Second Committee, 16th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 81st session

Good morning, colleagues. The 60th meeting of the Second Committee is called to order. I invite the Committee to begin its consideration of agenda item 22 entitled Operational Activities for Development. and its sub-items, A, operational activities for development of the United Nations system; and B, South-South cooperation for development. The documentation under the item and sub-items is submitted in today's journal and on e-Gov, and we will now proceed with the introduction of the reports. I would like to kindly remind the introducer of reports that the announced time limit for one introduction is four minutes. I first invite Ms. Lotta Tahinen, Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, to introduce under sub-item 22A the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of General Assembly resolution 79/226 on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system, as contained in document A/81/75, and on the funding of the United Nations development system, as contained in addendum 1 to document A/81/75. Madame Director, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. I have the pleasure to introduce the 2026 report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the General Assembly resolution 79226 on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system contained in document A/81/75. The report includes an addendum on funding of the UN development system and was first presented by the Secretary-General at the 2026 ECOSOC Operational Activities for Development segment this past June. Distinguished delegates, eight years after the adoption of GA resolution 72/279, Much of the structural transformation has been accomplished, making the UN development system more coherent, collaborative, and better able to support countries. An independent and empowered resident coordinator system now leads UN country teams in more than 160 countries and territories. 94% of programme country governments rate UN development support as effective, and 86% say that the reinvigorated Resident Coordinator system effectively steers strategic country team support. Operational efficiency targets have been exceeded with US$981.1 million in realized efficiency gains in 2025 alone. Accountability has also been strengthened. The United Nations Sustainable Development Group Systemwide Evaluation Office is now providing independent assessments of collective performance while QCPR monitoring has also been sharpened to focus more closely on results. Excellencies, the progress is substantial. Important elements of the reform vision nevertheless remain unrealized. Cooperation frameworks have not yet fulfilled their potential as the central instrument of the reform. In 84% of cases, cooperation framework processes have been adjusted to accommodate entity program document timelines rather than the other way around. Country team configuration exercises are not yet consistently reflected in entity presence, resourcing, or programming. And the management and accountability framework is applied inconsistently. These challenges are compounded by an unsustainable funding environment. Total contributions stood at 45.2 billion US dollars in 2024 and were projected to decline to around 40 billion dollars for 2025. Core resources accounted for just 12% of voluntary contributions against the funding compact target of 30%. The continued predominance of earmarked short-term funding works against the coherence that the reform was designed to achieve. The funding compact was conceived as a mutual commitment, greater coherence, transparency and accountability from the system, matched by more flexible, sustainable and predictable funding from Member States. The system has made substantial progress on reform. The corresponding shift in funding quality has not followed. And yet, the UN development system continues to deliver. Government recognition of effective UN support remains high across key areas. 86% rate support on health as effective, and 80% do so for food systems. Further focus is needed supporting some areas, including energy access and affordability, and on digital connectivity and inclusion. Resident coordinators report persistent challenges in scaling digital support, and tailoring it to country needs, including on artificial intelligence. Looking across different country contexts, confidence also remains high. All responding LDCs and African countries, together with 96% of LLDCs and 89% of SIDS, rated UN development system support as effective. At the same time, UN development resources in LDCs, LLDCs and African countries have declined in real terms. These countries account for the majority of UN development system country level spending, and progress in implementing the QCPR will largely be measured by results achieved there. Excellencies, the UNAD initiative provides a significant opportunity before 2030 to ensure that the reforms already agreed are fully realized and that country and regional arrangements genuinely serve national priorities. Completing that work is a shared responsibility. Member States have an important role through the funding they provide and through the oversight they exercise in the Economic and Social Council and entity governing bodies. More consistent guidance and stronger accountability for system-wide results will be important. The results delivered in 2025 show what a reformed system can achieve under acute resource pressure. They also show what is at stake if that pressure is not addressed. As we approach the 2030 deadline, completing the reform and sustaining the system's ability to deliver are now inseparable. We look forward to Member States' strategic guidance and support. I thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Director, for presenting the report. I would now like to invite Ms. Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, to introduce under sub-item 22B the report of the Secretary-General entitled State of South-South Cooperation, as contained in document A/81/321. Ms. Khatib, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Good morning, everyone, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the United Nations Office of South-South Cooperation, I'm pleased to introduce the report of the Secretary-General on the state of South-South cooperation, A/81/321, submitted pursuant to GA resolution 80/156. This report draws on contributions from United Nations entities and findings from the quadrennial comprehensive policy review surveys and evaluations of the UN OSEC strategic framework and the United Nations system-wide strategy on South-South and triangle cooperation. The report examines the global development context in 2025 and highlights important developments. The major intergovernmental processes that took place have reaffirmed the importance of South-South and triangular cooperation in advancing sustainable development and strengthening international development cooperation. South-South trade continues to demonstrate resilience, accounting for more than one-third of global commerce, with trade among developing economies expanding by approximately 8%. This presents opportunities to strengthen intra-South trade, investment, and regional integration. Artificial intelligence presents significant development opportunities with potential contributions of up to 20 trillion to the global economy by 2030. However, persistent technological disparities underscore the importance of South-South and triangular cooperation in bridging digital divides and strengthening developing countries' capacities to benefit from emerging technologies. The report also provides numerous examples of the catalytic role played by the UN system to promote South-South and triangular cooperation. It reflects significant progress in institutionalizing South-South and triangular cooperation across the United Nations development system. These cooperation modalities are increasingly integrated into corporate strategies, operational programs, and country-level planning. For example, in 2025, UNDP leveraged South-South and triangular cooperation in more than 1,470 projects. This progress is also reflected in the quadrennial comprehensive review survey, in which 54% of the responding governments reported effective United Nations support in strengthening national institutions for South-South and triangular cooperation. System-wide coordination has also continued to strengthen South-South and triangular cooperation. UN-OSSC actively convened and coordinated the inter-agency mechanism, which comprises 40 United Nations entities and provided quality assurance and technical inputs to 27 United Nations country teams in formulating common country analysis and cooperation frameworks through the regional peer support groups, thereby integrating these cooperation modalities into country-level development programming. The United Nations Development System continued to expand partnerships and mobilize resources to support South-South and triangular cooperation. For example, FAO reported an active South-South cooperation portfolio valued at approximately 34.9 million, supported through partnerships with member states, including Brazil and China. Madam Chair, and distinguished colleagues, the report puts forward actionable recommendations to guide the member states' deliberations and enhance the strategic capacity of the UN system in supporting South-South and triangular cooperation. First, the Secretary-General encourages Member States to make full use of the forthcoming intergovernmental review of the implementation of the Buenos Aires Outcome Document of the Second High-Level United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation to assess progress, identify remaining gaps, and provide strategic guidance on the future direction of South-South and triangular cooperation. Second, the Secretary-General calls on the United Nations development system to consolidate the mainstreaming of South-South and triangular cooperation into corporate strategies, programs, and United Nations sustainable development cooperation frameworks in line with national development priorities. And third, the Secretary-General underscores digital transformation and emerging technologies as pivotal drivers of development, calling for enhanced cooperation and digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and access to affordable computing resources, as well as foster the development of locally relevant technological solutions that reflect linguistic and cultural diversity. Finally, the Secretary-General underscores the importance of strengthening financing for South-South and triangular cooperation. In line with the Seville commitment, he encourages Member States to explore innovative financing instruments, expand partnerships with development finance institutions, and provide increased and predictable and multi-year contributions to the United Nations Fund for South-South Cooperation. Madam Chair, UNOSSC welcomes the policy guidance by the Second Committee on advancing south-south and triangular cooperation for accelerated SDG achievement.

I thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Al-Khatib, for your statement. Distinguished delegates, now in accordance with established practice, I would like to ask the distinguished delegates if there is any question or comment in relation with the reports that have been just introduced by the presenters. If this is not the case, then I thank the presenters of directors for being present with us and also for transmitting the messages of the main report from the Secretary General. Thank you. Distinguished delegates, now we'll begin the general discussion of agenda item 22, operational activities for development. and its sub-items. Before we proceed, I would like to remind delegations of the agreed time limits for statements during the general discussion of individual items that are five minutes for delegations speaking on behalf of the group of states and three minutes for national statements and for intergovernmental organization and United Nations systems. The list of speakers has been prepared on this basis. and we intend to implement the time limit strictly, included as necessary through automatic microphone cutoff. The assist speakers in time management, a countdown clock will be projected on the screen in the meeting room. Delegations are requested to submit longer versions of their statement by email to e-statements. And I thank everyone for the cooperation for keeping up with the time. Now, without further ado, I would like to give the floor to distinguished representative of Uruguay, who is presenting a statement on behalf of Group of G77 and China. Ambassador, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, Item 22, Operational Activities for Development of United Nations System. The group reaffirms its strong commitment to strengthen accountable, transparent, effective, and development-oriented United Nations system that fully supports developing countries in the implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, as well as their own national development plans and priorities. Therefore, the Group of 77 and China stresses that operational activities for development constitute the core development function of the system. We also reaffirm that operational activities for development must remain firmly focused on poverty eradication in all its forms and dimensions and its overarching objective of the United Nations development system. Therefore, these activities must remain country-driven, grant-based, universal and voluntary, and must fully respect the national ownership, leadership and policy space of program countries. The activities should also be carried out for the benefit of recipient countries at their request. Madam Chair, the widening financing gaps faced by developing countries amid multiple and interconnected global crises, including debt vulnerabilities, climate change, food insecurity, and growing inequalities, continues to weaken developing countries' ability to advance sustainable development and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. We remain deeply concerned by the persistent funding challenges, including the declining share of core resources and growing dependence on earmarked funding, which undermines the coherence, neutrality, and effectiveness of the UN development system. The group, therefore, continues to call for adequate, predictable, and flexible funding, including through the funding arrangement model established by the General Assembly. Such as a coordination levy, cost sharing among United Nations development system entities, as well as voluntary, predictable, and multi-year contributions to the dedicated trust fund, and fina- any financing arrangement should not be at the expense of developing countries. The group reiterates that the primary purpose of the Resident Coordinator System is to support sustainable development in program countries. Therefore, the group urges that the Resident Coordinator System and country teams be equipped with the necessary skills and resources to deliver coherent, demand-driven support aligned with national priorities. We underline that efficiency gains achieved through system-wide coherence must be redirected to strengthen operational capacities for development on the ground. Item 22, South-South cooperation for development. Madam Chair, the group reiterates that South-South cooperation is a vital and growing pillar of international development cooperation. Rooted in solidarity and mutual benefit, it promotes the exchange of experiences, technologies, and resources among developing countries. Therefore, We look forward to the forthcoming intergovernmental review of the implementation of the Buenos Aires outcome document of the second high level United Nations conference and South-South cooperation to be held next year. We call on countries to use it as an opportunity to assess progress achieved, identify gaps and challenges, and provide strategic guidance with future direction in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At the same time, while recognizing its increasing impact, the group stresses that South-South cooperation is not a substitute for North-South cooperation, but a complement that must be supported by strengthened means of implementation, particularly in financing, capacity building, and technology transfer. The group calls for enhanced institutional support from the United Nations system to maximize the contribution of South-South and triangular cooperation toward the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, national priorities, and the eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions. Madam Chair, the Group will table two resolutions under this agenda item discussed today. The Group stands ready to engage actively and constructively in the discussions and negotiations of these resolutions. In closing, the Group of 27 and China of 77 and China, sorry, reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with countries in special situations and its firm commitment to a reinvigorated, equitable and development-oriented United Nations system that leaves no country and no one behind. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Group of 77 and China. Now I would like to give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Thailand. Excellency, the floor is yours.

Thank you. Madam Chair, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of ASEAN under agenda item 22 on operational activities for development. ASEAN allies itself with the statement just delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of Seven, China. The full version of this statement will be available on the website. Chair, as we approach 2030, only 15% of the SDGs targets are on track. in the wider role of international development cooperation in supporting developing countries to attend the SDGs. As in therefore underscores the fundamental role of the 2024 QCPR as the essential policy framework for UN development support. We also reaffirm our strong support for the ongoing implementation of the UNDS reforms towards greater coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability across our operational activities. The Resident Coordinator System plays an important role in country-led UNDS coordination, ensuring alignment with national development priorities. As UNRWA iterates, it calls on partners to ensure adequate, predictable, sustainable funding for the system to ensure its continued delivery of tailored, accountable, and impactful support on the ground. As in support, the UNHRA initiative is objective and emphasizes that reforms must be anchored in General Assembly mandates, preserve the development focus, strengthen country-led operational capacities and remain member state-led, transparent and inclusive. Any restructuring at the regional or country level must lead to clear improvements in the UN's ability to support member states. Madam Chair, ASEAN values its comprehensive partnership with the UN and looks forward to advancing the implementation of the new ASEAN-UN Plan of Action 2026-2030. We believe that we should continue to build on this institutional synergy in the area of sustainable development. To this end, Thailand, as ASEAN Coordinator for Sustainable Development Cooperation, in collaboration with ESCAP continues to advance the Complementarities Initiative 2.0 to align the region's long-term blueprint, the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, with the 2030 Agenda. This collaboration, indeed, will be further strengthened through the ASEAN Sustainability Week in Bangkok, which brings together ASEAN and ESCAP-led sustainability platforms to facilitate stakeholder exchange, expand partnerships, and acquire insights from experts on achieving the 2030 Agenda and beyond. Madam Chair, ASEAN is also a strong advocate for partnerships and international development cooperation, encompassing North-South, South-South, and triangular cooperation. ASEAN has stood as a living example of solidarity and mutual growth through South-South cooperation. Within our region, we remain committed to narrowing the development gap among member states, including by advancing implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration Work Plan 5, 2026 to 2030, to ensure inclusive growth. We urge the UNDS to further leverage South-South and triangular cooperation at the country level, utilizing regional and local expertise to accelerate progress towards the SDGs as a complement to North-South cooperation, as in also pursue sustainable development with its external partners. This year, we welcome Turkia as our 12th dialogue partner, and Denmark, Germany, and Qatar as sectoral dialogue partners. Madam Chair, in conclusion, ASEAN reaffirms its unwavering commitment to engaging constructively with all partners to advance the effective implementation of the QCPR to ensure that the UNDS delivers tangible, lasting benefits for all developing nations. Thank you for your kind attention.

I thank your Excellency for the statement. I now would like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Palau.

Madam Chair, I have the honor to deliver the statement on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States, and we align ourselves with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Madam Chair, as we confront increasingly complex development challenges, AOSIS continues to look to the United Nations Development System as a trusted and reliable partner in advancing sustainable development and resilient prosperity. For SIDS, the UN Development System is central to whether international support reaches our countries in ways that are responsive, coherent, and aligned with regional and national priorities. Tailoring support across the system is an operational necessity. This is why we continue to call for the system to respond to our unique circumstances and vulnerabilities, take into account our national priorities, and provide support that is accessible, predictable, and tailored to our needs. We want the system to be fit for purpose and equipped to support SIDS in implementing the 2030 agenda and the Antigua and Barbuda agenda for SIDS. Madam Chair, AOSIS maintains that the General Assembly, with its universal membership, is the proper forum for decision making on the United Nations Development System, including on any reform process, since this is where every member state has an equal voice in determining the collective future of the system. As such, we stress that the work of the Second Committee is an opportunity for member states to consider and provide further guidance on the implementation of this QCPR on the UN development system. At the same time, AOSIS cautions against using this session to rewrite or reinterpret the mandates set out in the ECOSOC on progress in the implementation of General Assembly Resolution 79/226 on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system adopted in July. Madam Chair, SIDs often require highly specialized expertise that is critically important to the implementation of national development plans and strategies. This requires a sustained and effective institutional presence. In this regard, the configurations of UN country teams, especially those covering multi-country office settings, are of paramount importance to SIDs. The QCPR calls for multi-country offices to be regularly monitored, reported, and followed up with adjustments as necessary to ensure the delivery of sustainable and effective development resources and services to the countries they serve. In this regard, through the ECOSOC OAS resolution, we have already requested information on the implications of UNAD reforms and the proposed criteria for UN country team configurations. including for MCO arrangements. EOSIS looks forward to receiving this information early so that we can make informed decisions that will better shape the future of the United Nations development system. Madam Chair, for EOSIS, the test of the system must be its ability to deliver effective, tailored, and accessible support to the countries it serves. This means strengthening country ownership, responding to national priorities, improving coordination and coherence across the system, and ensuring that operational activities translate into tangible development results. It also means ensuring that the system remains responsive to the different circumstances and needs of program countries, including SIDS. Ultimately, our work must translate into a UN development system that delivers better, more coherent, and more effective support on the ground. I thank you.

Thank the distinguished delegate of Palau, and now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Canada for the statement on behalf of CANS.

