Madam Chair,

1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 144, entitled "United Nations Common System".

2. The Group wishes to thank Ambassador Larbi Djacta, Chair of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), We also thank Mr. Christephe Monier Director Programme Planning and Budget, Mr. Miguel Mourato Gordo Director, Global Strategy and Policy Division, and Mr. Udo Fenchel Vice Chair of the ACABQ for introducing their respective reports.

3. The Group notes with appreciation the work of the Commission and supports the recommendations contained in its annual report contained in document A/80/30.

4. The Group reaffirms its commitment to a single, unified United Nations common system and to the crucial role of the (ICSC) as a cornerstone for the regulation and coordination of the conditions of service of the United Nations Common system as stipulated in Article 1 paragraph 1 of its statute.

5. The Group commends the continued efforts of the International Civil Service Commission in updating and reviewing the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service. The Group recognizes the consultative approach adopted by the Commission in preparing the revised draft.

6. The Group takes note that the International Civil Service Commission has recommended 1.6 per cent increase in the unified base/floor salary scale for staff in the Professional and higher categories, effective 1 January 2026. In this regards the Group concurs with the recommendation of the (ACABQ) and emphasizes the importance of ensuring fairness, transparency and long term sustainability in the compensation system.

7. The Group welcomes the significant progress made by the Commission in response to the request of the General Assembly, in its resolutions 76/240 and 77/256, The Group takes note of the ongoing work on the comprehensive review of the compensation package. In this regard, the Group recalls resolution 70/244, and notes the importance of the premise of overall cost containment and sustainability, as well as the agreed criteria of competitiveness and flexibility of the compensation package, in the comprehensive review.

8. The Group looks forward to the outcome and hopes it will provide an optimal and sustainable balance between competing desirable compensation goals, including accuracy, transparency, simplicity, consistency and stability of net remuneration and predictability of its periodic adjustment.

9. The Group also takes note of the discussions on flexible working arrangements and telecommuting policies within the common system. It stresses the need to ensure that such arrangements are implemented in a fair and consistent manner and do not adversely affect the conditions of service, entitlements, or career development opportunities of staff, particularly those serving in hardship duty stations.

10. The Group notes the recommendation of the Commission to continue the pilot programme related to the payment of an amount in lieu of the settling-in grant at category D and E duty stations that are not designated as non-family, until the conclusion of the comprehensive review of the compensation package.

11. Finally, the Group is especially pleased with the efforts being made by organizations to introduce policies to enhance the common system. Therefore, the Group emphasizes the need for equitable geographical representation system-wide and looks forward to the implementation, by the organizations, of the recommendations contained in the report.

12. In conclusion, Madam Chair, the Group stand ready to engage constructively on this item towards a timely consensual conclusion.

I thank you.