Excellencies, Co-Chairs,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

At the outset, the Group wishes to convey its appreciation to the Co-Chairs, Ambassador Brian Wallace, Permanent Representative of Jamaica, and Ambassador Merete Fjeld Brattested, Permanent Representative of Norway, for their work and leadership of the UN80 workstream 2 discussions.

The Group of 77 and China takes note of the proposed updated roadmap and would like to share, on a preliminary basis, the following general comments, without prejudging its position as well as those of its member States on the draft non-paper to be presented on 12 June:

First, taking into consideration that mandate texts are political instruments agreed upon by Member States, the Group is of the view that the modalities need to clearly state that all review processes must remain fully Member-State-led.

Second, as clearly stated in General Assembly resolution 80/251, the diverse nature of mandates and their contexts, as well as of the membership, governance structures and financial and administrative arrangements across the United Nations system must be respected and preserved. In this regard, the Group wishes to reiterate its position that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and that mandates should be reviewed by the specific body that originated them, in accordance with their working methods.

Third, the Group reiterates that the development pillar should maintain its priority under the UN80 Initiative, with a focus on how to further enhance support to developing countries. Whenever possible, efficiency gains should be redeployed to development activities in programme countries, with a view to fulfilling the UN80 vision of strengthening impact on the ground.

Fourth, the Group of 77 and China wishes to emphasize the need to avoid politicization and double standards, for which it will be key to have easy access to all information needed to develop clear and objective criteria and modalities. Therefore the Group considers it essential to have Secretariat support through accurate, evidenced based and objective data as well as impartial expertise and analysis. Any recommendations coming from the Secretariat should remain neutral, with clear, objective and consistent rationale provided, and should not prejudge Member States' decision-making. The group would welcome an opportunity for a dedicated exchange with the Secretariat in this regard.

Fifth, as we deliberate on possible modalities for the review of GA mandates, the group reiterates that modalities must avoid the path of the 2006 exercise, nor should duplicate other reform, revitalization and rationalization processes already under way across the General Assembly and its main committees. We should also continue to uphold the general rule that mandates remain valid until they are fully implemented or expired as provided for in their original or renewing resolution or decision of Member States, as it was clearly stated in General Assembly resolution 80/251.

Excellencies, dear Co-Chairs,

The Group of 77 and China acknowledges your hard work and stands ready to engage constructively in this negotiation process, with a view to ensuring that mandates remain fit for purpose, that resources are used effectively, and that the priorities of developing countries are fully reflected and advanced.

I thank you.