Madam Chair,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 155: Overview and cross-cutting issues related to the budgetary aspects of United Nations peacekeeping operations.

2. The Group would like to thank the Secretariat and the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) for the respective reports under this agenda item.

3. The Group takes note of the proposed reduction 1.7 per cent in the overall peacekeeping budget for 2025/26 due to the closure of MINUSMA while the budgets of other active peacekeeping missions have still increased significantly, which is unusual under the background of the drawdown and downsizing of peacekeeping operations. We trust that any reductions must be data-driven, fact-based and assessed thoroughly, to ensure they do not undermine mandate delivery, especially in complex and high-risk environments.

4. We note with appreciation the Secretary-General's projected efficiency gains of $53.4 million, which is also a reflection of the promotion of the culture of efficiency in peacekeeping operation. We align ourselves with the ACABQ's request for a more detailed and comprehensive explanation of the methodologies and assumptions used in calculating these figures. The Group emphasizes that efficiency should not come at the expense of personnel safety.

5. The Group expresses concern over persistently high vacancy in different missions while there are still new posts/positions requirements. We echo ACABQ's call for more realistic vacancies rate that reflect actual hiring capacity and operational needs.

6. On cross-borrowing, we note that the peacekeeping support account continues to be strained by liquidity challenges due to the huge arrears of the one single largest contributor, with $306.6 million borrowed from closed missions as of 30 June 2024. The Group renew its call for timely and full payment of assessed contributions to ensure predictability and financial stability.

7. The Group reiterates its concern regarding high levels of unutilized balances, particularly under civilian staffing, facilities, and operational requirements. We support ACABQ's recommendation that missions enhance coordination between planning and budget functions to ensure better implementation and more accurate needs assessments.

8. Regarding cost-recovery mechanisms, the Group takes notes with concern of the accumulation of surplus balances in the peacekeeping support accountant other cost-sharing arrangements. We request further clarity on the management of these surpluses and urge greater transparency in how these surpluses are generated and used. In this regard, we request a clearer link between resource requirements and actual expenditure trends.

9. The Group underscores the value of local procurement and host country engagement, both to improve mission efficiency and to support local economic development. We encourage the Secretariat to expand local sourcing, particularly in sectors such as food, basic services, and construction, while ensuring compliance with UN standards and accountability frameworks. We emphasize that the assessment of host countries are critical when evaluating the performance of filed missions.

10. On representation matters, we stress the continued need for equitable geographical representation, particularly at senior levels. The Group recalls that the Secretary-General has been requested to intensify his efforts to ensure proper representation of TCC/PCCs, and will be interested in understanding targeted programmes, initiatives and relevant aspects of senior managers' compacts geared towards addressing the issue of representation. We support the ACABQ's recommendation to improve outreach and broaden the pool of candidates from underrepresented regions.

11. The Group underscores the importance of medical and casualty evacuation (MEDEVAC) framework. We support the ACABQ's recommendations to intensify efforts to mitigate the risks to the safety and security of all personnel in peacekeeping operations and improve casualty evacuation performance. The safety and security of peacekeepers and UN personnel must remain a central priority. We continue to emphasize that the relevant resolutions and decisions of the Security Council and the General Assembly, particularly resolution 2518 (2020), should be fully implemented.

12. We also highlight the need for clear and timely planning for mission transitions and drawdowns. The Group supports the early development of contingency plans, including environmental remediation and asset disposal strategies, to ensure smooth transitions and sustainability of efforts.

13. The Group underscores the critical importance of adequate and timely reimbursement to troop and police contributing countries, and We urge the Secretariat to provide regular, detailed updates on the status of reimbursements and liabilities.

Madam Chair,

14. The Group of 77 and China reaffirms its commitment to engage constructively in the negotiations of this agenda item, in line with the principles of equity, transparency, accountability, and shared responsibility.

Thank you!