Mr. Chair,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China under agenda item 144, report on the activities of the Ethics Office. We thank the Director of the Ethics Office, Mr. Juraj Strasser, for presenting the report contained in document A/81/84, covering its activities in 2025.

2. The Group reaffirms that ethics is essential to the functioning, credibility and reputation of the United Nations. An independent and effective ethics function is indispensable to promoting integrity, transparency and accountability. We reiterate our support for the Office's independence, including its direct reporting to the General Assembly pursuant to resolution 77/278.

3. A culture of ethics must ensure that staff perform their duties in accordance with the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, as required by Article 101 of the Charter. We also reaffirm the importance of equitable geographical representation in the composition of the Secretariat. Senior officials must lead by example and uphold these principles in their decisions and conduct.

Mr. Chair,

4. The Group notes that the Office received 2,025 requests for services in 2025, including 923 requests for ethics advice. We appreciate its role as an independent, impartial and confidential resource for staff and management. Early access to clear advice is essential to identifying and managing conflicts of interest and preventing conduct that could undermine the Organization's independence and credibility.

5. We note the continued demand for guidance on outside activities, gifts and institutional integrity. Staff must ensure that their outside engagements remain compatible with their duties as international civil servants. We also welcome pre-appointment reviews and induction briefings for senior officials and encourage consistent follow-up to recommendations for mitigating identified conflicts of interest.

6. The Group attaches importance to addressing risks arising from post-employment activities, as recalled in resolution 80/235. Former personnel must not take improper advantage of their previous functions or seek to unduly influence the Organization's decisions on behalf of third parties. We encourage continued guidance throughout service and upon separation, particularly for personnel involved in procurement.

7. Regarding the financial disclosure programme, we welcome the submission of disclosures by 99.9 per cent of required filers. However, submission must be followed by completion of all review and verification requirements. We note that 201 potential conflicts of interest were identified and 237 mitigation recommendations issued. We emphasize timely implementation of those recommendations and appropriate follow-up on incomplete files and non-compliance.

Mr. Chair,

8. The Group stresses that personnel must be able to report misconduct and cooperate with duly authorized audits and investigations without fear of retaliation. The Office completed 49 preliminary reviews and referred 10 prima facie determinations to OIOS for investigation. Retaliation was established in five cases following investigation. These findings underscore the importance of effective preventive and corrective measures, timely case handling and accountability for retaliatory conduct.

9. We recognize the particular risks faced by field personnel and welcome the Office's expanded outreach to peacekeeping operations, special political missions and the resident coordinator system. Accessible, confidential advice and protection mechanisms must reach personnel across duty stations.

10. The Group appreciates the work of the Ethics Panel in promoting coherent policies and consistent ethical standards, including on outside activities, gifts and protection against retaliation. We encourage continued cooperation among ethics offices, sharing of good practices and improved consistency in reporting, while respecting their respective mandates and avoiding duplication.

Mr. Chair,

11. The Group of 77 and China reaffirms its support for embedding a culture of ethics, transparency and accountability in the Organization's daily work. We encourage the Office to strengthen its efforts to deliver on its mandated responsibilities and remain committed to engaging constructively in deliberations on this agenda item.

I thank you.