Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 132: Proposed Programme Budget for the Biennium 2014-2015, in particular strengthening property management at the United Nations. The Group would like to thank the Assistant Secretary-General, Office of Central Support Services, Mr. Stephen Cutts, and the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, for introducing the related reports on this subject.

Mr. Chairman,

The Group of 77 and China has taken that the total net book value of property, plant and equipment, including assets under construction, was estimated at $4.1 billion exclusive of property items valued below the capitalization thresholds or heritage assets such as works of art which are estimated to additional $393.3 million;

The Group of 77 and China has noted with concern the weaknesses in asset management, both expendable and non-expendable property, and the deficiencies in asset disposal activities at liquidated missions. The Group would like to stress the importance of establishing and re-organising sound asset management in order to support the implementation of the IPSAS and thus improving financial information.

In this regard, the Group of 77 and China underscore the need for the Secretary-General to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the oversight bodies on property management as well the key programme tasks determined by the interdepartmental working group with view to strengthen establishing a sound long-term property management framework for the Organization;

Mr. Chairman,

Turning to the resource requirements, while noting the need to reinforce the capacity for property management in the Secretariat and offices away from headquarters, the Group of 77 and China is concerned that the Secretary-General has been circumventing the intergovernmental scrutiny by funding positions through vacancy management using vacant posts on a temporary basis.

The Group of 77 and China concurs with the view of the Advisory Committee that if the Secretary-General wishes to take action to strengthen property management at the Secretariat, including making changes to its structure, he should submit his proposal to the General Assembly for consideration, with a clear business case, including full justification for any new staffing requirements. The Group of 77 and China is disappointed that the approved posts are used for purposes other than those for which they were intended.

Mr. Chairman,

In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China will like to assure you of our continued readiness to engage constructively on the consideration of this important agenda item.

I thank you.