Thank you, Chair. I'm honored to deliver this statement on behalf of Australia, New Zealand, and my own country, Canada. CANS remains steadfast in our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Pillar, and we support a UN development system that is more efficient, cost-effective, coherent, and accountable. This is critical to enabling the UN to reform in order to better deliver on the UN Charter. This is fundamental for a more peaceful and prosperous world. The UN development system is often the face of the UN in a country, with the resident coordinator as the highest UN representative. It is essential that they operate efficiently and effectively to serve as many people as possible with the greatest impact, including women and girls and those furthest behind. As we head into negotiations, these considerations should drive and guide our efforts. CANS wishes to register four key points. First, we thank the Secretary-General for the proposals he put forward at the Operational Activities for Development segment and in the related reports. CANS considers many of the proposals to be forward-looking and practical, while continuing to adhere to the core guiding principles of the 2024 quadriennial comprehensive policy review, QCPR, and to build on ongoing 2018 General Assembly-endorsed UNDS reforms. We are particularly supportive of tailored resident coordinator offices and more modular country team configurations. This will better reflect unique country contexts, including multi-country offices and resourcing constraints to promote progress on sustainable development goals while building on comparative advantages and reducing gaps and overlaps across the entities. Second, CANX considers that strengthening cooperation frameworks, including ensuring that country program documents are derived from them, will enhance UNDS coherence, collaboration, and effectiveness, as well as national ownership. Stronger frameworks can promote greater coherence across development, humanitarian, and peace efforts, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. Building and leveraging partnerships must also be core to the UNDS business model. This includes working closely and strategically with the private sector, civil society, and international financial institutions, as well as through joined-up approaches such as South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation. We are hopeful that the Committee can provide stronger guidance in these areas. Third, the resident coordinator system requires predictable and sustainable financing alongside reforms that strengthen coordination, responsiveness, and delivery on the ground. We encourage all delegations to work in close collaboration with our colleagues in the Fifth Committee and to build on discussions we had in the ECOSOC operational activities for development segment, instead of working in silos and reliving the same arguments we had a few months ago. Fourth, in a time of financial crisis and constraints and the need for accelerated action on sustainable development goals, the status quo should not be acceptable. We cannot miss our collective opportunity to give clear and timely direction and oversight to the UN development system to make sure it is fit for purpose and delivers on results for a better world. We owe it to the UN development system, to program countries, and to donors to ensure that this committee does not shirk its responsibility to guide the development system in response to the recommendations of the Secretary General. We urge member states to be ambitious and to draw in evidence in order to maximize impact and lasting results for all. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Canada and now I would like to give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Jamaica. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I do have the honor to deliver the statement on behalf of the 14 member states of the Caribbean Community. The full statement will be uploaded. We align with the statements delivered on behalf of G77 and China and AOSIS. We'd like to thank the Secretary-General for the report on the implementation of Resolution 79/226 on the QCPR. We recognize and support the efforts to strengthen the effectiveness, coherence, and delivery of the UN development system, including through a reinvigorated Resident Coordinator system. With less than five years left to 2030 and several SDG targets alarmingly off track, we believe that an empowered and well-equipped Resident Coordinator system is indispensable. CARICOM remains concerned about the considerable and unsustainable decline in ODA and voluntary funding. These affect the ability of the UN system to deliver results to those most in need and to close long-standing development gaps. We reiterate our call for flexible, sustainable, and predictable funding mechanisms to address what is described in the report as a development emergency facing the world. As the UN system undergoes further reform, including through the UNAT initiative, greater efficiency must strengthen, not diminish, its capacity to deliver. For SIDS, this means a system that recognizes the realities of geography, limited institutional capacity, and the need for specialized expertise. Country-level support must therefore remain responsive, while preserving access to the technical expertise needed to deliver results. Reform should bring greater coherence and efficiency, but it must also protect the capacity of the system to respond where needs are greatest. The Caribbean hosts four of the nine UN Multicountry Offices globally, as well as dedicated offices in Haiti and Guyana. As highly vulnerable SIDS, CARICOM depends heavily on responsive and coordinated UN Country Teams to address the increasing and more severe climate-related disasters. We reiterate that in order to provide effective, coherent and integrated UN support at country level, these offices require dedicated coordination capacities with a tailored approach to national priorities. For this reason, CARICOM remains deeply invested in the consideration of the UN80 initiative particularly in respect of proposals related to the regional reset under work stream three. While we support efforts to improve efficiency, reforms must avoid a one-size-fits-all approach that could dilute in-country expertise, reduce responsiveness, and undermine priorities such as climate resilience and disaster preparedness. We therefore take this opportunity to stress that the configurations of our MCOs, which have been delivering for our region, should be viewed through this lens. Madam Chair, the acute pressures being faced by SIDS whose structural vulnerabilities are not adequately captured by traditional measures of development are our daily reality. As such, we support calls by the Secretary-General to effectively scale up the global development response. In this regard, CARICOM reaffirms the importance of advancing the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS. through coordinated and adequately resourced action at the national, regional, and international levels. We also continue to advocate for the effective operationalization of the MVI and looking at measures beyond GDP so that access to financing better reflects the structural vulnerabilities of SIDS. For CARICOM, a fit-for-purpose development system is one that responds to national priorities. respects national ownership, draws on regional expertise, and reflects the particular circumstances of SIDS in how support is designed and delivered. CARICOM remains committed to constructive engagement in advancing these objectives. We stand ready to work with all partners to strengthen international cooperation and ensure that the United Nations Development System continues to support meaningful and sustainable progress towards the SDGs. I thank you.

I thank your Excellency for the statement. And now I would like to invite the permanent representative of Timor-Leste for delivering the statement on behalf of the community of the Portuguese-speaking countries. Excellency, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the member states of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, CPLP. Our delegations align themselves with the statements delivered by our respective groups. For the CPLP, international development cooperation is an essential instrument for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. In this context, we underscore the importance of an effective and coordinated United Nations development system aligned with national priorities, as well as the contribution of South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation to mobilizing knowledge and experience. strengthening national capacities and promoting solutions tailored to development challenges, while respecting sovereignty, national ownership and public policy space. With regard to sub-item 22, we recalled resolution 79265 of the General Assembly, which underscores the importance of strengthening cooperation between the CPLP and specialized agencies, entities and programs of the United Nations. This cooperation allows to explore complementarities and support initiatives of common interest. In this context, the CPLP reaffirms its support for the effective implementation of the Quadrennial Review and wishes to highlight three fundamental aspects. First, ensuring that operational activities respond to the development priorities and strategies defined by countries themselves, while respecting government leadership and strengthening institutional capacities for the formulation and implementation of public policies. Second, strengthening the coordination and coherence of the activities of the United Nations system, particularly through resident coordinators and country teams, in order to improve effectiveness and reduce duplication. The pursuit of efficiency must preserve the system capacity to respond to the specific needs of each country. Third, ensuring adequate, predictable, flexible, sufficient and sustainable funding, including core resources to ensure the continuity of support to developing countries with less reliance on strictly earmarked contributions. Madam Chair, turning to sub-item 22B, we affirm the importance of South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation as modalities that complement North-South cooperation, without replacing it or diminishing the commitments of developed countries with regard to financing and other means of implementation. We reaffirm the principles of horizontality, solidarity, respect for sovereignty, non-conditionality, mutual benefit, and responsiveness to the demands of partner countries. The geographical, economic and institutional diversity of our Member States provides an opportunity to establish partnerships that draw upon the experience of each country. The Portuguese language facilitates dialogue and the exchange of knowledge among institutions and communities. In this regard, we highlight four priorities. Promoting technical capacity building, deepening joint initiatives in areas such as education, health, food security, gender equality and climate resilience. Diversifying partnerships and funding sources. And finally, strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, which must respect the specific nature of South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation. To support the implementation of these priorities, the CPLP as regular coordination and monitoring mechanisms, including the biannual meetings of the cooperation focal points. At the most recent meeting held in Dili, Timor-Leste, in August 2026, ongoing projects were assessed and initiatives were approved in the area of human rights, environmental education, hydrography, telemedicine, telehealth, also contributing to preparations for the next strategic cycle of the Community. The CPLP will continue to promote cooperation based on solidarity, guided by national priorities and capable of generating lasting benefits for our peoples. We also reaffirm the importance of preserving the voluntary nature and specific characteristics of South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation. Thank you very much.

I thank Your Excellency for the statement. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia.

Thank you, Chair. The full statement will be available on the journal. Indonesia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the G77 and China, as well as ASEAN, and wishes to add the following in our national capacity. At a time of widening development gaps, constrained fiscal space, and growing global uncertainty, international development cooperation must become more responsive, inclusive, and effective. In this regard, Indonesia wishes to highlight two points. First, we must unlock the full potential of South-South and triangular cooperation. South-South cooperation is rooted in the spirit of the 1955 Asian-African Conference in Bandung, whose principles Indonesia continues to hold close. Indonesia has translated this spirit into concrete cooperation through projects amounting to around USD 37 million across 80 partner countries, including in food security, vaccines, and disaster management. At the same time, Indonesia believes that South-South and triangular cooperation should complement and not substitute for North-South cooperation and ODA commitments. particularly at a time when official development assistance declined by 23.1% in 2025, the largest annual contraction on record. Second, the UN development system must remain firmly anchored in national ownership and priorities. The value of the UNDS should ultimately be measured by its impact on the ground. Indonesia supports a strengthened Resident Coordinator System and more coherent UN Country Teams guided by cooperation frameworks that respond to nationally determined priorities. At the same time, declining contribution to the UNDS underscore the need for adequate, predictable and sustainable financing, including for the Resident Coordinator System, without diverting resources from development programmes. The UNDS should also make better use of national expertise, institution and development solutions. Expertise should not flow in only one direction. Proven national knowledge and capacities should be identified, supported, and channeled through the UNDS. Indonesia also supports efforts under UN80 to make UN more coherent, agile, and efficient, strengthen delivery at country level, preserve mandates agreed by member states, and fully reflect the needs and priorities of program countries. Mr. Chair, as resources become more constrained, we must not simply do less. We must cooperate better, connecting national ownership, South-South solidarity, and a stronger multilateral development system. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Indonesia for her statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile.

