Madam Chair,

1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China under agenda item 148, on the administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of United Nations peacekeeping operations, specifically on the updated financial position of closed peacekeeping missions as of 30 June 2025.

2. The Group wishes to thank the Controller, ASG Chandru Ramanathan, and the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Ms. Juliana Gaspar Ruas, for introducing their respective reports.

Madam Chair,

3. The Group takes note of the report of the Secretary-General, which provides updated information on the financial position of 33 closed peacekeeping missions as of 30 June 2025, including the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 79/311.

4. The Group notes with serious concern that unpaid assessed contributions from Member States in the 33 closed peacekeeping missions amounted to $479.4 million as of 30 June 2025, of which 99 per cent is owed by four Member States. The Group reiterates its long-standing call on all Member States to fulfil their financial obligations, as set out in the Charter of the United Nations, on time, in full and without conditions.

5. The Group further notes that 14 closed peacekeeping missions had net cash deficits amounting to $227.4 million, compared with 13 missions and a deficit of $156.3 million as of 30 June 2024. We note that this increase is mainly attributable to the inclusion of UNAMID, which had a net cash deficit of $73.8 million as of 30 June 2025.

6. The Group remains concerned that the cash deficit situation continues to prevent closed missions from fulfilling outstanding obligations, including to vendors, third parties, Member States and, most importantly, troop- and police-contributing countries. Many of these liabilities have remained outstanding for several years, and their continued delay is unacceptable.

7. In this regard, the Group reiterates that all outstanding liabilities, including outstanding claims of troop- and police-contributing countries in closed peacekeeping missions, should be settled as a matter of priority. The Group notes that liabilities to 25 of the 27 troop- and police-contributing countries had been settled as of 30 June 2025, while instructions remained pending from two troop- and police-contributing countries for an amount of $29.9 million.

8. The Group further notes that the total amount owed to troop- and police-contributing countries stood at $31.2 million as of 30 June 2025. We welcome the information that liabilities owed to troop- and police-contributing countries in connection with UNAMID had been fully cleared as of December 2025, and request continued updates on the settlement of all remaining claims.

Madam Chair,

9. The Group also notes that 19 closed peacekeeping missions had net cash surpluses amounting to $8.7 million as of 30 June 2025, compared with $5.8 million as of 30 June 2024. We note that the increase resulted mainly from investment revenue accrued during the reporting period.

10. The Group takes note that the General Assembly did not take action on the previous report of the Secretary-General, including the refined proposal for a mechanism for the automatic return of net cash surpluses and the handling of outstanding liabilities. In this regard, the Group recalls that any arrangement concerning the treatment of cash surpluses and outstanding liabilities must preserve the oversight role and decision-making authority of the General Assembly.

11. At the same time, the Group recognizes the need to improve predictability in the settlement of outstanding liabilities and in the final financial closure of closed peacekeeping missions. We therefore acknowledge the Advisory Committee's view that an institutionalized mechanism, as opposed to ad hoc disposal of unspent balances, could offer a more sustainable long-term solution, and we look forward to considering any options that may be presented by the Secretary-General, as appropriate.

12. The Group emphasizes, however, that the payment of outstanding assessed contributions remains the only viable long-term solution to the timely settlement of liabilities and the final financial closure of peacekeeping operations. Administrative mechanisms cannot substitute for the fulfilment by Member States of their financial obligations.

13. The Group further takes note of outstanding loans amounting to $70.1 million as of 30 June 2025, including loans from other closed missions and from the Peacekeeping Reserve Fund. We underscore the importance of close monitoring of all borrowing transactions and the timely settlement of claims and liabilities to enable the final liquidation of closed peacekeeping missions.

Madam Chair,

14. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China reiterates the importance of settling all outstanding liabilities of closed peacekeeping missions, particularly those owed to troop- and police-contributing countries, as a matter of priority. The Group remains ready to engage constructively with all partners to reach a successful conclusion on this important agenda item.

I thank you.