General Assembly: 113th Plenary meeting, 80th session

Good morning, please take your seats. The 113th plenary meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. The Assembly will resume its consideration of agenda item 123 entitled Strengthening of the United Nations system to take action on a proposal announced in the Journal of the United Nations, which is based on the report of the Secretary-General on the merger of United Nations System Staff College into the United Nations Institute for Training and Research contained in document A/80/100. 7087 we shall now proceed to consider draft resolution a stroke 80 stroke l 112 I give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation on a point of order

Madam.

President distinguished colleagues the Russian Federation would like to submit a proposal to postpone our consideration of this agenda item until the next session of the General Assembly. We believe that the initiative to merge UNITAR with the UN System Staff College requires a more in-depth assessment, which will require additional time and additional consultations. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation. The representative of the Russian Federation has moved that action on this matter to be postponed until the next session. I now put to a recorded vote the motion we just heard by the representative of the Russian Federation. I see Another delegate wishing to take the floor, the Islamic Republic of Iran. Please, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. We fully support the proposal to extend the timetable for consideration of the proposed merger of the United Nations System Staff College into the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. As we indicated in our statement during the previous meeting, we continue to see a clear need to allow more time and space for genuine intergovernmental negotiations in line with established United Nations practice. We also remain concerned about the lack of sufficient clarity and transparency in the current process. We believe that the report of the Secretary-General should be further elaborated to address the different dimensions and implications of the proposed merger. This should include, but not limited to, a clear explanation of the rationale for changing the name of UNITAR, particularly given the UNITAR is expected to continue carrying out its existing mandate. Such a change should be carefully considered in light of the Institute's established identity, legacy and longstanding contribution to the United Nations system. We also welcome a comprehensive assessment of possible alternatives and scenarios other than a merger and the reasons not to take into account other similar institutes together with detailed information on the financial implications including the expected cost, potential efficiencies and projected saving associated with each option. With regard to the draft resolution before us, we believe that its objectives cannot be effectively fulfilled without a precise and transparent timetable for engagement with all Member States. Such engagement should ensure that the contribution, concerns and views of all delegations are meaningfully taken into account. In particular, it is essential to safeguard the existing mandate of both institutions and to ensure that they are neither weakened nor diluted as a result of any structural change. For these reasons, we support allowing additional time for further consultations and substantive consideration of the proposal. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Iran. We have voted in favour. Anybody against? No. So I now put to a recorded vote the motion by the representative of the Russian Federation. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favour of the motion presented by the representative of the Russian Federation, please signify. Those against, abstention.

The Assembly is now voting on the motion by the Russian Federation that action on this matter be postponed until the next session. Those in favour of the motion proposed by Russia should vote yes. Those against the motion by Russia should vote no. Will all delegations confirm that the votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine.

The result of the vote is as follows: in favour 7, against 60, abstentions 47. The motion is not adopted. Since the motion is not adopted, the Assembly will proceed to take action on the draft resolution. Before giving the floor for explanation of vote before the vote, as announced in the President's letter stated January 6th and May 20th, 2026, I propose that the time limit for statements in explanation of vote under this item be five minutes. Is there any objection to this proposal? I hear none. It is so decided. Accordingly, pursuant to Rule 72 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, when a representative exceeds her or his allotted time, the President shall call the speaker to order without delay, which will be done by means of automatic microphone cut-off. To assist delegations in managing their time, a countdown clock will be displayed on the screens. Members are also reminded that explanations of vote should be made by delegations from their seats. As the first speaker, I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation, followed by Ireland on behalf of the European Union.

