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STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY PERMANENT MISSION OF IRAQ TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM, CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT - UNON BLOCKS A-J AND THE SEISMIC MITIGATION RETROFIT AND LIFE-CYCLE REPLACEMENTS PROJECT AT THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC PREMISES IN BANGKOK, DURING THE MAIN PART OF THE EIGHTIETH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (New York, 8 October 2025) |
Madam Chair,
1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on the Construction Management: at the United Nations Office at Nairobi UNON- AJ and the Seismic mitigation retrofit and life-cycle replacements project at the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific premises in Bangkok at the main part of the 80th Session of the General Assembly.
2. The Group expresses its deepest gratitude to the Governments of Thailand and Kenya as host countries of ESCAP and UNON, respectively, for continuing support and cooperation for the implementation of the projects.
Regarding UNON-AJ
3. The Group welcomes the steady progress achieved in the UNON new office facilities project, which is now advancing towards conclusion. We note positively that the project has been managed within the appropriate resources.
4. We welcome that no further appropriations are foreseen for 2026 beyond the limited requirements for project management and the warranty period and emphasize the importance of rigorous oversight during the close-out phase to preserve the benefits achieved within the resources already approved.
5. The Group welcomes the reported efficiency gains of 25 per cent in workplace utilization through the adoption of flexible workplace strategies, which allowed additional UN entities.
6. The Group further commends the efforts to strengthen project governance and oversight, including the application of lessons learned from other capital projects, which contribute to improving efficiency and accountability.
Turning to ESCAP
7. The Group welcomes the substantial completion of construction activities related to the Seismic mitigation retrofit and life cycle replacement project at the ESCAP premises in Bangkok in June 2025. This achievement represents a major milestone in ensuring safe and modern facilities for the Commission.
8. The project not focuses on ensuring life safety and seismic risk mitigation, but also incorporates innovative features that emphasize accessibility, environmental sustainability, energy and space efficiencies-as well as- the use of local knowledge and materials.We believe that this project contains examples of best practices that can serve as a valuable reference for the planning and management of construction projects across the Organization.
9. The Group also welcomes the achievement of a 20 per cent gain in space efficiency, including newly rentable areas, and emphasizes that any gains or savings should be directed towards enhancing the sustainability of ESCAP's work in serving Member States.
10. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China recognizes the significant progress made in both projects and the tangible benefits they bring to the Organization. We reaffirm our support to the Secretary-General and the Secretariat in continuing to apply lessons learned and best practices, ensuring that future capital projects of the United Nations build upon these positive experiences.
I thank you.
STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA
BY PERMANENT MISSION OF IRAQ TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM, CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT - UNON BLOCKS A-J AND THE SEISMIC MITIGATION RETROFIT AND LIFE-CYCLE REPLACEMENTS PROJECT AT THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC PREMISES IN BANGKOK, DURING THE MAIN PART OF THE EIGHTIETH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
(New York, 8 October 2025)
Madam Chair,
1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on the Construction Management: at the United Nations Office at Nairobi UNON- AJ and the Seismic mitigation retrofit and life-cycle replacements project at the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific premises in Bangkok at the main part of the 80th Session of the General Assembly.
2. The Group expresses its deepest gratitude to the Governments of Thailand and Kenya as host countries of ESCAP and UNON, respectively, for continuing support and cooperation for the implementation of the projects.
Regarding UNON-AJ
3. The Group welcomes the steady progress achieved in the UNON new office facilities project, which is now advancing towards conclusion. We note positively that the project has been managed within the appropriate resources.
4. We welcome that no further appropriations are foreseen for 2026 beyond the limited requirements for project management and the warranty period and emphasize the importance of rigorous oversight during the close-out phase to preserve the benefits achieved within the resources already approved.
5. The Group welcomes the reported efficiency gains of 25 per cent in workplace utilization through the adoption of flexible workplace strategies, which allowed additional UN entities.
6. The Group further commends the efforts to strengthen project governance and oversight, including the application of lessons learned from other capital projects, which contribute to improving efficiency and accountability.
Turning to ESCAP
7. The Group welcomes the substantial completion of construction activities related to the Seismic mitigation retrofit and life cycle replacement project at the ESCAP premises in Bangkok in June 2025. This achievement represents a major milestone in ensuring safe and modern facilities for the Commission.
8. The project not focuses on ensuring life safety and seismic risk mitigation, but also incorporates innovative features that emphasize accessibility, environmental sustainability, energy and space efficiencies-as well as- the use of local knowledge and materials.We believe that this project contains examples of best practices that can serve as a valuable reference for the planning and management of construction projects across the Organization.
9. The Group also welcomes the achievement of a 20 per cent gain in space efficiency, including newly rentable areas, and emphasizes that any gains or savings should be directed towards enhancing the sustainability of ESCAP's work in serving Member States.
10. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China recognizes the significant progress made in both projects and the tangible benefits they bring to the Organization. We reaffirm our support to the Secretary-General and the Secretariat in continuing to apply lessons learned and best practices, ensuring that future capital projects of the United Nations build upon these positive experiences.
I thank you.