Mr. Chair,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China under agenda item 137, programme budget for 2026, in connection with the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Office for Partnerships, contained in document A/81/268.

2. The Group thanks the Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships, Annemarie Hou, for presenting the report and notes with appreciation the activities undertaken by the Office during 2025. We reiterate the importance of its role in mobilizing, convening and sustaining multi-stakeholder partnerships to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

3. Effective and inclusive partnerships must be rooted in multilateralism, respect for national ownership and the priorities of developing countries. Partnership initiatives must align with national development plans and respond to the specific needs and circumstances of programme countries, with the active involvement of national stakeholders throughout their design, implementation and evaluation.

Mr. Chair,

4. The Group notes that the United Nations Foundation disbursed $25.1 million through the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships in 2025, comprising $8.7 million in project grants and $16.4 million through fiduciary arrangements. We appreciate these efforts to mobilize resources and encourage partnerships that translate funding into sustainable improvements in people's lives, particularly in developing countries.

5. We note with concern the sharp decline in financial contributions to the United Nations Democracy Fund, from approximately $6.78 million in 2024 to $1.95 million in 2025. The Fund approved 30 projects in its nineteenth funding round, from 2,277 proposals submitted from 130 countries. The Group reiterates its call on Member States, donors and other stakeholders to enhance voluntary contributions to UNFIP and UNDEF, enabling them to respond to the growing needs of developing countries.

6. The Group welcomes initiatives that strengthen women's leadership and the meaningful participation of young people in decision-making. We note the activities undertaken through Women Rise for All and projects supporting youth engagement in education. These efforts should expand opportunities for women and young people in developing countries to shape the decisions affecting their lives and strengthen their capacity to participate effectively.

7. We also note the support provided for health services, immunization and mental health and psychosocial care, including the initiative for children in eastern Chad. We encourage partnerships that strengthen national institutions and local capacities, improve access to essential services and respond to the needs of vulnerable communities, including refugees and host communities.

8. The Group highlights the importance of improving developing countries' access to resources, technology and capacity-building. We note initiatives supporting data systems and digital skills in Africa and encourage efforts to bridge digital divides in accordance with national priorities. We reiterate the need to support climate adaptation and mitigation, while strengthening resilience and ensuring that developing countries benefit from opportunities associated with the energy transition.

Mr. Chair,

9. Transparency and accountability remain essential to the credibility of partnerships. The Group reiterates its call for improved disclosure of information, effective internal oversight and clear criteria for the selection of UNFIP and UNDEF projects. Funding decisions and implementation arrangements must be transparent, with clear mechanisms for assessing impact and ensuring accountability, and with the active involvement of national stakeholders.

10. The Group notes the Office's collaboration with resident coordinators, country teams and other United Nations entities. We encourage strengthened coordination to avoid duplication and ensure that advocacy and convening activities deliver tangible results in support of national development priorities and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. Chair,

11. The Group of 77 and China reaffirms that strengthened global partnerships are indispensable to achieving the 2030 Agenda. We remain committed to working collectively with all partners to advance inclusive multilateralism, mobilize resources and ensure that no one is left behind.

I thank you.