Madam President,

The Group of 77 and China would like to thank the Secretary-General for his efforts in preparing the report "Shifting Paradigms: United to Deliver," the first report under Workstream 3 of the UN80 Initiative. The Group notes that the report sets out possible structural changes and programme realignments across the United Nations system.

The Group reaffirms the central role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges and takes note of the Secretary-General's UN80 Initiative. We stress that any proposals under this Initiative and its three workstreams must fully respect the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and uphold the intergovernmental nature of the Organization.

The Group emphasises that the UN80 process must strengthen, not dilute, multilateralism. It must ensure equitable participation of all Member States and address the priorities and concerns of developing countries. In this regard, the Group underscores that reforms across all three pillars of the United Nations - peace and security, development, and human rights - should contribute to advancing sustainable development, enhancing the voice and representation of developing countries, and be conducted through a transparent, inclusive, and Member State-driven process.

Madam President,

The Group takes note of the proposal for a regional reset, and would require more time to evaluate this before proceeding ahead. Preliminarily, we requests further clarification on the proposed establishment of a system-wide working group chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General, particularly regarding its composition, scope, decision-making modality and accountability framework. It is essential to ensure that this mechanism operates transparently and that its work complements, rather than overlaps with, regional and intergovernmental processes. We stress that Member States will make the final decision in case of any proposals to change the regional architecture.

Madam President,

The Group notes that the progress report on workstream 3 contains several proposals for the consideration of Member States, including those aimed at preserving cash liquidity. However, we stress that more detailed information and analysis are needed to ensure that any proposed mergers, reallocations, or reductions do not negatively affect mandate implementation, the balance among the three UN pillars.

The Group emphasises that any proposal on structural changes and program realignment must entail the protection of institutional knowledge and expertise of UN specialised agencies, funds and programs that support member states, especially in developing countries. In this regard, the Group emphasizes the need to protect and promote equitable geographical distribution, particularly for unrepresented and underrepresented Member States within the Group. Vacancies, including those resulting from retirements, should be used to advance this objective, and no abolishment or post reduction should undermine the principle of equitable representation.

Madam President,

The Group underscores that every mandate represents the collective will and aspirations of Member States and should be treated equally, regardless of its funding source - whether assessed or voluntary - or the type of funds allocated, whether earmarked or non-earmarked.

The Group also notes the report's references to fragmentation and duplication of efforts across the Secretariat. These challenges must be addressed through a comprehensive assessment of mandates, both system-wide and at the regional level. Such an assessment should also identify whether difficulties arise from funding constraints, mandates design, or leadership and accountability gaps.

Madam President,

Finally, the Group of 77 and China remains firmly committed to engaging actively and constructively in the discussions on the UN80 Initiative, with the aim of ensuring that the process leads to a more effective, equitable, and truly representative United Nations system - one that strengthens multilateralism, advances development, and delivers meaningful results for all peoples and nations.

Thank you, Madam President.