Madam Chair,

1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2. The Group extends its appreciation to the Secretary General, Mr. António Guterres, for presenting revised estimates relating to the proposed programme budget for 2026 and the support account for peacekeeping operations for the 2025/26 period. We also thank Ms. Juliana Gaspar Ruas, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), for introducing the Committee's related report.

Madam Chair,

3. The Group regrets that the revised estimates relating to the proposed programme budget for 2026 and the support account for peacekeeping operations for the 2025/26 period, as well as the related ACABQ report, were presented with considerable delay this year. Member States now have barely one month to complete the entire process leading to the adoption of the budget. Such limited time inevitably constrains the ability of delegations to conduct a thorough review and assessment of the basis for the proposed budget reductions, to submit relevant questions, and to obtain timely answers. This situation will regrettably require Fifth Committee experts to work intensively until the very last days of the year.

4. The Group expresses concern regarding the very limited explanations and clarifications on the methodology applied by different entities in identifying the number, levels, and functions of the proposed staffing changes. In this context, the Group requests that comprehensive information be provided to Member States on the selection of posts and the choice of duty stations proposed for abolishment or relocation, including the associated costs and benefits, in order to enable informed consideration of the proposals.

5. The Group reiterates that the development pillar should maintain its priority under UN80 Initiative with a focus on how to further enhance support to developing countries. In this context, the Group expresses its grave concern over the disproportionate reductions across priority areas. Sections related to international cooperation for development (sections 9, 10, 12,15 and 17) face an overall 16.7% cut, compared with 10.6% in peace and security (sections 3, 5, 6) and only 0.6% in human rights and humanitarian affairs (sections 25-27). Moreover, the proposal to abolish 469 posts under economic growth, sustainable development and Africa representing 57.6% of all proposed abolishments raises serious questions of balance and fairness.

6. The Group recalls that it has previously noted that the UN80 Initiative represents an opportunity to address the percentage of high-level posts in the Organization and its rejuvenation. In this context, the Group notes that most of the proposed abolishment do not meet this objective. It notes with concern that the proposed staffing changes include a net reduction of 72 P-2/1 posts, a reduction of 12.1 per cent in comparison to the 2025 approved posts, the grade with the second highest reduction percentage at the professional level.

7. The Group also looks forward to receiving clarification on the functions and roles to be performed by the Under-Secretary-General for Policy and the reasons for proposing to transfer a post performing such core functions like policy of the Organization to being funded under extrabudgetary resources that are beyond the oversight of member states.

Madam Chair,

8. The Group further emphasizes that reform should not become a mere cost-cutting exercise. Efficiency gains must translate into improved delivery and responsiveness, not into the erosion of mandated programmes or staff reductions that affect developing country's representation. The Group confirms that all revised estimates and restructuring proposals under UN80 be examined with utmost care, ensuring that no mandated activities are left in or underfunded and that the development pillar receives the attention and resources it rightfully deserves.

9. The Group reiterates that equitable geographical representation remains a core principle for our membership. We are seriously concerned that the UN80 Initiative, which entails the abolishment of numerous posts and positions, may further exacerbate existing imbalances in the Organization's geographical distribution. The Group therefore looks forward to receiving further information from the Secretary General on concrete steps to ensure that this vital principle is upheld.

Madam Chair,

10. The Regional Commissions are vital for translating global mandates into regionally tailored action, fostering cooperation among countries, and advancing sustainable development. In this context, the Group reiterates its longstanding call for strengthening the development pillar of the United Nations and will work to ensure adequate resources for bodies that are integral to it, including DESA, UNCTAD, OHRLLS, ECA, ESCAP, ECLAC, and ESCWA.

11. The Group of 77 and China reiterates its strong support for (UNRWA), recognizing its indispensable role in assisting Palestine refugees, and will work towards ensuring that it receives the necessary and predictable financial resources to continue its vital work during these challenging times.

12. The Group is deeply concerned by the financial constraints caused by the persistent arrears in assessed contributions, most of which are owed by the single largest contributor. These arrears undermine the Organization's ability to implement its approved programme budget. Approval of the proposed budget for 2026 will be meaningless if the Organization is not provided with the liquidity required to deliver its mandates.

13. In this regard, the Group proposes that whenever a liquidity crisis arises, the Secretary-General should issue a public statement at the opening of the General Debate of the General Assembly during the High-Level Week, informing Member States of the Organization's financial situation. Such transparency would elevate this critical matter to the highest political level, where it rightfully belongs, to encourage renewed commitment to financial responsibility towards the United Nations.

14. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China would like to emphasize the importance of open, transparent and inclusive negotiations on the programme budget. The Group assures you of its constructive approach in these negotiations, for an outcome that would strengthen the Organization and harmony among the Member States.

I Thank You.