Chile

Chile aligns itself with the intervention of Uruguay and Barbados, the G77 and China, and would like to make the following points in its national capacity. Chile reaffirms the importance of having a UN system, development system that is efficient and effective, and its operational activities must meet the needs and priorities of countries. The QCPR must be a framework for guiding that work and strengthening the coherence of the support that our countries receive. In the implementation of the QCPR, we emphasize the role of the resident coordinators and the UN country teams to ensure a coordinated response that makes best use of the capacities of the various entities and avoids duplication. This effort must be supported by adequate financing and predictable financing that makes it possible to sustain long-term support for development. We'd like to pay particular attention to South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation, whose importance is growing even more because of the restrictions on development financing and tensions regarding multilateralism. For Chile, cooperation among southern countries arises from experiences and challenges that are shared, and it's based on solidarity, horizontality and peer learning, without conditions. Its value is not measured only in terms of financial flows, but also in the capacity to share knowledge and solutions in public policy that can be adapted to the realities of each country. Triangular cooperation broadens those possibilities because it coordinates among capabilities and resources of various partners on the basis of objectives defined jointly. Both arrangements complement for North-South cooperation without substituting for it or replacing development assistance commitments. As chair of the board of the Regional Conference on South-South Cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean of ECLAC, we attempt to strengthen South-South cooperation, transnational cooperation as a tool for regional development and project the priorities of our region into global debates. Mr. Chair, in times of fragmentation, we need to preserve spaces for trust and learning that we built among our countries. Chile will continue to promote South-South and regional cooperation that mobilizes our capacities and strengthens collective action in the face of the shared challenges of development. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Chile for her statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Gambia.

Thank you, Chair. I have the honor to deliver these remarks on behalf of the least developed countries and align with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China. We thank the Secretary General and the United Nations system for their continued support to implementation of the Doha Program of Action, our collective blueprint for enabling LDCs to achieve sustainable development, build resilience, and advance towards sustainable and irreversible graduation. The Doha Plan of Action recognizes that progress under the Istanbul Programme of Action fell short of expectation. Sustained economic growth of 7% was not achieved. Structural transformations remained limited and productive capacities remained weak. Only four countries have graduated by 2020 against the ambition of the half of LDCs to meet graduation criteria. The mixed development process across LDCs, coupled with increased volatility in the global development environment, demands stronger, more coordinated and better resource support from the United Nations development system. In this regard, the LDC group takes note of the Secretary-General's report on implementation of General Assembly resolution 79/26 on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system. We welcome progress since the 2018 reform. The independent resident coordinator system now leads UN country teams in more than 160 countries and territories, while regional cooperation, collaboration, system-wide evaluation, transparency and accountability have also strengthened. We also welcome reported efficiency against of 981.1 million in 2025 driven likely by shared services, procurement, payroll, treasury, and mobility solutions. We call for full implementation of funding compact, commitments, and adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing for the resident coordinator system. Efficient gains mostly enforce country level delivery and cannot substitute for the resources needed to fulfill development mandates. The LDC group therefore calls for intensified and coordinated UN support across the six priority areas of the Doha Programme of Action. Country-level assistance must connect investment in people, technology and productive capacities with support for trade, climate resilience and sustainable graduation, accelerating progress across the SDGs. The Doha Programme of Action priorities should be systematically integrated into the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks and country-level programming, supported by strong coordination, monitoring and accountability. Nationwide ownership must guide this support. Resident coordinators and UN country teams must align their assistance with nationally determined priorities and strengthen national institutions' capacity to implement them. LDCs need timely access to technical expertise, including the UN entities without a country presence. UN support must also remain responsive throughout graduation and beyond. Country teams should help countries prepare and implement smooth transition strategies, preserve development gains, and addressing persistent vulnerabilities. The LDC group recognizes the UN80 initiative as an opportunity to strengthen the coherence, efficiency, and effectiveness of the UN system. As reform proceeds, they must be undertaken strategically and ensure that the capacity of the UN development system to deliver for the most vulnerable countries is strengthened, not diminished. With less than five years remaining to achieve the SDGs, implementation must be accelerated, resource scaled up and partnerships strengthened. The success of the Doha Programme of Action will be a critical test for our collective commitment to leaving no one behind. I thank you.

I thank the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Gambia for her statement on behalf of Least Developed Countries. I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Malaysia.

Thank you, Chair.

Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China, and Thailand on behalf of ASEAN. Chair, Malaysia attaches great importance to the work of the United Nations Development System in supporting developing countries to achieve the SDGs. With less than five years remaining until 2030, strengthening the effectiveness of the UNDS is more important than ever. The UNDS must remain responsive to the needs and priorities of program countries, guided by national ownership and leadership. In this regard, Malaysia recognizes the important role of the Resident Coordinator System in coordinating UN development activities. We will continue working closely with the UN country team to advance our national development priorities and support efforts to strengthen the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of the UNDS, including through the ongoing UNAT initiative. Chair, allowing to turn to South-South cooperation, which remains an important pillar of Malaysia's development cooperation. For Malaysia, such cooperation is a manifestation of solidarity among the peoples and countries of the South.

Malaysia has long maintained that South-South cooperation complements North-South cooperation.

It provides an important platform for developing countries to exchange knowledge and build capacities based on their respective development experiences. Malaysia has put this belief into practice through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program, MTCP. Since its inception in the 1980, the MTCP has shared Malaysia's development experiences with more than 40,000 officials from 144 recipient countries. The program supports capacity building and technical cooperation in areas such as agriculture, education, public administration, and emerging technologies. In this context, Malaysia encourages the UNDS to further integrate South-South and triangular cooperation into its operational activities, including through greater use of regional expertise, knowledge sharing and capacity building initiatives. Chair, as we approach 2030, our collective priority must be to ensure the UNDS delivers meaningful and tangible results for developing countries. Malaysia remains committed to working with the UN and our development partners to strengthen international development cooperation and to share our experience and expertise to accelerate progress towards the SDGs.

I thank you.

I thank the representative of Malaysia for her statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone.

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. My delegation aligns its statement with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China, Namibia on behalf of the African Group, and the Gambia on behalf of the LDC. Sierra Leone takes note of the Secretary-General's report on the implementation of General Assembly resolution 79226 concerning the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of UN development activities. It also emphasizes the need for greater visibility into the UN development systems from the status to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of operational activities supporting achievement of the sustainable development goals. CRLU underscores the vital role of the United Nations development system in helping countries with funds and programs to implement the 2030 agenda and achieve its 17 sustainable development goals. We reaffirm that the United Nations development system, including the Resident Coordinator system, should remain focused on sustainable development. Increased development finance must be made available to support their work in accordance with national priorities. CLU notes with concern that the trend in annual declines in development funding, particularly core funding, continues to create uncertainty in financing operational activities for development. We urge development partners to fulfill their commitment and obligations to finance operational activities for development. The civil commitment, the Pact for the Future and its annexes, the UN Ocean Conference, the Doha Programme of Action, the AUAWASA Programme of Action, and the and Barbuda agenda for small island developing states must be implemented with measurable results to help developing countries achieve the SDGs. South-South cooperation should remain a cornerstone of international development cooperation. Peer learning and knowledge sharing build on the structure of solidarity that enables developing countries to exchange experiences, technologies, and resources. In conclusion, the UN80 initiative provides a framework for improving the United Nations system efficiency and productivity across its three pillars: peace, development, and human rights, while delivering meaningful results for the people itself. I thank you all.

I thank the representative of Sierra Leone. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Thank you, Chair. the Lao PDR align itself with the statement delivered by the Group of 77, China, ASEAN and the ODC. We reiterate our support for the ongoing implementation of UN development system reforms. Since the RC system reforms, our country has entered close collaboration with the RC office, recognizing its vital role in coordinating UN support and ensuring effective delivery at the country level. In light of the ongoing UN 18 initiative, we welcome this opportunity to strengthen the coherence, efficacy, effectiveness and accountability of the UN, and with that reform should deliver more integrated and result-oriented support, while ensuring that the UNDS remain country-led, responsive and fit for purposes. In this context, we underscore the importance of aligning UN operational activity with national priorities, strategies, and development plans, while responding to our specific development circumstances and needs. Share. The Lao PDR, as an LDC and LIDC, has continued to face significant development challenges. With our graduation from the LDC status this November, we are entering a period of the important transition. Taking into account challenges ahead, we call for continued and predictable international support and sufficient transition measures. With our smooth transition strategy in place, we aim to safeguard our development gains, navigate through the impacts, and sustain our progress toward the SDGs. In this regard, we urge the UNDS, as well as development partners, to continue mobilizing resources and assistance necessary to implement the UN sustainable development cooperation framework, fully aligned with the 10 national socioeconomic development plans and reinforce the implementation of program of action for LDCs and LRDCs. The cooperation framework remains instrumental in support our national development priorities and facilitating our sustainable transition during and beyond LDC graduation. On another note, we reaffirm the role played by South-South and triangular cooperation, guarded in national ownership and mutual benefit, is a complement, not substitute for, North-South cooperation and existing global assistance. In conclusion, the Lao PDR remains committed to working closely with the UNDS and development partners to ensure the smooth, quality, and sustainable LDC graduation, strengthen South-South cooperation, and accelerate the achievement of 2030 agenda. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Lao PDR. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guatemala.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In this joint debate, Guatemala aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the G77 and China, and in our national capacity, we wish to reaffirm that operational activities for development must respond to the national priorities and circumstances of Member States. The QCPR remains the main intergovernmental framework guiding the operational activities of the UN development system. The implementation of the QCPR must result in a more coherent, efficient and effective United Nations that is fully aligned with national priorities. Guatemala values the role of the Resident Coordinator System and its ability to bring together the capacities of the United Nations system, facilitate access to specialized knowledge, promote coherence, and respond flexibly to the needs and priorities of countries. Guatemala believes that the implementation of the QCPR must preserve the intergovernmental nature of the United Nations Development System, and that any changes to the UN presence at the country level should be made in close consultation with governments. As a middle-income country, Guatemala emphasizes that per capita income alone does not fully reflect existing inequalities, vulnerabilities and structural gaps. The UN development system must recognize these realities and help to strengthen national capacities. Guatemala attaches particular importance to South-South and triangular cooperation as a complement to, rather than a substitute for, North-South cooperation. Knowledge exchange, technology, exchange of experiences and exchange of best practices is a valuable tool to address common challenges and accelerate progress towards the SDGs. Guatemala therefore considers it important to continue strengthening the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, particularly with regard to its coordination, knowledge-sharing functions and its support for country-led initiatives. Guatemala will continue to promote stronger coordination between the United Nations development system, national institutions and development partners, supported by adequate, flexible and predictable funding. Thank you, Mr Chair.

