Mr. Chair,

1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on Agenda Item 136: Revised estimates relating to peace and security reform.

2. The Group thanks Ms. Maria Luiza Viotti, Under Secretary General, Chef de Cabinet, and Mr. Carlos Ruiz-Massieu, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for introducing their respective reports.

3. At the outset, the Group reaffirms its support for the Secretary-General's efforts to reform the United Nations peace and security architecture. We welcome his commitment to making the Organization more coherent, effective, and fit-for-purpose, to better deliver on mandates. We are encouraged by his outreach and consultations with Member States, and his promise that this will continue to be an inclusive and transparent process. We reiterate that the buy-in and trust of Member States are critical to the success of our common efforts to improve the Organization.

Mr Chair,

4. The Group has closely studied the details provided in the reports of the Secretary-General and the Advisory Committee. We note the magnitude of the proposed changes, and look forward to discussing how these proposals can achieve desired outcomes, particularly in making the Organization more effective and efficient in delivering on the ground. The Group will be mindful of the links between peace and security reform and management reform as we proceed.

5. In terms of the reorganization of the peace and security architecture, the Group will seek clarity on how the proposed changes to structures will affect functions, reporting lines, and accountability, as well as their potential impact on the delivery of mandates. The Group reiterates the importance we place on establishing clear lines of accountability, in both mandate implementation as well as measuring staff performance. On the latter, Group will pay close attention to how the proposed restructuring will fit within the strategic framework, and how the Secretariat continues to fulfil approved objectives, expected accomplishments, indicators
 
of achievement, or outputs. The yardstick for success is whether these changes will make a tangible difference in mandate implementation and service delivery to Member States.

6. The Group supports making the Organization more effective and efficient, and we are pleased to see that the proposals have focused on outcomes, rather than arbitrary cost-cutting and reductions. The Group reiterates that change must be properly managed and coordinated, and adequate risk mitigation measures put in place, to ensure that movements at Headquarters do not impact operations in the field.

7. The Group also welcomes the Secretary-General's goal of enhancing the coherence and effectiveness of United Nations peace operations. To this end, we will engage actively in discussions to establish clear and consistent criteria for the proposed assignments of field-based Special Political Missions, in order to optimize the service that Headquarters provides to missions in the field.

8. The Group recalls the recent adoption of twin resolutions in the General Assembly and Security Council on peacebuilding and sustaining peace. We look forward to receiving more information on the strengthening of the Organization's capacity to support these goals. The Group will also be interested to learn how the proposed changes will work with entities system-wide in a more coordinated way to leverage synergies and avoid duplication. In particular, the Group notes the Secretary-General's focus on a whole-of-pillar approach and stresses that this should be applied consistently, so that the Organization can address cross-cutting issues like gender in a holistic and coherent way.

Mr Chair,

9. Let me conclude by reassuring you of the Group of 77 and China's commitment to working with all stakeholders towards our common goal of a better United Nations. The Group will actively participate in discussions and looks forward to engaging in a constructive and robust exchange to thoroughly consider the proposals before us.

I thank you, Mr Chair.