Mr Chairman,

1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item entitled "Proposed Programme budget for the biennium 2014-2015: Strategic Capital Review". We thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Central Support Services, Mr. Stephen Cutts, for introducing the report of the Secretary-General contained in document A/68/733. We also wish to thank the Chairperson of the ACABQ, Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, for introducing the related report of the Advisory Committee.

Mr. Chairman,

2. The Group of 77 and China has previously stated the great importance we attach to the proper management of the Organization's property portfolio and the effective management of any construction undertaken by the Organization. The Group therefore continues to support measures to ensure the conservation of United Nations' properties and the establishment of proper mechanisms and management structures to oversee the effective implementation of the Organization's construction projects.

3. In that regard, we welcome the strategic capital review and look forward to its completion and proposals which will help Member States to approve a strategy for addressing the identified needs, ensure that all United Nations properties meet health and safety and accessibility standards and improve predictability on future maintenance requirements and capital investments.

Mr Chairman,

4. The Group notes the information on future projects, including the Secretariat tower in ESCAP Headquarters, the old ECA office, office buildings in Addis Ababa and the old buildings in Nairobi, and expects to receive proposals, as soon as possible, to address the problems identified.

5. The Group would also like to once again stress the need for commitment and accountability by senior managers both at headquarters and in the field for capital projects. Lessons learned from recent projects emphasize the critical need for close and regular oversight on capital projects.

Mr Chairman,

6. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China would like to assure you of our readiness to engage constructively in deliberation on this agenda item with the aim of concluding it in a timely manner.

I thank you.