2. The Group thanks the Acting Director of the Office of Programme Planning Finance and Budget, Mr. Yacine Hamzaoui, and the Vice-Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Mr. Katlego Boase Mmalane, for introducing the twenty-fourth annual progress report of the Secretary-General and the related report of the Advisory Committee.

3. The Group notes that all construction work and related administrative close-out activities have been completed, except those associated with the remaining arbitration case. We remain concerned that the prolonged proceedings continue to delay the financial closure of the project and generate additional legal expenses.

4. We note that the hearing on the third and final phase has been postponed to December 2026 and that the Secretariat now anticipates a decision in late 2027 or early 2028, while recognizing that its timing rests with the arbitral tribunal. We look forward to receiving updated information during informal consultations on the expected procedural steps and their financial implications.

5. The Group notes the continued efforts of the Office of Legal Affairs, with the assistance of outside counsel, to defend the Organization's interests. We note the reduction in estimated potential liability for the remaining phase from approximately $16 million to $5.6 million, excluding applicable interest and legal costs, and the possibility that counterclaims could offset some or all of that exposure. These developments underscore the importance of continuing to protect the rights and limit the financial liabilities of the United Nations.

Mr. Chair,

6. Nevertheless, the Group shares the Advisory Committee's concern regarding increasing legal expenses. Accumulated expenditure reached approximately $11.64 million as of 30 June 2026, with an additional $830,000 estimated for the remainder of the year. We encourage continued efforts to contain these costs and pursue a timely and cost-effective resolution of the remaining arbitration in the Organization's best interests, in accordance with paragraph 3 of General Assembly resolution 80/232.

7. The Group notes that the approved funding of approximately $2.15 billion has been fully committed and that, as of 30 June 2026, expenditure exceeded the approved funding by $2.8 million. With no remaining cash balance in the capital master plan fund, further expenses are being met from the regular budget appropriation of the Department of Operational Support. We request a clear and updated account of expenditure, anticipated liabilities and the proposed sources of funding for 2026 and 2027.

8. In this regard, the Group reiterates the importance of respecting the General Assembly's authority over budgetary decisions. We share the Advisory Committee's view that proposals to fund requirements above the maximum overall approved budget should be presented to the Assembly for consideration.

9. We also underline the importance of preserving and applying lessons learned from the capital master plan to ongoing and future construction projects. We note the preparation of updated construction management guidelines and encourage particular attention to project governance, procurement, change-order management, risk assessment and vendor performance, with a view to preventing avoidable disputes and safeguarding the Organization's interests.

10. The Group of 77 and China remains committed to engaging constructively in informal consultations towards the responsible financial closure of the capital master plan, with full regard for transparency, accountability and the prudent use of Member States' resources.

Thank you.

2. The Group thanks the Chief of Service of the Field Operations Finance Division (FOFD), Mr. Weiyi Xiao, the Deputy Director of External Audit, Board of Auditors (BOA), Mr. Laurent Le Mercier, and the Vice-Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), Mr. Katlego Boase Mmalane, for introducing their respective reports. We express our appreciation to the Governments of Ethiopia, Chile, Thailand, Kenya and Switzerland for their continued support and cooperation.

3. These projects are essential investments in safe, accessible and sustainable facilities that support the Organization's work. The Group reaffirms the importance of ensuring effective oversight and respecting the scope, budgets and schedules approved by the General Assembly. We encourage continued use of local expertise and materials, in accordance with United Nations procurement rules. Their long-term value also depends on sound maintenance arrangements, continuity of operations and the effective transfer of knowledge from project teams to facilities management personnel.

Mr. Chair,

4. Regarding Africa Hall at ECA, the Group recognizes its historical and cultural significance and welcomes progress towards project closure. Remaining defects and the outstanding value added tax (VAT) issue should be addressed promptly, and the sustainable operation of the Visitors' Centre should receive continued attention. We encourage efforts to maximize utilization of the renovated facilities.

5. At ECLAC, we welcome the North Building's contribution to environmental sustainability, including energy and water efficiency, and note the projected unspent balance upon final completion. We emphasize the importance of resolving the outstanding roof and drainage defects at the contractor's expense, with independent verification and effective use of contractual safeguards before final acceptance.

6. At ESCAP, the Group welcomes the transition from construction to operational use of the upgraded premises. We encourage continued monitoring throughout the defect liability period and a comprehensive final inspection before contractual closure. Improvements in space utilization should be accompanied by attention to staff feedback, including concerns regarding noise and privacy, to preserve a productive working environment.

7. For these three projects, the Group looks forward to timely closure and clear reporting on outstanding liabilities, remaining balances and amounts to be returned to Member States. Lessons from commissioning, handover and maintenance should inform the updated construction management guidelines and future projects.

8. Regarding the replacement of office blocks A-J at UNON, we welcome the improvements in accessibility, sustainability and space utilization, and note that no additional appropriation is requested for 2027. We encourage timely completion of the remaining works and reconciliation of final accounts, alongside verification of the benefits achieved and the return of unused balances upon project completion.

