Mr. Chair,

1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. We would like to thank all briefers for introducing their respective reports.

2. The Group underscores the importance of resolution A/72/266 adopted by the General Assembly in 2017 which paved the way for the realization of the Secretary General`s vision to shift the management paradigm in the organization. We also welcome its commitment to improve the UN's ability to deliver on its mandates by, inter alia, improving the internal provision of operational support and service delivery and fostering interoperability across the United Nations system.

3. We expect that the interlinked reform processes and an improved service delivery concept will reinvigorate the Sustainable Development Goals at the global, regional and national levels and redirect savings towards development and mandate delivery.

Mr. Chair,

4. The Group takes note of the report of the Secretary-General that provides information on the Secretariat's development of an improved service delivery concept. We note that the report does not include comprehensive information on the purpose and principles underpinning this concept, designation of service providers and services to be provided, the plans and timelines for implementation, expected efficiency gains and budgetary impact, as well as on the incorporation of lessons learned in the provision of shared services since the implementation of the global field support strategy, and the current and potential complementarity with established mechanisms and systems in the Organization, such as Umoja.

5. The Group also notes the lack of information on the governance and accountability framework. Strengthened governance, clarity on the delegation of authority, and oversight mechanisms, supported by a clear and effective accountability are critical for the success of any service delivery arrangements and to ensure efficient delivery of Secretariat mandates and effective monitoring and compliance by the various stakeholders. We hope to receive further information on the measures undertaken and envisaged in this regard.

6. We also highlight that procurement is central to any service delivery arrangements and consider that a harmonized approach would ensure proper standardization, compatibility, and interoperability as well as a fair, transparent and competitive process, with opportunities for developing countries.

7. We also believe further elaboration is needed while developing an improved service delivery concept, namely on the overall service delivery requirements at the global, regional and local levels, clear identification of location-dependent and location-independent processes and functions, list of services delivered and to be delivered by agencies, funds and programs and other providers, detailed benefits realization plan, among others.

Mr. Chair,

8. The Group stresses that any proposals put forward to improve service delivery should be well integrated and coordinated with all other reform initiatives and strategies in a manner that reinforces and multiplies their respective benefits and avoids any duplication of resources and fragmentation of capacities.

9. We emphasize that any changes to the existing and future service delivery model must be approved by the General Assembly. Any proposal to establish new hubs must also be submitted to the UNGA since it constitutes a policy matter of this organ. The Group further believes that more data and analysis are required to ascertain that the utilization of the existing facilities of other organizations will be cost-neutral and could yield cost savings.

10. We also look forward to receiving further information on the road map endorsed by the Management Committee of the Secretariat in 2022 which is aimed at guiding the development of the Secretariat's global operational support architecture focused on three key areas, namely integration, harmonization and improvement.

11. Finally, I would like to assure you, Mr. Chair, that the Group is committed to working constructively in this important agenda item in a way that tangibly promotes the effectiveness and efficiency of the Organization.

I thank you.