Madam President, distinguished colleagues, Given the liquidity crisis the UN is facing, the Russian Federation has consistently spoken out in favor of streamlining the work of the various entities of the United Nations and its specialized agencies, so as to tangibly bolster efficiency and ensure that we save resources. Now this is a laudable objective which the SG has supported in various statements and today's proposal was supposed to serve this purpose as well, the proposal being to unite, to merge UNITA and the UN system staff college. At the outset we didn't have any objections in principle. Having said that, I would like to note that the reform plan submitted by the SG in a thematic report is objectively ill-prepared. It doesn't contain a comprehensive assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed merger. Furthermore, it doesn't provide any alternative scenarios. It doesn't factor in the recommendations of the 67th session of the Board of Trustees of UNITA. The Board of Trustees clearly stated that the report should be considered by ACABQ before that report is transferred to the General Assembly. However, no one is paying attention to that. It's just sitting there. Unfortunately, these well-founded and relevant objections were also ignored by the President of the General Assembly. We believe that the President is using ultimatums, forcing us to hastily consider the proposed resolution for it to be considered before this current session is over. Having said that, we must also note that a whole host of countries have called for additional time so that we can work on this reform. These were voiced in consultations on the draft resolution. We stand convinced that this haste and the initiative as a whole will do nothing to bolster the legacy of the current President of the General Assembly. Today's vote, which we proposed, is a very eloquent example of this. Only 60 delegations, less than half, showed that they are convinced that we need to make haste. Under the circumstances, the Russian Federation sees no other option. We believe that the draft resolution should be submitted to a vote. It should be put to a vote, and we would like to request for the draft to be put to a vote. We are hoping that Member States won't allow for this initiative to be adopted in its current form, which has not been worked through properly. We are convinced that this will undermine the reform, in fact, and will do no good for the United Nations. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland on behalf of the European Union.

Thank you, President. The European Union and its member states support the UN 80 initiative and are strongly committed to its objectives. We commend the Secretary General for his efforts to make the United Nations more coherent, efficient, and fit for purpose. Some of the benefits of this process are already becoming visible, and this progress should be recognized and encouraged. At a time when demands on the organization continue to grow, Rationalizing structures, reducing duplication, and making the best possible use of available resources is essential. The proposed merger of UNITAR and UNSSC should be seen in this broader context. It shares the same objective. strengthening the United Nations' ability to deliver, in this case in the particularly important areas of training, capacity building and research, while preserving the respective mandates and strengths of both institutions. We therefore support the direction of travel and the ambition behind this proposal. While we want to move forward and achieve tangible reform results in a timely manner, a process with adequate space for member state participation is and remains key. As the work launched under the UNAT initiative will continue in the coming months, member states should be associated in the most appropriate and meaningful manner possible. President, the ambition of this proposal must be matched by the conditions necessary for successful implementation. As we move forward, we believe it is important to ensure that the short, medium and long-term strategy is clear and underpinned by adequate financial, human and logistical arrangements. This includes due consideration of the maintenance of the geographic footprint and institutional presence of the new entity. Throughout this process, several member states have rightly recalled the important contribution made over many years by the host countries, providing infrastructure, expertise and partnerships that have benefited the wider UN membership. Recognizing and building on these longstanding partnerships is not about preserving the status quo. It is about ensuring that reform builds on existing strengths, expertise and investments, and that the new entity is in the best possible position to succeed from the beginning. You can count on the European Union and its Member States to continue engaging constructively and to contribute to the successful implementation of the merger and to advance the broader objectives of the UNAT initiative. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland on behalf of the European Union. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you, Madam President. We believe that a valid, well-reasoned, and clearly articulated request by a member state, as well as concerns expressed by other delegations, should be addressed constructively and in a positive manner with a view to reaching a more balanced, comprehensive, and broadly acceptable resolution. It is therefore disappointing that there appears to be an effort to move forward hastily with the implementation of a resolution of such importance while valid concerns and substantive issues raised during the discussions remain unaddressed. This incomplete procedure should not set a precedent for the consideration of future structural change under UNAT Workstream 3. The Islamic Republic of Iran is of the opinion that while the proposed merger could constitute a plausible option, the discussions and negotiations conducted thus far have not reached the minimum level of substantive consideration necessary to support a decision of such significance, particularly one that could have implications for the broader United Nations training and education system, as well as for member states. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote before the vote. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/L.112 entitled "Merger of the United Nations System Staff College into the United Nations Institute for Training and Research." A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favour of draft resolution A/80/L.112, please signify. Those against, abstentions.

