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STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY PERMANENT MISSION OF IRAQ TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 136: CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: ELEVENTH ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT ON THE STRATEGIC HERITAGE PLAN OF THE UNITED NATIONS AT GENEVA, AT THE MAIN PART OF THE EIGHTIETH SESSION OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY (New York, 5 December 2025) |
Madam Chair,
1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item: Twelfth Annual Progress Report on the Strategic Heritage Plan at the United Nations Office at Geneva.
2. The Group wishes to thank , Ms. Maria Costa, the Deputy controller, Director, Finance Division, OPPFB and Mr. Carlo Jacobucci, the Vice Chair Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions for introducing their respective reports.
3. The Group expresses its gratitude to the Government of Switzerland, as host country of the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG), for its continued support to facilitate the implementation of the Strategic Heritage Plan construction project.
4. We acknowledge that the project remains on track for substantial completion by December 2027, as mandated by the General Assembly in resolution 79/297. In this regards, we stress the importance of effective project management, strict budgetary discipline, and the need to prevent further cost overruns and implementations delays.
5. The Group reaffirms the importance of strict adherence to the approved schedule and revised budget, and expects the Secretariat to continue applying effective risk management, tight cost control and early-warning mechanisms, as highlighted by ACABQ.
6. The Group stresses the importance of strong, oversight, including close coordination between UNOG and Headquarters, particularly the Global Asset Management Policy Service, to ensure the project remains within scope and on sechdule.
7. The Group notes the progress in consolidating UN entities at the Palais des Nations, including OHCHR's planned relocation to Building H. We emphasize the need to ensure maximum and efficient space utilization, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 79/297.
8. On the use of conference facilities by non-governmental organizations, the Group emphasizes the need for continued compliance with ECOSOC accreditation rules and the cost-recovery principle, as outlined in the report.
9. The Group encourages intensified efforts to mobilize additional voluntary contributions from donors, in line with relevant rules and regulations.
10. In conclusion, the Group reaffirms its commitment to supporting the successful and timely completion of the Strategic Heritage Plan. We expect the Secretariat to fully implement the recommendations of ACABQ, uphold transparency, and provide all information requested by the General Assembly to facilitate effective oversight.
11. The Group will engage constructively in the upcoming discussions under this agenda item with a view to ensuring that the project is delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with the Assembly's mandates.
Thank you, Madam Chair.