I thank the representative of Guatemala, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belize.

Chair, we align with the statements delivered by Uruguay on behalf of G77 and China, and by Palau on behalf of AOSIS. For Belize, the United Nations Development System is an essential partner in translating international commitments into tangible results for our people. Its effectiveness depends on its responsiveness to national priorities, and the particular circumstances of small island developing states. Belize therefore wish to emphasize three priorities. First, the United Nations support must deliver on our development priorities through the multi-country sustainable development cooperation framework. Belize has endorsed this UN multi-country sustainable development cooperation framework 2027-2031. This framework should guide our partnership with United Nations in meeting our development goals backed by adequate financing. It provides a shared basis for translating regional cooperation into practical support for our national priorities, including climate resilience, stronger institutions, and access to essential services. Second, reform was strengthened support on the ground through genuine consultation and informed decision making. Belize supports a coherent and effective development system underpinned by a well-resourced resident coordinator system. As UN80 and the regional reset advance, Changes to multi-country office arrangements must preserve access to expertise, continuity of programs, and timely decision-making. We stress that reform cannot be reduced to a balance sheet exercise. Clear, detailed, and evidence-based information on proposed changes is fundamental. This must explain the criteria for country team configurations and the implications for program delivery, country presence, coordination, staffing, and financing. enabling informed intergovernmental consideration. Any reconfiguration must be undertaken in full consultation and agreement with host governments and the program countries concerned. For Belize, consultation must provide a meaningful opportunity to shape decisions before changes are finalized. Third, development commitments must be matched by predictable, sustainable, and flexible financing. Malaysia is deeply concerned by the decline in funding highlighted in the Secretary-General's report and its implications for development results. We call for stronger core funding and sustainable financing for the Resident Coordinator System. Efficiency gains should reinforce program delivery, they cannot substitute for adequate resources. Chair, Malaysia seeks a United Nations development system that remains accessible, responsive, and accountable to the countries it serves. We reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism and cooperation in advancing sustainable development and stand ready to work with partners to deliver on the 2030 agenda and the Antigua and Barbuda agenda for SIDS. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Belize. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa.

Thank you, Chair.

South Africa aligns with the statements by African Group and G77 and China. As 2030 rapidly approaches, the UN development system must intensify its efforts to support Member States in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In this regard, South Africa recognizes the importance of the UN80 initiative and supports efforts aimed at enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency and responsiveness of the UN. While reform presents opportunities to reduce duplication, address overlaps, and improve resource allocation, it must strengthen rather than weaken the development pillar. At the same time, reforms must be pursued in a measured and consultative manner to avoid undermining the development mandate of the UN. Discussions concerning the merger of UN entities, for example, warrants careful consideration and further reflection. Sustainable financing remains a critical challenge for the UNDS. South Africa reiterates its call for adequate, predictable, sustainable funding for development activities and urges all Member States to meet their financial obligations through the timely, full and unconditional payment of assessed contributions. We encourage the Secretary General to continue safeguarding resources dedicated to the development priorities of the Global South. We also trust that the implementation of resolution 80/270 on the credit return methodology will contribute to the strengthening of the organization's financial sustainability. The resident coordinator system continues to play an important role in the advancing of national priorities, promoting system-wide coherence, and responding to growing demands for support. Nevertheless, several challenges remain. These include ensuring resident coordinator functions are responsive to development priorities and assistance needs of program countries, clarifying the relationship between resident coordinators and UN entities, and responding to concerns regarding staffing composition in resident coordinator offices. In conclusion, in our view, the success of the UN development system should be measured by its ability to improve the lives of people. South Africa stands ready to engage constructively in efforts to build a more coherent, effective, adequately resourced and accountable UN development system.

Thank you.

I thank the representative of South Africa, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Brazil aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China, and would like to add the following brief remarks in its national capacity. Brazil remains deeply concerned by the persistent decline in ODA and we regret that it continues to fall short of long-standing commitments, precisely when we require greater international solidarity. Developed countries must meet their ODA commitments and ensure that the UN development system has adequate funding to respond to the needs and priorities of developing countries. Mr. Chair, South-South cooperation is an increasingly relevant modality of development cooperation, whose strength derives from solidarity, mutual benefit, respect for national sovereignty, national ownership, non-conditionality, and the sharing of knowledge and experiences among developing countries. South-South cooperation must remain complementary to North-South. It cannot and must not be presented as a substitute for ODA, nor can developing countries be expected to compensate for declining commitments by developed partners. Any attempt to blur this distinction would undermine internationally agreed responsibilities. Mr. Chair, Brazil will continue to engage constructively in the negotiations of both resolutions with a view to preserving consensus and strengthening the capacity of the UN to respond effectively to the development priorities of its member states. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Brazil. And I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belarus.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues. Time is dwindling as we approach the 2030 deadline, and with each passing year, we are further away from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The Secretary-General's report on the implementation of Resolution 79/226 depicts an alarming landscape. The volume of financing for operational activities of the development system in 2024 was reduced to $45.2 billion US dollars. That is 17% lower than the 2022 peak level. And the share of core contributions is merely 12% of the overall voluntary contributions. These are something greater. There's something greater behind these figures, something greater than statistics behind these figures. This is a symptom of waning multilateralism and a reduction of the ability of the UN development system to help member states achieve the SDGs. There are many barriers to this. including UCMs, which fly in the face of international law. States who have erected these barriers need to bring them down. This is not political rhetoric. This is a practical condition for Agenda 2030 to be fully implemented and on time. The Resident Coordinator Arrangement has demonstrated its effectiveness as a mechanism for providing for an integrated approach in the work of UN country teams. There's a need to continue to calibrate this system in close consultation with the countries implementing programs. The activity of resident coordinators and the entire country team needs to be focused on helping member states to achieve their national priorities and development plans. The main partners for UN country teams need to remain host country governments. Nor can we overlook the matter of the structure for financing operational activity. The trends towards replacing core resources with non-core or targeted resources is something of great concern. Non-core resources are neither predictable nor sustainable sources for supporting processes for development. They also are often politicized and used to exert pressure. We urge UN mechanisms not to follow certain states who advance divisive approaches and to abandon politicizing matters of financing projects, especially within country programs that have already been adopted. The repercussions of this activity can result in lower trust vis-a-vis UN institutions. for Belarus 2026 ushered in a new five-year cycle for achieving our country programs in key key programs these programs encompass areas which are priorities for us and directly linked to SDGs and we believe that the program will generate momentum for cooperation and timely achievement of the SD of agenda 2030 we stand ready to fully cooperate with partners in this process thank you.

Thank the representative of Belarus. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand.

