Madam Chair,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China under agenda item 135 on the programme budget for 2025, in connection with the report of the Secretary-General contained in document A/80/189 on the United Nations Office for Partnerships.

Madam Chair,

2. The Group reiterates the importance of the United Nations Office for Partnerships as the global gateway to mobilize, convene and sustain multi-stakeholder partnerships that advance the Sustainable Development Goals. The Group notes with appreciation the activities carried out by the Office in this regard. We recall our longstanding position, as emphasized in previous sessions, that effective and inclusive partnerships must be rooted in the principles of multilateralism, respect for national ownership and the priorities of developing countries.

Madam Chair,

3. The Group urges Member States, donors, and other stakeholders to enhance voluntary contributions to UNFIP and UNDEF to enable the Office to respond to the growing needs of developing countries.

4. The Group emphasizes that partnership initiatives must be aligned with national development plans and respect the specific priorities and contexts of developing countries.

5. The Group stresses the importance of expanding initiatives that promote women's leadership and the meaningful participation of young people in decision-making processes.

6. The Group highlights the need to support developing countries in accessing resources, technology, and capacity-building to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, including those caused by sand and dust storms.

Madam Chair,

7. The Group ensuring transparency and accountability, particularly in improving disclosure of information, strengthening internal supervision, establishing clear selection criteria for UNFIP and UNDEF projects and calls for clear mechanisms to assess impact and guarantee accountability in project selection and implementation, with the active involvement of national stakeholders.

8. The Group reaffirms that strengthened global partnerships are indispensable. The Office for Partnerships must continue to play its catalytic role in fostering cooperation, mobilizing resources, and advocating for inclusive multilateralism.

9. The Group of 77 and China reiterates its commitment to working collectively with all partners to ensure that no one is left behind.

Thank you, Madam Chair.