The Assembly is now voting on draft resolution A/80/L.112 entitled "Merger of the United Nations System Staff College into the United Nations Institute for Training and Research". Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine.

The result of the vote is as follows: in favour 132, against 4, abstention 1. Draft resolution A/80/L.112 is adopted. Before giving the floor for explanation of vote after the vote, may I remind delegations that explanation of votes are limited to five minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. As the first speaker, I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan, followed by Italy and Mexico.

Thank you, Madam President, distinguished delegates. Japan welcomes the adoption of this resolution on the merger of UNITAR and UNSSC as a meaningful step forward under the UNAD initiative. Japan strongly supports the goals of the UNAD initiative to strengthen the coherence, effectiveness and performance of the United Nations system. We particularly welcome the confirmation that the merger will safeguard the critical learning capabilities of both entities and maintain the existing geographic footprint at the outset. In this regard, Japan wishes to highlight the particular significance of the UNITER Hiroshima office. Located in the symbolic city of Hiroshima, this office has long served as a vital platform for sharing expertise in building, disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation, human security, disaster risk reduction and resilience by supporting capacity building across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. Japan views the Hiroshima office as one of the essential pillars underpinning UNITAID's geographical presence and diverse thematic knowledge base and expects that its role will be appropriately maintained within the new organization. In addition, Japan welcomes the provision requesting the Secretary-General to report back during the 81st session on the implementation timeline, projected cost savings, financial arrangements and staffing structure. In particular, Japan expects clear explanation on two points. First, the specific sources of voluntary contributions intending to finance one-time transition costs, and second, the concrete plan for managing the approximately 26% staff reduction, including how affected staff will be treated in accordance with UN staff rules and regulations. Japan supports the UNAD initiative but emphasizes that reform must be carried out with due care, full accountability, and in genuine consultation with member states. With these expectations in mind, Japan looks forward to supporting UNICLI as it builds its potential as a coherent and effective platform for learning and capacity building for the benefit of Member States and the United Nations system as a whole. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Japan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Italy, followed by Mexico and China.

Madam President, Italy fully aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union. As we are taking a crucial decision for the future of a renowned centre of excellence such as the Turin campus, we wish to add the following remarks on our national capacity. Italy has always supported the search for more synergies in the UN training and research. The campus in Torino is located in a very positive knowledge sharing environment, appreciated for its high quality training and sound financial situation. As a host country, Italy has invested substantially to strengthen the campus and now supports this merger to expand the UN training offer, preserving geographic footprint, staff levels and host countries involvement. These goals were outlined by the Secretary General in his briefing of the 28 May and in his report published in July. We are confident that the campus in Turin will not only be preserved, but further enhanced. Madam President, I cannot conclude my statement today without mentioning our surprise and concern from a procedural point of view. We deeply regret that the process was fast tracked, making a more thorough and substantive engagement challenging for many of us. It is peculiar that such an important resolution regarding the first merger of the UNAD initiative has been transmitted without identifying two co-facilitators to lead the negotiations on the text as it is the usual procedure. On the contrary, on a Friday night in August, Member States received an e-mail in their inbox merely transmitting the zero draft with no indication whatsoever on following steps and on the possibility to present comments. In those days, we discussed informally among Member States and many were surprised about this rushed and untransparent process. However, in a spirit of compromise, we engaged to find a shared solution. Only after we requested to negotiate, one meeting of consultation was convened and then a REV1 was circulated. Together with the European Union, we sent further comments and we did not receive any feedback. We would surely have preferred greater consideration to be given to the comments of the most involved countries such as Italy. Madam President, the concerns we are expressing today could have been avoided. It would have been sufficient to ensure adequate time, provide clear information, allowing Member States to consult properly. Dialogue, not a mere exchange of emails, is the essence of multilateralism, and we regret that this was not the case for this merger. We do not see reasonable grounds for this unusual procedure, and we ask, therefore, for which reason this way of proceeding was chosen. Having said that, we look forward to contributing to make uniquely the center for capability and learning innovation at full service of the UN and the broader international community. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Italy. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Gracias.