Thank you. Thailand aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of G77 and China and ASEAN. Chair, we cannot afford to lose momentum on the 2030 agenda, particularly as development needs continue to grow, financing gaps widen, and official development assistance declines. Developing countries are making significant efforts to advance sustainable development, but these efforts must be supported by UN development system that delivers tangible results and responds to country's needs. In this regard, Thailand would like to highlight three priorities. First, country level delivery, the resident coordinator system remains central to ensuring an impactful UN presence on the ground, Thailand has been working closely with the UN resident coordinators office and the UN country team to develop our next five year cooperation framework. Throughout this process, we have emphasized the importance of a results-oriented framework firmly anchored in national development priorities. We look forward to translating the framework into tangible results through close coordination with the UN country team and the complementary implementation of agency-specific country programs. Second, regional cooperation. Thailand underscores the role of the UN regional commissions in addressing region-specific development needs. through their intergovernmental processes and mandates. Greater collaboration among regional institutions can promote policy alignment, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and reduce fragmentation. Such cooperation should extend beyond the UN system. The partnership between ASEAN and ESCAP is a valuable example. As ASEAN coordinator on UN on sustainable development cooperation, Thailand has helped advance this partnership to ensure alignment between regional initiatives and 2030 agenda under the Complementarities Initiative 2.0. Third, strengthening the UNDS. Thailand supports ongoing efforts towards a UNDS that delivers better on the ground. We reiterate that all reform initiatives must be anchored in General Assembly mandates. On the UN80 initiative, we support its objective to strengthen the effectiveness, efficiency, and coherence of the UN system. However, We join others in reiterating the reforms must not come at the cost of scaled back support or the delusion of existing mandates. Meaningful consultation with member states is essential. We also look forward to detailed information on UN80 related proposals, particularly for their contributions to the implementation of the 2024 QCPR. Chair, Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to a more integrated, responsive and results-oriented UN development system. We stand ready to contribute to this shared effort, including through our membership of the executive boards of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS for the term 2027 to 2029, as well as our ECOSOC candidature for the term 2029 to 2031. I thank you, Chair.

Thank the representative of Thailand. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lebanon.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for giving me the floor. Lebanon aligns itself with the statement delivered by G77 and China. Mr. Chair, while Lebanon is witnessing renewed institutional momentum, its recovery remains constrained by the cumulative effects of conflict, economic crisis, displacement, and financial pressures. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated humanitarian assistance, recovery reconstruction, and structural reforms. In this context, Lebanon values the vital role of the UN development system in supporting national recovery, strengthening institutions, and advancing sustainable development. The QCPAR should remain our compass. The consolidation of this resident coordinator system has proven to be a key factor in improving the coherence and effectiveness of interventions on the ground. We particularly recognize the contribution of the Resident Coordinator System in enhancing coherence and coordination among UN agencies. Our experience demonstrates its importance in adapting responses to evolving national needs. We stress that UNDS must remain country-driven, aligned with national priorities, and supportive of government-led efforts. In each country, we need a sovereign system. International assistance must strengthen national institutions, social protection systems, and local capacities and expertise, rather than create parallel structures. Mr. Chair, Lebanon's experience and the Lebanese response plan for 2026 underscores the importance of the humanitarian development nexus. Development must always begin from the very first day of a crisis or a conflict, ensuring that immediate assistance also contributes to resilience and sustainable recovery. These needs highlight the importance of sustained international support. Lebanon is concerned about the insufficient funding. We call on donors to scale up their contribution and emphasize the urgent need for predictable and sustainable financing for UN development operations, including the Resident Coordinator System. Mr. Chair, Lebanon underscores the importance of South-South triangular cooperation in promoting solidarity, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among specially developing countries. We encourage the UN system to facilitate access to innovative financing instruments and broaden partnerships supporting South-South and triangular cooperation as a complement to North-South cooperation. Mr. Chair, Lebanon reiterates its commitment to a coherent, adequately resourced, and country-driven UN development system that delivers tangible results and strengthens national capacity and supports sustainable recovery. I thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank the representative of Lebanon, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

In the name of God, the compassionate and the merciful, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we wish to reaffirm the importance of South-South cooperation for sustainable development and the need to build capacities amongst developing nations. This cooperation, in addition to triangular cooperation, complements North-South cooperation as well as partnerships through mutual respect. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is continuing to deliver support for development and we are doing so through the Saudi Fund for Development for more than 800 projects with more than 20 billion US dollars being disbursed for the implementation of a myriad projects, and this is a component of our 2030 vision, which is geared towards building capabilities, as well as focusing on young people and the private sector and development, we wish to reaffirm the fact that sustainable development requires security and protection of infrastructure as well as the development gains. We emphatically condemn the terrorist attacks that were conducted by the Houthi militias targeting the King Khalid Al Riyadh Airport, which poses grave threats to security and stability and infrastructure in my country. Lastly, we wish to reiterate our commitment to grows greater South-South cooperation and strengthened partnerships, as well as undertaking efforts with the international community for prosperity for all. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Saudi Arabia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nicaragua.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for giving me the floor. Nicaragua reaffirms the importance of the operational activities of the United Nations system as a vital tool for supporting national efforts to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and implement the 2030 Agenda and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. We think that this support should meet the needs and priorities of each country, with full respect for sovereignty and the right of our peoples to freely define their own development models without external impositions or conditions. The adverse effects of the unilateral coercive measures are an obstacle to the economic and social development of our peoples. They restrict access to financial resources, technologies, essential goods and services, and they limit national capacities to achieve the SDGs. We therefore reiterate our resolute rejection of these measures. which run counter to the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and we demand their complete, immediate and unconditional lifting. UN support must be provided without discrimination or politicisation, or conditions that harm the affected countries. It is essential to ensure adequate, stable and predictable financial resources for development programmes and projects, And we must also honor commitments, international commitments in the area of financing and ODA, prioritizing the needs of developing countries. The reforms of the UN system must preserve development as one of its fundamental pillars, and guarantee that any institutional transformation strengthens the capacity to respond to the people's needs, and it must be reflected in concrete results that contribute to families' well-being. Lastly, in Nicaragua, we reiterate its commitment to a genuine, inclusive multilateralism that respects the Charter. We must continue to promote actions that allow us to overcome structural inequalities and ensure that all our peoples can advance towards a future of peace, justice, dignity, and prosperity. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Nicaragua, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine.

Thank you, Chair. The State of Palestine aligns with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and wishes to make the following remarks in our national capacity on agenda item 22B. The State of Palestine attaches great importance to South-South cooperation as a foundational modality for strengthening technical capacities and sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices among developing countries. For the countries of the Global South, South-South cooperation is rooted in our shared history and collective commitment to a more equitable international order grounded in solidarity, mutual growth, and partnerships. Palestine's recent partnerships with fellow developing countries demonstrate the concrete value of this cooperation. With Pakistan, the Comstech Consortium of Excellence recently established a scholarship and fellowship program for 5,000 Palestinian students and researchers in science and technology. With Cuba, the Cuba-Palestine Friendship Association has enabled Palestinian medical professions to benefit from Cuba's expertise in medical cooperation. With India, the Palestine-India Techno Park supports Palestine's domestic technological capacities to create economic opportunities for Palestinian youth. For Palestine, these partnerships embody the enduring spirit of South-South cooperation, solidarity translated into practical support, and shared expertise and investment in our people's potential, even in the face of profound challenges. Palestine also recognizes the importance and value of triangular cooperation, particularly in the reconstruction of Gaza's infrastructure and laying foundations for sustainable recovery. Just last month, the European Union's Team Gaza Initiative signed flagship projects with UNDP and UNICEF to restore essential water and sanitation services in Gaza, where 90% of water and sanitation infrastructure has been destroyed by the Israeli onslaught. Another example is the Japan-UNDP partnership on the debris removal project in Gaza, aimed at accelerating efforts to clear 57 million tons of debris unleashed by the Israeli onslaught. Mr. Chair, South-South cooperation has demonstrated the immense potential of the global South, while triangular cooperation has shown how partnerships with more development partners can further strengthen collective efforts. The State of Palestine welcomes recent developments in South-South cooperation, including the launch of the Global Alliance for South-South and Triangular Cooperation, the launch of the conceptual framework for the measurement of South-South, and the upcoming convening of the review of the implementation of BAPA+40. The State of Palestine is committed to strengthening South-South cooperation, working alongside fellow developing countries and all international partners to build on this momentum, translate shared commitments into tangible development outcomes, and ensure that no country and no one is left behind. I thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the representative of the State of Palestine. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Mr. Chair.

Cuba aligns itself with the statement of Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China and wishes to add the following in its national capacity. Four years from 2030, the severe commitment, the 2030 agenda and operational activities for development must result in concrete actions. Given the current financial constraints and the reform processes at the United Nations, it's essential to preserve the system's intergovernmental, universal and development-oriented nature. The system's work must fully respect national sovereignty, leadership and ownership. The Resident Coordinator's teams must remain aligned with national priorities and any change in their functioning must be approved by the Member States. We are concerned by the financing gap for this system, which is so useful to countries of the South, and that gap must not increase at the cost of those very developing countries that need that help. Predictable, flexible and unconditional financing is essential to prevent donor priorities from replacing the needs of the receiving countries. We reiterate the importance of honouring ODA commitments. We also reiterate that South-South and triangular cooperation are a complement, not a replacement, for North-South cooperation, and that the specific needs of the most vulnerable countries must be met urgently. Cuba remains ready to share what we have with the world, with medical cooperation that no smear campaign will ever be able to besmirch. The United States blockade against Cuba is paralyzing basic services and is causing death and suffering among my people. Denying access to fuel to millions of Cubans cannot be justified and must not be normalized. We thank various fraternal countries for the support we received from them in these very difficult moments when we are facing unprecedented UCMs that hamper operational activities and the achievement of the SDGs. even in this very difficult climate, rest assured that you can count on Cuba to uphold an adequately financed development system that is aligned with national priorities and the right to development. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Cuba and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka.

