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 commends the ongoing efforts to reform the human resources management in the organization, which is key to the success of the overall UN reform efforts. We take note of the progress made, especially with regards to the simplification and streamlining of rules and policies.

3. The Group supports the Secretary-General's efforts to improve human resources management. We acknowledge that the appropriate delivery of UN mandates depends on the quality of its staff and the availability of resources. We therefore support reforms which contribute to a highly motivated, diverse and dynamic workforce for our Organization, with a view to making it more representative, fair, transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of its Member States.

4. As a permanent position of the Group, we would like to stress that addressing the issue of the unrepresentation and underrepresentation of UN staff members is a common concern of developing countries. We appeal to the Secretariat of the United Nations and all the organizations in the Common System to comply with Article 101 of the United Nations Charter and to take effective initiatives to improve equitable geographical representation.

Mr. Chair,

5. We note with appreciation the efforts undertaken by the Secretary-General to review the complete set of the Staff Regulations and Rules. We notice that the proposed amendments to the Staff Regulations and the amendments to the Staff Rules ahead of us were developed as a result of consultations within the Secretariat, at Headquarters, at offices away from Headquarters, at the regional commissions and in the field, as well as with other relevant organizations within the United Nations system to which the Staff Regulations and Rules apply. We would like to know more about it.

6. While acknowledging this progress, the Group stresses that amendments involving significant policy changes should be first proposed in staff regulations to the General Assembly for approval. Any policy change cannot be introduced without a comprehensive information from Member States and without guidance from the General Assembly.

7. We also understand that the main objective of the amendments is to streamline and simplify languages to make them more readable and understandable. However, not all of the proposed changes represent a simplification.

8. The Group also notes that the Secretary-General has indicated that there are no programme budget implications that will arise as a result of the proposed amendments. However, provisional rule 3.3 (Salary policy) concerning the determination of salary steps in grade and provisional rule 6.3 (Parental leave) reflecting a change in the parental leave both have financial implications or higher expenditures. We look forward to receiving detailed information and clarification concerning the financial implications that may arise from this, particularly regarding the application of the provisional rule 3.3. since 1 January 2023 on the determination of step-in-grade.

9. The Group reiterates its strong support towards an effective and improved human resources management in the United Nations. In this spirit, we remain ready to engage constructively during the consideration of this agenda item.

I thank you.