Madam President,

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

At the outset, the Group wishes to thank the President of the General Assembly and her Office for convening this consultation on the proposed merger of the United Nations System Staff College into the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. The Group particularly appreciates this opportunity for Member States to engage on the draft resolution prior to action by the General Assembly, which is essential to ensure a transparent, inclusive and intergovernmental process.

Although the Group has no fundamental objections to the proposed merger, a number of questions and suggestions have emerged from within the Group that would benefit from further clarification and consideration before the General Assembly proceeds to a decision.

For example, with regard to OP4, questions have been raised as to whether a separate reference to the dissolution of the Staff College is necessary, in light of the provisions already contained in OP2 concerning the merger and the transfer of mandates, functions, personnel, assets, rights, obligations and liabilities, as well as the endorsement in OP1 of the Secretary-General's report, which sets out the different phases of the transition.

With respect to OP5, given the structural nature of the merger, consideration could be given to strengthening the reporting request to the Secretary-General, including by ensuring that the General Assembly receives sufficiently detailed information on the implementation process, its timeline and the projected cost savings.

The Group would also welcome further clarification on broader implementation-related aspects, including how the mandates of the two entities will be consolidated and preserved within the successor institution.

While recognizing that the final staffing structure will be determined during the transition, further clarity would be useful on the principles that will guide the future organizational structure and ensure that the merger generates genuine efficiencies and reduces duplication, including at senior levels.

Questions also remain regarding the estimated one-time transition costs, the assumptions underlying those estimates, and the envisaged financing arrangements, including reliance on voluntary contributions and reserves.

Finally, given the relatively compressed timeframe between the presentation of the Secretary-General's report, the circulation of the draft resolution and the envisaged implementation of the merger, the Group considers it important that Member States receive as much clarity as possible on the sequencing of the process, with a view to ensuring the highest standards of transparency and accountability throughout its implementation.

The Group looks forward to the clarifications to be provided today and to continued constructive engagement with the Office of the President of the General Assembly and all Member States.

I thank you.