Thank you, Chair. Chair, Sri Lanka aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. The United Nations development system continues to be an important partner for developing countries. Sri Lanka values its long-standing cooperation with the United Nations. In recent years, Sri Lanka has faced considerable challenges from the economic crisis of 2022 to the devastating impact of Cyclone D2 last year. Following the cyclone, United Nations agencies worked alongside our national authorities to assess needs and support the response. These experiences highlight the importance of sustained development assistance that can adapt to the country's need, changing needs of a country. Chair, We welcome the progress made in strengthening coordination among UN entities, including through the Resident Coordinator System. Underscoring the purpose of the Resident Coordinator System to support sustainable development in programme countries, we call for the RC system and country teams to be strengthened to deliver coherent, demand-driven support aligned with the national priorities. Any reform must remain member state-led, with program countries fully consulted. Any proposed changes should be considered carefully to ensure that they strengthen the United Nations' ability to provide assistance to the developing countries. Operational activities for development must focus on poverty eradication. These activities must be country-driven, grant-based, universal and voluntary, fully respecting programme countries' ownership, leadership and policy space, and undertaken at their request and for their benefit. We share the concerns of the Group of 77 and China regarding the decline in core funding for development activities. Predictable funding is necessary for UN entities to plan their work and provide consistent support to developing countries. Efforts to improve efficiency must ensure that resources remain available for development activities at the country level. Chair, with the 2030 deadline for Sustainable Development Goals approaching, Sri Lanka hopes to see continued progress in making the UN development system more responsive to the needs of developing countries. We remain committed to supporting these efforts. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Sri Lanka, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia.

Thank you, Chair. Ethiopia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the G77 in China and wishes to make the following remarks in its national capacity. The updated report of the Secretary-General recognizes important achievements in repositioning the United Nations development system. Progress is substantial and tangible in the over 160 countries and territories served by the United Nations development system. The Resident Coordinator System is proving its effectiveness and strategic relevance to developing countries against a backdrop of overlapping global crises and overall development emergency. The repositioning process must go beyond a stocktaking exercise. It should provide an opportunity to consolidate development gains, address persistent gaps, and strengthen the system's capacity to respond to evolving global challenges. For Ethiopia, the Resident Coordinator System remains central to advancing national development priorities and achieving the SDGs. As the UN80 process reshapes the UN system, the development pillar must be strengthened as a core priority, not diminished or weakened. Ethiopia strongly supports UN Country Teams that advance national priorities, with the cooperation framework serving as the basis for coherent, system-wide support. The new cooperation framework with the United Nations provides a comprehensive basis for promoting resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. However, persistent funding shortfalls remain a significant constraint on implementation. The proposed regional research should help reduce fragmentation and duplication, while better connecting country-level needs with regional capacities and resources. For Ethiopia, South-South and triangular cooperation is an important pillar of driving structural transformation and innovative development solutions in developing countries. It is a critical backbone of Ethiopia's industrial parks development through investments, infrastructure development, sectoral diversification, technology transfer, and capacity building. As I conclude, Chair, Ethiopia reaffirms its support for the Resident Coordinator System and its leadership in advancing the 2030 Agenda. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Ethiopia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Cameroon aligns itself with the statement made by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China. We underline that development in its three dimensions must remain the very soul of the operational activities of our organization, our lodestar, remains the eradication of poverty in all its forms. And the legitimacy of the United Nations system depends on national ownership and impetus, will, and leadership of the program countries. My delegation therefore deplores the worrying decline in core resources allocated to the system and the increase in tightly earmarked contributions. Given that this fragmentation dangerously reduces the efficiency of poverty eradication in all its forms, Cameroon advocates for financing that is predictable, multi-annual and flexible, aligned with cooperation agreements that are agreed among the parties.

The Resident Coordinator system must remain fully accountable to host governments, fully oriented towards tangible impact on the ground. My delegation insists that every dollar saved through efficiency must be reinvested in delivery at country level for the benefit of the people. In line with the funding compact, we call for scaling up pooled mechanisms like the joint SDG fund provided they remain driven by national priorities and catalytic for structural transformation. Cameroon welcomes South-South cooperation as solidarity in motion, a vital complement to North-South cooperation, not a substitute. Cameroon looks forward to the 2027 intergovernmental review of the Buenos Aires outcome, expecting tangible breakthrough in infrastructure, agriculture, energy, digital transformation, and industrialization. In this spirit, we commend India for the India-UN Development Partnership Fund a demand-driven, Southern-led instrument that turns solidarity into project. We also welcome China's global development initiative, which keeps development at the heart of the international agenda and rallies partner around the 2020 agenda, 2030 agenda. Madam Chair, to give Mr. Chair, to give full meaning To the 2030 agenda through SDG 17, let's build our success on concrete foundation rather than paperwork. Operational activities and cooperation must be judged by the factories built, the engineering school and STM program open to our youth and women, and lives transformed through industrial momentum.

I thank the representative of Cameroon, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We wish to align ourselves with the statement delivered by the G77 plus China. And in our national capacity, we wish to state the following. welcome the report of the Secretary General on the implementation of the QCPR and as well as the financing component and we note raising levels of trust in financing development system. Figures however are demonstrating something serious so which core resources are not surpassing 12% of voluntary contributions and compare and that this is a stands in stark contract with the goal set out for 2030. The resident coordinator system is setting out challenges more than 400 hundred seventy five million dollars adequate flexible predictable financing is not merely something which is a necessity but the sir presents a commitments for the reform of the system and now turning to the aid the UN 80 initiative for reshaping country teams so we stress the fact that this needs to be approved at the intergovernmental level and the report reveals that 84 percent of operations for cooperation have been adjusted in order to reflect the timelines rather than being directed. And there's a need to rebalance the situation in order to refocus resources without marginalizing middle-income countries. We highlight the trend of adjusting the Resident Coordinator system to building capabilities for integrated economic analysis as well as the financing for the SDGs. These capabilities need to be leveraged in order to improve adaptation efforts in light of climate change, as well as to support a sound, equitable transition through shared responsibility, but differentiated responsibility, while at the same time facilitating the diversification of initiatives and generating decent jobs for young people. We welcome the report on South-South cooperation, and our hope is that South-South trade will continue to develop in order to address numerous structural water resource related challenges, particularly in the poorest regions. There is a need to improve protection for water resources. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The full statement will be posted right away. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Iraq, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Chair. International development cooperation is facing a host of challenges. Geopolitical tensions and climate-related disasters persist and compound one another. Progress on the SDG has stalled with gaps between goals and between regions. This is a moment to step up our effort, yet the resources at hand are limited. Against this backdrop, UN development activities are expected to be more effective, more efficient, and more focused on results. In this regard, I would like to highlight three First, on effective development cooperation. UN development activities need to fully respect country ownership in program countries and align completely with national priorities. Members also share this task, including harmonizing their own effort. The Republic of Korea is dedicated to raising understanding of the four principles of development effectiveness, namely country ownership, focus on result, inclusive partnership, and transparency and mutual accountability. And as a co-chair of the group of friends of international development cooperation effectiveness, my delegation is ready to foster open discussion on putting these principles into practice. Second, coherence across the UN development system. Resident coordinators are key to this end. It is essential for them to strengthen coordination and linkages among UN development activities while making full use of the expertise and comparative advantages of each UN entity. The ROK has consistently supported the resident coordinator system. Nearly 10 years on from the reform, we request a richer dialogue between the secretariat and member state on its result and impact, both in ECOSOC and in this committee. Good practices and concrete achievement deserve to be clearly presented to member states through specific ground level examples. We also look to ECOSOC to take a stronger governance role over UN development activities, including the RC system. So, the integrated approach is vital. Humanitarian and development activities call for stronger links. Humanitarian aid cannot stop at short-term relief. It needs to reach early recovery and build resilience. In crisis and fragile settings, it is of particular importance that resident coordinators give top priority to these links to the humanitarian development peace nexus approach and to mobilizing a broad range of financial resources to sustain this effort. As a responsible partner of the UN's development system, my delegation looks forward to engaging constructively in this committee and enlighten the discussions. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Republic of Korea, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.

Thank you, Chair. India aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Group of 77 and China. On operational activities for development, India would like to make four observations. First, India supports a strong and effective UN development system and its full diversity of funds, programs, and agencies in which the Resident Coordinator System coordinates and brings together policy support, partnerships, and UN entities to advance national priorities. Second, proposals to recalibrate the Resident Coordinator System must be grounded in General Assembly mandates, notably Resolution 72/279 and subsequent QCPR resolutions. changes at regional and country levels must demonstrably improve support for the development pillar, including poverty eradication, energy transition, and the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence. Risk assessments, together with measures to manage the identified risks, are necessary for informed decisions by Member States. Third, national ownership must guide the UN development system. Resident coordinators add value by aligning UN assistance with national priorities and development plans. Cooperation frameworks must reflect host government priorities, national circumstances, and development strategies. Thus, cookie-cutter approaches must be done away. Fourth, as member states undertake the review of the RC system funding model, it will be important to have a comprehensive assessment of both the costs and the demonstrated development impact of the system. Financing discussions must go hand in hand with efforts to strengthen efficiency, transparency, accountability, and value for money. Chair, South-South cooperation is an expression of solidarity that complements North-South cooperation. It must remain voluntary, demand-driven, and guided by national ownership, mutual respect, and non-conditionality. India puts these principles into practice. India has offered lines of credit worth around $32 billion to 68 countries for development projects. Our Indian technical and economic cooperation program builds skills and institutional capacities in partner countries. Through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, India has committed $150 million over 10 years and has allocated $73 million to 92 projects across 65 countries till date. The India, Brazil, and South Africa Fund likewise supports demand-driven projects addressing poverty and hunger. India remains committed to a strong, effective, and development-oriented approach. oriented United Nations. We value the contribution of resident coordinators to national development efforts and will engage constructively to ensure that the system responds to member states' needs and priorities. I thank you.

