Madam Chair,

1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 148, regarding the rates of reimbursement to troop- and police-contributing countries.

2. The Group thanks the Under-Secretary-General of the Department of Operational Support, Mr. Atul Khare, for the presentation of its report on the results of the survey to support the review of the standard rate of reimbursement to troop- and police-contributing countries, as well as the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Ms. Juliana Gaspar Ruas, for introducing its related report.

Madam Chair,

3. The Group of 77 and China reiterates its strong appreciation to all troop- and police-contributing countries, the vast majority of which are developing countries, for their continued commitment and sacrifices in the service of United Nations peacekeeping operations. Their contributions remain indispensable to the maintenance of international peace and security and to the effective implementation of increasingly complex mandates.

4. The Group recalls that the framework established by General Assembly resolution 67/261 was the result of a delicate and carefully balanced agreement, aimed at ensuring a fair, transparent and predictable system for the reimbursement of troop- and police-contributing countries, based on actual costs incurred. The preservation of the integrity of this framework remains of paramount importance.

5. In this regard, the Group takes note of the report of the Secretary-General, which presents the results of the most recent survey conducted in 2025/26, based on the established methodology. We note that the weighted average cost amounts to $1,474.68 per person per month, compared with the current reimbursement rate of $1,448.

6. The Group further notes that the survey confirms that troop- and police-contributing countries are facing increasing costs, particularly in areas such as allowances and predeployment training, reflecting the growing complexity and demands of peacekeeping operations. We also take note of the additional costs reported outside the five standard categories, as well as those associated with the deployment of women peacekeepers, which may not yet be fully captured by the existing framework.

7. The Group recalls that the objective of the survey process is to provide Member States with a credible and factual basis to support the review of the standard rate of reimbursement. In this context, we underline the importance of maintaining the integrity, transparency and technical robustness of the established methodology, including the principles of confidentiality and representativeness of the sample.

8. The Group also wishes to express its appreciation to those Member States that participated in the survey process, thereby contributing to the availability of reliable data for the consideration of this important matter. We encourage continued engagement by troop- and police-contributing countries in future survey exercises.

Madam Chair,

9. The Group recalls its long-standing concern that the reimbursement rates have not always kept pace with the evolving realities and costs of peacekeeping. As highlighted in previous discussions, the gap between actual costs and reimbursement levels places an additional financial burden on troop- and police-contributing countries and may affect their capacity to sustain participation in peacekeeping operations.

10. In a context of increasing operational demands, heightened risk environments and evolving mandate requirements, it is essential that the contributions and sacrifices of troop- and police-contributing countries be adequately recognized and fairly compensated. This is not only a matter of equity, but also a key element in sustaining the peacekeeping partnership.

11. The Group emphasizes that any consideration of the rate of reimbursement must be guided by the principles agreed by the General Assembly, including the use of actual cost data, transparency and fairness.

12. The Group looks forward to engaging constructively in the discussions on this agenda item during informal consultations, with a view to ensuring that the reimbursement framework continues to reflect the realities faced by troop- and police-contributing countries and supports the sustainability of peacekeeping operations.

Madam Chair,

13. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China reiterates its commitment to working in a constructive and forward-looking manner to address this important issue, in line with the principles established by the General Assembly and the need to strengthen the partnership that underpins United Nations peacekeeping.

I thank you.