Mr. Chair,

9. The Group reiterates its support for the UNON Conference Facilities Project and its contribution to strengthening Nairobi's capacity to host intergovernmental meetings. We note that the overall approved budget and September 2029 completion target remain unchanged. As construction advances, we emphasize close monitoring of schedule adjustments, transparent procurement and effective coordination among contractors. We also encourage efforts to attract meetings and mobilize voluntary contributions, while ensuring the resources and operational support necessary for implementation.

10. Turning to the Strategic Heritage Plan, the Group acknowledges the progress achieved but remains concerned that building E is now projected for substantial completion in July 2028, beyond the deadline established in resolution 79/297. We request updated information on the implications of this delay and measures to prevent further slippage, contain costs and deliver the approved scope within the revised budget. Liquidity constraints should not translate into avoidable delays and additional costs. The operational implications of deferred works, particularly for conference facilities, should also be clearly explained. The Group reaffirms that, as set out in resolution 79/297, any further increase in costs of the Strategic Heritage Plan beyond the approved budget should be funded from voluntary contributions.

11. We emphasize timely follow-up to the Board of Auditors' recommendations, particularly on schedule control, risk management, procurement and resolution of outstanding defects. Effective use of renovated premises and reliable information on occupancy remain important to realizing the project's benefits.

Mr. Chair,

12. The Group of 77 and China remains committed to constructive engagement to support the successful completion of these projects, safeguard the Organization's resources and ensure that their benefits endure.

Thank you.

Mr. Chair,

The Group of 77 and China has taken note of the report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the Department of Global Communications contained in document A/81/341.

The Group recalls that the Committee on Information concluded its forty-eighth session on 8 May 2026, where the draft resolutions of the Committee were adopted by consensus on the basis of a technical rollover. We thank all delegations for their constructive engagement and look forward to the adoption of these resolutions by consensus in this Committee and in the General Assembly, thereby renewing our support for the Department of Global Communications at a crucial time in the media landscape around the world.

We commend the Department in advancing the United Nations efforts to combat misinformation, hate speech, and disinformation and to foster international solidarity, as well as supporting the United Nations agenda on issues such as peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Recognizing that safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems have the potential to contribute to progress in all dimensions of development, the Group also notes with concern that their improper or malicious use could undermine information integrity and access to information, particularly through disinformation and misinformation.

Mr. Chair,

The Group underscores the urgent need to bridge the digital divide and promote digital cooperation. Equal access to information and communications technologies is vital to enabling all countries, particularly developing countries, to participate meaningfully in the global digital environment. The Group calls on all stakeholders to expand connectivity, foster collaboration, and promote the dissemination of factual and evidence-based information, ensuring that digital transformation benefits all.

The Group stresses the importance of mainstreaming multilingualism in all of the Organization's activities as an essential pillar for mutual understanding, inclusivity, and diversity. We encourage the Department of Global Communications to mobilize resources to promote multilingualism and address the disparity in the use of all official languages in United Nations public information materials and platforms.

In this context, the Group further emphasizes the vital importance of multilingualism and local content, and encourages all stakeholders to promote the creation of and access to educational, cultural, and scientific content online so as to foster quality of access and ensure that all people and cultures can express themselves and have access to Internet content in all languages, including Indigenous languages.

We are gratified to see that on this occasion the resolutions can be adopted in the six official languages of the Organization, which shows the strong commitment not only of the G77 and China, but also of all the delegations involved in this process, to multilingualism as a core value of the Organization.

We strongly urge the DGC to intensify its efforts to combat disinformation, including that directed against United Nations peacekeeping operations, to raise awareness of the new realities, successes and challenges faced by peacekeeping operations and special political missions, and to provide accurate content, including in local languages and in coordination with national authorities, to strengthen understanding of UN peacekeeping mandates, manage expectations, and build trust and support.

The Group expresses serious concern over attacks against journalists and media professionals, especially the deliberate targeting in Lebanon and Gaza since October 2023. Impunity for such attacks remains a major challenge, and ensuring accountability is essential to prevent future violence.

Mr. Chair,

We commend the Department's global strategic communications response to challenges such as climate change and proliferating conflicts. The Department should continue to enhance public awareness about reinforcing multilateralism and addressing humanitarian crises. We also call for greater focus on disseminating factual, clear, accessible, multilingual, and science-based information, and on promoting messages of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and interfaith and cultural harmony among all religions and nations.

The Group wishes to underscore that the biennialization of the Committee's resolutions is a relevant measure for achieving greater effectiveness in the work of the Committee on Information. In this regard, the Group welcomes the opportunity to participate in a substantive dialogue next year, focused on taking stock of the implementation of the resolutions and exploring further avenues for the work of the Department. It is the Group's hope that the transition to a longer reporting period will also allow the Department to optimize its resources and deliver even more impactful substantive reporting.

In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China reaffirms its full support for the Department of Global Communications in fulfilling its vital mandate: to communicate the UN's mission effectively, to combat disinformation while respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, to bridge the digital divide, to promote multilingualism and accessibility, to strengthen peacekeeping and peacebuilding communications, and to ensure accountability for attacks on journalists.

The Group remains ready to engage constructively in future negotiations to further strengthen and support the work of the Department, convinced that access to impartial, accurate and accessible information is central to the pursuit of sustainable development, leaving no one behind.

Together, we must safeguard the United Nations as a source of accurate and reliable information for the global public good.

I thank you.