Mr. President,

1. I have the honor to deliver this intervention on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2. We thank the distinguished Cluster Coordinators for their Presentations on UN80 Workstream 3 on potential structural and programme realignments and wish to really express our appreciation for all the hard work undertaken by the various workstream teams.

3. Whiles the Group sees the work to be undertaken by this Workstream as extremely crucial and important, we believe it is essential that any structural adjustments respect the operational realities of field presences, particularly in countries hosting regional offices or vulnerable populations, and therefore emphasizes the importance of inclusive dialogue with Member States and affected stakeholders. The Group welcomes further engagement on how structural proposals will be developed and assessed, including in terms of cost implications, governance oversight, and the impact on the delivery of services on the ground.

4. The G77 and China supports the objective of enhancing the cost-efficiency and effectiveness of the United Nations. We agree on the need to eliminate duplication, rationalize structures, and promote a more integrated and coherent UN system. However, this must not come at the cost of development priorities, institutional expertise, and more importantly equitable geographical representation of all member states.

5. We are deeply concerned about the risk of reforms disproportionately affecting developing countries, especially SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs, as well as MICs. Any proposed merger or relocation must prioritize:

- Retaining and strengthening development mandates;
- Enhancing-not weakening-the Resident Coordinator system;
- Preserving institutional knowledge and regional expertise, particularly within the Regional Commissions;
- Avoiding disruptions to field-based support and service delivery.
- Be coordinated with governing bodies of the specialized agencies and programs.

6. We welcome the assurance that the Resident Coordination system will remain unaffected and call for transparency in any reductions or relocations being considered. However, this must not be at the detriment of development programme activities and projects on the ground in programme countries.

7. The Group would also like to point out that any proposals aimed at achieving efficiencies by reducing duplications and redundancies across the UN system should not aim at dismantling the UN agencies, funds and programmes to the detriment of due support to Member States. Most of the UN Entities accumulate specific institutional know-how that must not be lost in the process of streamlining. In this regard, the Group underscores the vital role of the Regional Commissions as indispensable institutional assets with deep regional knowledge, policy integration functions, and proximity to country needs that need to be strengthened, not diminished.

Mr. President,

8. We understand the need to undertake these changes as a matter of urgency. However, noting the possible implications and impacts to the Organization and its staff, there needs to be careful and meticulous analysis weighing the pros and cons of every decision to be proposed to Member States for their consideration and approval. Again, the Group wishes to reiterate that these reforms cannot and should not be undertaken heavily influence by the current liquidity and austerity crisis facing the Organization, but must be conducted in the context of making the UN fit for purpose.

9. The Group of 77 and China remains dedicated to work constructively to ensure that this reform will place this August Organization in a place where it can better deliver to those most in need and those furthest behind. Most importantly is the facilitation for our vision for people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership.

I thank you.