Mister President,

I have the honour to deliver this explanation of position after the adoption of resolution L.21 on behalf of the Group of 77 & China.

The Group of 77 & China wishes to thank Ms. Nadia Benani of Switzerland for her facilitation of the intergovernmental process.

The Group reaffirms the role of the General Assembly in providing key system-wide strategic policy orientations and operational modalities for the United Nations development system. The Group also reaffirms the mandate and role of ECOSOC, including through its operational activities for development segment as a platform to ensure and enhance accountability and oversight.

Therefore, while the Group joins consensus on the draft, it wishes to convey that preambular paragraph 4 and operative paragraph 29 should be considered together to maintain the appropriate balance that was contained in resolution 79/226.

The Group reiterates that the priorities of programme countries must be placed at the center of potential reforms related to the United Nations Development System. Therefore, while appreciating the information received thus far, the Group calls for greater transparency, detailed information sharing and consultation on all such proposals, including their implications for the implementation of the mandates contained in the QCPR.

The Group reiterates that all reform related proposals must remain firmly anchored in General Assembly mandates, particularly resolution 72/279 and subsequent QCPR resolutions. Any proposal on regional and country-level restructuring should demonstrably strengthen the UN capacity to support Member States. Additionally, how these reforms will result in enhanced coordination and effective mandate implementation should be communicated to programme countries in a clear, timely and transparent manner to allow them to conduct internal consultations before any decision on such proposals can be taken.

The Group reaffirms that the remaining pieces of the repositioning of the UNDS must remain Member State driven, with the Secretariat playing an advisory role on technical issues. A meaningful process requires full respect for distinct roles and mandates, and the active, trust based engagement of all Member States, particularly programme countries.

Finally, the Group looks forward to continuing the discussion on all relevant matters in the annual General Assembly resolution on Operational Activities for Development of the United Nations development system this fall.

I thank you, Mr. President.