Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 134, entitled "Programme Planning".

At the outset the The Group of 77 and China wishes to commend the Chairperson of the Committee on Programme and Coordination (CPC), Mr. Ramadhan Mwinyi, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations, for introducing the report of the Committee contained in document A/69/16. The Group also extend its appreciation to 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 2015-2016 contained in documents A/69/6 (Part one, Part two and Programmes 1-28), as well as Mr. Mario Baez, Chief of Policy and Oversight Coordination Service for introducing the report of the Secretary-General on Programme performance of the United Nations for the biennium 2012-2013, contained in document A/69/144.

Mr. Chairman,

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. The Group of 77 and China reaffirms its continued commitment and position in supporting and to continue to strengthen the work of the Committee.

Our Group acknowledges and appreciates the tremendous work of the Committee on Programme and Coordination during its fifty-fourth session. Like in the past, the Report of the Committee continued to provide an excellent basis for the consideration of the relevant issues in the Fifth Committee. The Group highly values the inputs and comments provided by the CPC and fully endorses the recommendations and conclusions contained in its report. The Group also appreciates the increase membership participation which increased the engagement within the Committee's deliberation. The Group encourages the efforts in this regard.

The Group of 77 and China also welcomes the guidance provided by CPC on the proposed strategic framework for the period 2016-2017. We would like to re-emphasize that setting priorities of the United Nations remains the sole prerogative of the Member States.

Mr. Chairman,

The Group of 77 and China would like to recall the outcome document of the United Nations conference on Small Island Development States, as well as highlight the fact that the deliberations on the post 2015 development agenda are still ongoing, and expected to be finalized in the next months to come. In this regard, we would like to express our full commitment to work in order to ensure that the programme narratives of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2016-2017 relating to this new mandates are prepared and submitted for consideration of the CPC in line with established procedures.

Given the importance of the evaluation processes in the Secretariat, the 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.

Mr. Chairman,

The Group of 77 and China continues to strongly believe that the United Nations Chief Executives Board (CEB) should continue to play an important role in improving coordination in the UN system and thus enhance the effectiveness of the Organization. the Group would like to urge 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 relevant provisions including resolutions 66/257 and 68/264. There is a continued 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.

The Group of 77 and China reaffirms its position on the need for 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,

In conclusion, our Group would like to reiterate its appreciation for the work done by the Members of the CPC and for the support received from the Secretariat during the past session. We would like to assure you of our constructive participation during the informal deliberations on this item in order to reach positive outcome.

I thank you.