Madam Chair,

1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China under agenda item 141, on human resources management.

2. The Group wishes to thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Resources, Ms. Martha Helena Lopez, for the introduction of the reports of the Secretary-General on the implementation of human resources management reforms: Outlook for 2026-2029, the composition of the Secretariat, and the practice in disciplinary matters and cases of possible criminal behavior, the Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Mr. Katlego Boase MMalane, for presenting the related report, as well as the Representative of the UN Secretariat staff unions, Ms. Narda Cupidore, for her contributions.

3. The Group acknowledges the continued efforts of the Secretariat and the ACABQ in providing data and analysis to support the General Assembly's oversight of human resources management, particularly in a context marked by liquidity constraints and ongoing structural change.

Madam Chair,

4. On the implementation of human resources management reforms, the Group notes the Advisory Committee's observations that the UN80 Initiative and related General Assembly decisions have implications for the human resources framework, including workforce transition and downsizing measures. The Group shares the view that Member States should receive a comprehensive assessment of the impact of these decisions on outcomes, targets and indicators, as well as clarity on any additional measures required for their implementation.

5. The Group takes note of the information shared with the Advisory Committee regarding the early separation programme launched in 2025, including the reported 1,093 approved separations as of 13 January 2026. The Group supports close monitoring and transparent reporting on the demographic impact of these measures.

6. Additionally, the Group recalls the Advisory Committee's assessment that, while the existing framework supports tracking across result areas, it does not in itself meet the General Assembly's request for a consolidated and comprehensive human resources management strategy, with a coherent long-term vision and clearly quantifiable targets, benchmarks and implementation timelines. The Group reiterates the importance of such a strategy, aligned with the decisions of Member States, and looks forward to its development with the level of ambition and urgency required.

Madam Chair,

7. The Group notes that, as of 31 December 2024, the number of Secretariat staff stood at 41,999, comprising 35,231 staff members and 6,768 full-time equivalent of affiliate personnel, representing a decrease of 1,526 staff, or 4.2 per cent, compared with 2023. While some of these trends reflect structural changes in mandates and operations, the Group stresses the importance of ensuring that such shifts do not undermine institutional balance, operational effectiveness or equitable geographical representation.

8. On equitable geographical distribution, the Group notes the reduction in the number of unrepresented Member States from 20 to 19 and underrepresented Member States from 37 to 25, between December 2020 and November 2025. While these developments are encouraging, the Group remains concerned by the high number of vacant geographical posts and by the continued low volume of applications from unrepresented Member States. In this context, the Group underlines the importance of accountability for managers and supports the Advisory Committee's recommendation to enhance transparency and tracking, including by reflecting, as appropriate, the 50 per cent target related to selections from unrepresented and underrepresented Member States as a complementary indicator in future reporting.

9. The Group reiterates that external recruitment remains a key tool to improve equitable geographical distribution. In this regard, we underscore the need for targeted outreach, sustained talent pipelines and sufficient liquidity to enable the Organization to fill vacant geographical posts, particularly in favor of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States, while also recognizing the contribution of troop- and police-contributing countries to the work of the Organization.

10. With respect to gender balance, the Group notes continued progress across the Secretariat. As at the end of 2024, women represented 43.1 per cent of the overall staff population, and 46.0 per cent of international staff-still below the parity range of 47.0 to 53.0 per cent. The Group shares the expectation that efforts be intensified where challenges persist, including in field operations, and that progress be reflected in future reporting.

11. On workforce rejuvenation, the Group notes the gradual ageing of the Secretariat workforce, with the average age increasing from 46.6 years in 2020 to 47.6 years in 2024, as well as projections indicating that approximately 10 per cent of staff are expected to retire between 2025 and 2029. The Group stresses that hiring restrictions and limited recruitment could constrain the Organization's ability to seize what should be an opportunity for rejuvenation.

Madam Chair,

12. Turning to the practice in disciplinary matters and cases of possible criminal behavior, the Group reaffirms the importance of a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct and a strong culture of accountability. In this regard, the Group notes the Advisory Committee's call to strengthen the strategic outlook of reporting, including through enhanced trend analysis, and supports the recommendation that future reports include a dedicated section on actions taken to implement relevant General Assembly resolutions and recommendations of oversight bodies.

13. The Group further notes the Advisory Committee's concerns regarding potential UN80-related vulnerabilities, as major organizational changes may weaken internal control environments. The Group shares the view that all efforts should be made to ensure strengthened risk management, timely handling of misconduct complaints, and appropriate analysis of any UN80-related trends in future reporting.

14. The Group welcomes the launch of ClearCheck 2.0 and encourages continued efforts to promote wider participation and active use across the United Nations system, including ongoing work to enable the inclusion of consultants and individual contractors, as appropriate. The Group also shares the Advisory Committee's concern regarding the recovery of financial losses arising from misconduct and underscores the importance of intensifying efforts to improve recovery rates through early identification and timely action, including in separation cases.

Madam Chair,

15. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China reiterates that equitable geographical representation, gender balance and workforce rejuvenation remain core priorities in the context of human resources management reform. The Group stands ready to engage constructively to ensure that human resources policies and practices fully reflect the guidance of the General Assembly and support a balanced, representative and effective international civil service.

I thank you.