemplary conduct for the staff in their respective areas. And also their responsibility for accurately reflecting organizational mandates and for ensuring that mandates are implemented throughout their departments, and expect that mixed performance by senior managers on the standard managerial indicators in the compacts will be addressed.

Mr. Chairman,

7. The report of the Secretary-General shows once again the continued low percentage of staff rated as underperforming or requiring improvement for the 2012-2013 performance cycles, and in that regard, the Group of 77 and China reiterates its deep concerns regarding the credibility of the appraisal system and the need for viable system of rewards and sanctions. This concern has also been expressed by the ACABQ and the Group agrees that the Secretary-General must address this performance appraisal system which lacks credibility.

8. Concerning the Performance Management and Development System in peacekeeping operations, the Group of 77 and China concurs with the recommendation of the Board of Auditors, and stresses the need of strengthening the link between performance in appraisals and rewards or sanctions for all United Nations staff. The Group also emphasizes on the importance of the full implementation of the zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation or abuse.

Mr. Chairman,

9. Given that the process of implementing an effective accountability system in the United Nations is a continual and ongoing exercise, the Group of 77 and China confirms its initial position of submitting an annual report on progress made towards the implementation of the accountability framework for the consideration of the General Assembly.

Mr. Chairman,

10. The Group of 77 and China remains strongly committed to seeing the implementation of a comprehensive accountability system in the United Nations, and will engage actively in the informal consultations that will follow. We will present our views, with the aim of supporting a comprehensive accountability system in the Secretariat of the United Nations.

Thank you.