Madam Chair,

1. I have the highest honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China at the closing of the main part of the eightieth session of the Fifth Committee.

2. After lengthy, arduous and intense negotiations, the Group of 77 and China would like to thank you, Madam Chair, your team and the bureau members, for your leadership throughout this session. Your leadership played a crucial role in ensuring the successful conclusion of the work of the Fifth Committee.

3. Our sincere appreciation also goes to the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee led by Mr. Lionel Berridge, for the high professionalism shown in facilitating the work of the Committee. We also thank the Controller and Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Chandru Ramanathan, and his team for being responsive and helpful throughout the session as well as the Chair and members of the Advisory Committee for well-reasoned recommendations to this Committee.

Madam Chair,

4. This session was conducted under exceptional circumstances, in the context of the UN80 Initiative, where the Committee considered the related documents within a limited time frame, compounded the challenges faced by the Committee in concluding its work in a timely and orderly manner.

5. In this regard, the Group reaffirms that adequate time should be given to each agenda item and that practical steps must be taken to ensure that reports from the Secretariat and the (ACABQ) are issued in all official languages in a timely fashion, in line with the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly. We stress that any necessary adjustments should remain rare, strictly limited to this session, and should not create precedent for future sessions.

Madam Chair,

6. The Group of 77 and China demonstrated a responsible and constructive engagement, particularly at a time when the Organization is engaged in reflection on its future direction, in the ongoing context of the Secretary-General's UN80 initiative. The Group attaches great importance to the work of this Organization, we worked constructively to ensure an adequate level of resources for the effectively implementation of all mandated activities, in particular funding the development pillar of the United Nations, in order to support the achievement of the Development Goals.

7. We are particularly pleased that the Secretary-General's request for UNRWA's funding was fully approved. A testament to the importance, relevance and indispensable nature of this unique agency that performs functions that cannot be replaced by any other UN entity. The adoption is further proof that UNRWA remains a legitimate agency supported by all member states, regardless of the false slander and unfound allegations against it and its staff members. We hope this will provide much-needed relief to the Agency during this extremely challenging period, and we reaffirm the Group's continued commitment to ensuring that UNRWA receives the resources required to fulfill its vital mandate. We also request the Secretary General to fully implement the recommendations of the (ACABQ) under section 26, including those related to the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound in occupied East Jerusalem, and report to the committee thereon.

8. The Group is also pleased that deliberations were successfully concluded on other important agenda items. These included Programme budget; the UN common system; OIOS/IAAC; Revised estimate of ECOSOC; Administrative expenses of the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund; the ECCC and RSCSL; Budget performance report; Capital master plan; Administration of justice; Condition of Services; Construction projects at ECA, ECLAC, ESCAP, UNON blocks A-J and UNON conference facilities; Strategic heritage plan; Board of Auditors; Pattern of conferences; Ethics Office, IRMCT, Workplace at UNHQ; and Support Account.

Madam Chair,

9. The Group of 77 and China is proud to have upheld its commitment to engaging all negotiating partners in an inclusive, transparent, and constructive manner. We thank all other groups and delegations for their cooperation and flexibility. This spirit of collaboration enabled the Committee to reach successful outcomes across its agenda items. The Group also commends all Coordinators for their invaluable efforts, which contributed significantly to achieving a successful outcome of this session.

10. On a personal note, as my delegation prepares to conclude its role as Chair of the Group of 77 and China, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all members of the Group for their solidarity, trust, and unwavering support in advancing and defending our shared priorities. I would extend my deep gratitude to the former Chair of the Group of 77 and China, our dear colleague Mr. Medard of Uganda, for his tireless efforts and continued cooperation in advancing the work of the Group.

11. My special appreciation goes to the incoming Chair of the Group of 77 and China, our dear colleague Mr. Laureano of Uruguay. I wish him every success in leading the Group in the coming year. I am certain that all Group members will extend to him the same support that I have received.

I thank you and Happy New Year to all!