Thank you, Madam President. Allow me to begin by reaffirming the firm support of Mexico to the Secretariat to proceed with UN 80 and also recognise your commitment to this reform process, Madam President. We are facing an unprecedented exercise, which means a real recalibration of the United Nations system and its entities at global level, with the aim of strengthening our capacity to respond more effectively to the challenges that we have before us. Mexico voted in favour of this merger of the United Nations Staff System College and UNITAR because we feel it means creating a new, more solid institution that will preserve existing mandates. However, having said that, my delegation would like to point out several things with regard to the process and the modalities. that were used leading up to this decision. Mexico fully recognizes the importance of achieving concrete results, particularly in a context of institutional transformation and merger of activities. At the same time, we feel that these goals should be accompanied by dialogue, transparency and effective and active participation. This is particularly important when we're talking about decisions that have implications for the architecture of the UN system. to have adequate fora to hear and consider legitimate concerns of states would contribute to strengthening the collective ownership and sustainability of the UN reform processes. And in this regard, Mexico regrets that the consultations with member states were not as broad and structured and transparent and timely as we would have liked to see them, particularly on a subject where there is a favourable position on the part of the membership to make progress with regard to this proposal. Having greater dialogue would have made it possible to enrich the text, give it greater precision, strengthen its support, whilst also explicitly recognising the value and relevance of the decisions adopted by the boards of the to bodies concerned. Mexico understands that there is general support for the merger and that's why we voted in favour of the resolution. However, we do understand the concerns that have been expressed by delegations that proposed amendments in this regard. My delegation reiterates that the accelerated procedures should be used only in exceptional circumstances and not become a recurring practice and not set precedents for future processes of mergers or other things. When processes are seen as insufficiently prepared with consultation, then this will lead to dissatisfaction amongst Member States, which will make it difficult to strengthen trust and collective ownership of the outputs of these efforts. Only in this way can we ensure that we have a United Nations that is more efficient but also stronger. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China, followed by Senegal and Switzerland.

President, China supports the United Nations reform to enhance quality, efficiency and effectiveness, eliminate institutional overlaps, promote a culture of efficiency and better fulfill its mandate. The merger of UNSSC and UNITAR is an important part of the structural reform under UNAT initiative. China supports UN's efforts to integrate and enhance system-wide training and research functions. Based on the above mentioned principles and position, China voted in favor of the draft resolution that has been put to the vote. While we believe that advancing institutional mergers is a crucial step in implementing the UN initiative drawing broad attention, the advancement of relevant reforms should be based on evidence, data, Facts and a science-based and effective assessment of the status quo benefits, risks and challenges. The reform process should be Member State-led and ensure the equal participation of all Member States. Relevant processes should be transparent and inclusive, fully listen to the voices of all parties. earnestly build consensus among member states and give them necessary and sufficient time for consideration so as to ensure that the outcomes can withstand the test of history. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of China. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Senegal.

