Madam Chair,

1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China at the closing of the first part of the resumed eightieth session of the Fifth Committee.

2. The Group would like to express its sincere appreciation to you, Madam Chair, and to the members of the Bureau for your leadership and stewardship throughout this session. We also extend our gratitude to all facilitators for their dedication in guiding complex negotiations under particularly challenging circumstances. The Group further wishes to acknowledge the efforts of the Secretariat in supporting the work of the Committee.

Madam Chair,

3. This session has taken place against a particularly demanding backdrop, marked by continued liquidity constraints facing the Organization, as well as the ongoing implementation of system-wide reform efforts, including those associated with UN80. In this context, the Group underscores the importance of preserving the intergovernmental nature of decision-making and ensuring that all administrative and budgetary processes remain transparent, inclusive and Member State-driven.

4. The Group notes with appreciation that consensus was reached on a number of agenda items during this session. In particular, we welcome the adoption of outcomes related to the Organization's ICT strategy, the Joint Inspection Unit, and the item on addressing racism and racial discrimination. These results demonstrate that, even under time pressure, constructive engagement and flexibility can yield positive outcomes for the work of the Committee.

5. At the same time, the Group regrets that we were not able to reach agreement on several key agenda items of critical importance. In particular, the absence of substantive outcomes under human resources management, as well as on broader questions related to accountability, supply chain activities and other cross-cutting administrative matters, is a matter of concern. The Group engaged actively and constructively throughout the session, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to bridge differences. However, despite these efforts, consensus proved elusive.

6. In this regard, the Group wishes to underscore that human resources management remains a central pillar for the effective functioning of the Organization. Discussions on this item, including those related to workforce planning, equitable geographical representation and the impact of ongoing reform initiatives, require careful and comprehensive consideration. We therefore look forward to continuing these discussions in future sessions with a view to achieving balanced and actionable outcomes.

7. With respect to the internship programme, the Group notes that consideration of this issue has once again been deferred. The Group reiterates the importance of advancing a more inclusive and equitable framework for internships, including through the development of a centralized system that enhances accessibility for candidates from developing countries. We remain committed to engaging constructively on this matter in future deliberations.

8. In relation to the proposed revisions to the Financial Regulations and Rules and the programme planning framework, which have been deferred to the second resumed session, the Group wishes to highlight that delays in the issuance of documentation and in the provision of responses to Member States' queries have had a direct impact on the ability of delegations to coordinate effectively and engage in informed negotiations.

9. In this regard, we reiterate that sufficient time should be allocated for the consideration of this important agenda item, which warrants thorough analysis and careful reflection on all potential implications of the proposed language.

10. The Group further reiterates its concern regarding the Organization's persistent liquidity challenges. Addressing this issue requires a collective commitment by all Member States to fulfil their financial obligations in full, on time and without conditions. At the same time, efforts aimed at improving efficiency and accountability must be undertaken in a manner that safeguards mandate delivery and avoids unintended consequences for programme implementation, particularly in developing countries.

Madam Chair,

11. Despite the difficulties encountered during this session, the Group of 77 and China remains firmly committed to the work of the Fifth Committee. We will continue to engage in a constructive, flexible and solutions-oriented manner, with a view to strengthening the effectiveness, transparency and accountability of the Organization.

12. The Group stands ready to work with all partners in the upcoming sessions to build on areas of convergence, bridge outstanding differences and deliver balanced outcomes that reflect the interests and priorities of the entire membership.

I thank you, Madam Chair.