Madam Chair,

1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2. The Group extend its appreciation to the Secretary General, Mr. António Guterres, for presenting the proposed programme budget for 2026. We also thank Ms. Juliana Gaspar Ruas, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), for introducing the Committee's related report.

3. The Group extends its appreciation to Mr. Davit Knyazyan, Chairperson of the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC), and to his Bureau, for their efforts and leadership during the sixty-fifth session of the (CPC).

Madam Chair,

4. With respect to programme planning, the Group reaffirms the central role of the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC) as the main intergovernmental body for planning, programming, and evaluation. This role must be strengthened rather than weakened. It remains crucial that (CPC) members continue to provide substantive recommendations on the programmes formulated by the Secretariat.

5. The Group expresses concern that during the sixty-fifth session, the (CPC) was able to reach agreement on only two out of the twenty-eight programme submitted by the Secretariat. This outcome underscores the need to reinforce intergovernmental engagement, exercise maximum flexibility and demonstrate political will to ensure that all programmes receive timely and substantive recommendations.

6. In this regard, the Group reaffirms its full support for the essential role of CPC in ensuring precise delivery of mandates, which should be maintained during the UN80 reforms. The Group also recalls the importance of the implementation of General Assembly resolution 78/244, which decided that the Presidents of the General Assembly and the Chairs of the Fifth Committee shall reach out to and support the Chairs of the Main Committees to ensure that the programmes without (CPC) recommendations are duly considered, and that conclusions and recommendations are issued in a timely manner.

Madam Chair,

7. The Group underlines the extraordinary challenges of this session in considering the proposed programme budget for 2026, particularly in light of the revised estimates relating to the UN80 Initiative, which encompasses almost the entire regular budget.

8. The Group notes that the Secretary General has proposed a programme budget of approximately (3.2) billion USD, reflecting the adjustments introduced under UN80 Initiative. The Group emphasizes that all mandates must be fully and meaningfully delivered. It is of particular concern that resources for the Organization's development-related priorities, including the promotion of sustained economic growth and the development of Africa, have remained stagnant or have seen only marginal increases, while other areas have expanded significantly.

9. The Group remains firmly committed to strengthening multilateralism and to ensuring that the United Nations is equipped with the necessary resources to implement all its mandates effectively, while pursuing the utmost efficiency.

10. The Group stresses that any proposals under the UN80 Initiative must fully respect the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the intergovernmental nature of the Organization, the mandates approved by Member States, and must provide them with adequate time for thorough consideration and inclusive consulations.

11. The Group further emphasizes that reform should not become a mere cost-cutting exercise. Efficiency gains must translate into improved delivery and responsiveness, not into the erosion of mandated programmes or staff reductions that affect developing country's representation. The Group confirms that all revised estimates and restructuring proposals under UN80 be examined with utmost care, ensuring that no mandated activities are left un or underfunded and that the development pillar receives the attention and resources it rightfully deserves.

12. The Group reiterates that equitable geographical representation remains a core principle for our membership. We are seriously concerned that the UN80 Initiative, which entails the abolishment of numerous posts and positions, may further exacerbate existing imbalances in the Organization's geographical distribution. The Group therefore looks forward to receiving further information from the Secretary General on concrete steps to ensure that this vital principle is upheld.

Madam Chair,

13. The Regional Commissions are vital for translating global mandates into regionally tailored action, fostering cooperation among countries, and advancing sustainable development. In this context, the Group reiterates its longstanding call for strengthening the development pillar of the United Nations and will work to ensure adequate resources for bodies that are integral to it, including DESA, UNCTAD, OHRLLS, ECA, ESCAP, ECLAC, and ESCWA. In this context, the Group recalls paragraph 14 of General Assembly resolution 72/279, which mandates that efficiency gains should be redeployed to development activities.

14. The Group also underscores the need for a renewed and in-depth discussion on the Regular Programme of Technical Cooperation (RPTC) and the Development Account. While both mechanisms remain essential tools for capacity building and technical assistance, their resource levels have not kept pace with growing demands. The Group therefore calls for a more coherent structure and adequate resourcing to ensure that these mechanisms respond effectively to the actual needs of developing countries, thereby enhancing the United Nations relevance and impact on the ground.

15. The Group of 77 and China reiterates its strong support for UNRWA, recognizing its indispensable role in assisting Palestinian refugees, and will work towards ensuring that it receives the necessary and predictable financial resources to continue its vital work during these challenging times.

16. The Group also recalls that, as the largest troop and police contributors to peacekeeping missions, it strongly emphasizes that adequate financing for the areas of the Secretariat sustaining and supporting peacekeeping operations is essential to enable them to effectively and efficiently execute their mandates.

17. The Group is deeply concerned by the financial constraints caused by the persistent arrears in assessed contributions, most of which are owed by the single largest contributor. These arrears reflect a lack of political commitment to the United Nations and multilateralism as a whole, undermining the Organization's ability to implement its approved programme budget. Approval of the proposed budget for 2026 will be meaningless if the Organization is not provided with the liquidity required to deliver its mandates.

18. In this regard, the Group proposes that whenever a liquidity crisis arises, the Secretary-General should issue a public statement at the opening of the General Debate of the General Assembly during the High-Level Week, informing Member States of the Organization's financial situation.

19. In conclusion, the Group reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that the work undertaken in this session not only secures necessary financing for mandated programmes but also contributes to better serve all peoples around the world. We will continue to engage constructively and in a spirit of consensus on this important agenda item.

Thank You.