Thank you, Madam President. Senegal welcomes the adoption of the draft decision on the merger of the UNSSC and UNITAR, which is part and parcel of the UNAT initiative's implementation, in particular as regards training and research. On this note, my delegation has taken note with a keen interest of the report A/AT/787, the Secretary-General's report on the rationale and the expected benefits of the merger. Thus, we hope that the new integrated platform, to be known as the UN Institute for Capability and Learning Innovation, will safeguard and strengthen the two complementary mandates which gave rise to UNICLI. Senegal would like to emphasize the phased approach recommended by the SG's report, which will help to preserve the heritage and the legacy of the two entities which have served the organization so well. On this note, we in particular would like to applaud the emphasis placed on maintaining the geographical footprint, critical capacity for learning, and the comprehensive transfer of mandates, functions, staff, assets, and liabilities. Similarly, the implementation of the merger should bring together Member States as they all follow all stages of the phased implementation. On this note, strengthening OP5 helps create a merger process that is transparent, inclusive, and in keeping with our commitments. This is why it's so important to get a detailed report from the SG at the 81st session in keeping with the implementation schedule, a report on the forecasted savings, strategic value, efficiency gains, financial arrangements, transition costs and the staff structure. Given the complexity of this enterprise, we should also get additional, it should also give us additional information about the general challenges linked to mergers. My delegation therefore is of the view that additional time to consider this draft would have been useful. It might have given us additional windows for dialogue, which are always helpful to ensure a transition. This is why Senegal supported the motion put forward by the Russian Federation, the aim of that proposal being to ensure ongoing consultations and to ensure that we have more time to consider the various implications of this enterprise. Madam President, in any event, Senegal would like to reiterate its commitment and its readiness to assist the implementation of this decision in a constructive spirit and in close consultation with Member States and all relevant stakeholders. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Senegal. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland, followed by Brazil.

Madam President, Switzerland voted in favour of this resolution as it is the only resolution presented to Member States under the third workstream of UN80. Through its positive vote, Switzerland wishes to reiterate its support for the strategic objectives of UN80 and in particular the pursuit of greater efficiency. In this context, it is crucial that the UN demonstrate its ability to deliver concrete and tangible results. Likewise, the reform process provides an opportunity to strengthen dialogue and trust between Member States and the executive management. The proposals implemented should be based on a robust cost-benefit analysis, including non-financial aspects. They should also be sustainable, both in terms of the concrete impact of multilateral action as well as long-term financial viability. UNITA is financed completely by extra budgetary contributions, we might add. Having said that, we are not convinced that the proposal submitted to the vote today provides all the necessary guarantees that these criteria are being met. Switzerland, like other Member States, has repeatedly expressed concerns regarding decisions taken in haste and on the basis of insufficient analysis and evidence, as is the case with the proposed merger before this Assembly. Switzerland also regrets a certain lack of transparency in the process leading to the proposal for the merger of the two entities, as well as the fact that important concerns raised by Member States have not been taken into account. In light of the report of the 67th session of the UNITAR Board of Trustees and the consultations conducted in reaching this result, it is clear to us that no organizational measures that would modify the structure and capacities of UNITAR and the UN Staff College should be taken by the Executive Management without a revised proposal first being submitted to three key stages, namely: to the UNITAR Board of Trustees for a decision mutatis mutandis to the Board of the new entity; to the ACABQ for its consideration and recommendations; and thirdly, to this Assembly for approval, as the Board of Directors points out in its report. Finally, taking into account the unique added value of International Geneva as a leading ecosystem for developing the new entity's client base and fostering cooperation with other multilateral agencies, It will be particularly crucial to ensuring the long term financial and political stability sustainability of this merger. Switzerland remains fully committed to constructively supporting the next steps in this process. Thank you.

Merci. I thank the distinguished representative of Switzerland. As the final speaker, I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Brazil supports the proposed merger of UNSSC and UNITAR and recognize its merits. We see value in bringing together complementary capacities and strengthening coherence in the delivery of learning, training and capability development across the UN system. At the same time, the unusually compressed pace following this case should not become the norm for future structural reforms. Effective intergovernmental oversight requires that Member States be afforded sufficient time and information to properly assess proposals affecting the institutional architecture of the organization. The procedure followed in this particular case should therefore not constitute a precedent. Finally, future structural reforms should also contribute to a more balanced geographical distribution of the United Nations presence. As the organization considers consolidation and relocation opportunities, greater attention should be given to strengthening its footprint in developing countries, including through relocation to more cost-effective locations in the Global South. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. I thank the single representative of Brazil. We've heard the last speaker in explanations of vote after the vote. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 123? It is so decided. The meeting is adjourned.