I thank the representative of India. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh.

Thank you, Chair. Bangladesh aligns itself with the statements by G77 and China and the LDC group. We take note of the Secretary-General's reports under both sub-items. We value our longstanding partnership with the UN development system. For LDCs and graduating countries like ours, an effective, adequately resourced UN development system is essential to accelerating the 2030 Agenda. Its support must remain country-driven, grant-based and responsive to national priorities. However, as the Secretary-General's report lines, the UN development system heavily relies on earmarked resources, limiting its flexibility to respond to national priorities. We call for predictable, flexible and multi-year financing alongside adequate funding for the Resident Coordinator System. UN reform must strengthen the development system. It must result in greater coherence and efficiency and improve delivery on the ground while preserving agreed mandates. Mr. Chair, Bangladesh's approach to South-South cooperation draws on our experience with practical and locally relevant solutions. Our innovations in financing, community development, mobile financial service, climate adaptation, and disaster preparedness, among others, are of particular relevance to other developing countries. Bangladeshi NGOs have made their mark across many countries in the global south, providing technical assistance in livelihoods, microfinance and empowerment of women and girls. The UN Office for South-South Cooperation can play an important role in facilitating communication and knowledge sharing among governments, NGOs, civil society and other stakeholders. We are, however, concerned about the recent reductions in its resources and reiterate our call for adequate support to fulfill its mandate. We look forward to the upcoming intergovernmental review of the Buenos Aires outcome document as an opportunity to address gaps and strengthen South-South and triangular partnerships. We must, however, keep in mind that South-South cooperation complements the North-South cooperation. It cannot substitute for unfulfilled commitments by development partners. In this globalized world, our challenges are connected, so our responses must also be coordinated. National actions and ownership, effective UN support, stronger international partnerships, as well as South-South and triangular cooperation must work in unison to ensure that no one and no country is left behind. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Bangladesh, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. China aligns itself with the statement by Uruguay on behalf of Group 77, China, and welcomes the progress made by the UNDS in implementing resolution 72 to 79. On next step, China wishes to make the following recommendations. First, focus on consolidating UN development pillar. President Xi Jinping has pointed out that development is an eternal thing for human society and the key to people's well-being. All parties should genuinely place development at the center of international agenda and ensure that development operation consistently take support for sustainable development in the Global South as the starting point and ultimate goal. The UNDS must in key areas such as poverty reduction, provides countries of the South with great financial, technical, intellectual support and urge developing countries to effectively fulfill their commitments on finance for development. Second, focus on serving development needs of host countries. The UNDS must consistently uphold national ownership and leadership, take meeting the urgent needs of priority developing countries as its ultimate objective and priority, enhance on-the-ground delivery and tangible development results as the core criteria for effectiveness, to meaningfully increase the representation of voices of developing countries. Third, focus on improving the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of the entire system. China supports RSCs' greater coordinating role for greater synergy and consistency of development operations. It must be made clear that RSCs are not UN ambassadors. Development is their primary responsibility and core remit, not to the expansion into the fields of peace, security, and human rights. The implementation of the UN 80 initiative must be driven by member states subject to rigorous scrutiny. The core mandates of the relevant entities should be effectively safeguarded. Mr. Chair, China has always been a staunch supporter, active participant and significant contributor to South-South cooperation. In the five years since the Global Development Initiative was launched, it has mobilized more than 23 billion US dollars and implemented over 2,000 projects, sharing development opportunities with the wider global South. China has also established a China-UN Global South-South Development Support Mechanism, injecting new momentum into South-South cooperation. Going forward, China is ready to continue working with all parties to ensure that the Global South benefits more from development operations. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Chair. The Maldives aligns with the statements delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the island in China and Palau on behalf of the AOSIS. A well that is dug, a shelter that is built, a hospital that heals, and a school that teaches. These are the most visible signs of the UN's impact in countries. A concerted international effort is required to ensure that the UN can continue to deliver in country, in program countries, during uncertain times. In this regard, the Maldives wishes to highlight three points. First, development activities must be in line with national priorities. The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks are the foundations on which the UN's development activities are built on. Each CF is designed to address the unique context and needs of the program countries. For SIDS like the Maldives, the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, ABAS, provides an overarching framework for achieving our development aspirations. The ABAS must be mainstreamed into the development activities of the UN in SIDS, and therefore we urge that this is done by incorporating ABAS into the CEFs and ensuring that the work conducted under the CEFs furthers the implementation of ABAS locally. Second, ambition must be adequately financed and resourced. It is crucial that the CEFs are funded and resourced adequately in line with the national priorities of the programme countries. This means increasing co-contributions, reducing earmarked financing and reducing programme-specific funding. Any changes to the resources available in a programme country, including changes to a country team configuration, must be undertaken only after consulting and with the consent of the host governments. Host governments must also receive transparent, evidence-based and timely information on the impacts of any changes to country team configuration prior to any such changes being implemented. A decision on withdrawing the UNICEF representative in the Maldives was taken without adequate prior consultation or buy-in of the Maldivian government. This was regrettable. Third, international development cooperation must increase coordination. To increase the efficiency of the UN system, including reducing wastage and resources, the UN system and its entities must increase coordination among and within the entities and organizations. This will reduce duplication of resources and effort, while also allowing for the UNDS and its entities to take advantage of any comparative advantage they or other organizations may have. The UN's operational activities for development must continue to set the standard for organizational and operational excellence in the development activities globally. That is how we ensure that the program countries receive the support they require, and we ensure that the 2030 agenda is achieved without leaving anyone or any country behind. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the Maldives. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco.

Thank you, Chair. Morocco thanks the Secretariat for the reports informing our debate today and wishes to highlight the following. First, on the item relating to South-South cooperation. We welcome the findings of the SG report, which highlight that since the Buenos Aires Outcome Document adoption, South-South and triangular cooperation have become increasingly important modalities for advancing sustainable development and implementing the 2030 Agenda. For Morocco, these modalities lie at the very core of our foreign policy. The Kingdom has long championed an action-oriented South-South cooperation strategy anchored in solidarity, as well as concrete triangular cooperation initiatives across Africa, with Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. We believe that the forthcoming intergovernmental review of the Buenos Aires outcome document is a crucial opportunity to assess progress, identify gaps, reaffirm political commitment, and provide strategic guidance. The BAPA+40 review should then strengthen the tools and means for South-South and triangular cooperation. We also encourage leveraging the Global Alliance for South-South and Triangular Cooperation, launched by the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, to strengthen these modalities by connecting needs with financing, expertise and innovation. Chair, on the operational activities and UN development system, since the adoption, the reforms launched in 2018, important progress have been made. Eight years of implementation have also revealed lessons learned and more expectations in terms of delivery on the ground. UN80 proposals that are currently under consideration allow us to draw on this experience to advance the repositioning of the UNDS while preserving the gains achieved. We share the concerns on the declining of the core resources funding for the development activities. And in this context, we would like to highlight that no reform will succeed without adequate, predictable and sustainable financing, including for the Resident Coordinator system. Despite its key mandate and key role on the ground, as well as the progress that the recalibrated system has allowed for better assistance program countries, the system remains heavily dependent on voluntary contribution. A reinforced RC system can only be a reality with a stable, predictable financing model. We look forward to a constructive, comprehensive, and productive engagement on the funding model of the RC system in the upcoming weeks. Finally, Morocco looks forward to engaging constructively in the conduct of consultations on draft resolutions under this item. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Morocco, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues, the reform of the United Nations development system is entering a critical juncture. We believe it is very important to leverage consensus among member states about the importance for the organization to work more effectively on the ground with less than four years before the 2030 agenda deadline. We continue to anticipate that the Secretariat will provide updated information about the possible implications of all the proposed changes through the UNAD initiative, in accordance with instructions from Member States, the resolution of the operational segment of ECOSOC, paragraph 4, paragraph 5, and paragraph 13. We intend to work constructively with all interested delegations. And at the same time, reform for reforms stake is not something which we can agree to or embrace. I wish to set out Russia's four priorities for this agenda item. Number one, full implementation of the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review for Operational Activity and Development. Second, guaranteeing the leadership of states in crafting socioeconomic development strategies. Three, enhancing accountability and budgetary transparency within the resident coordinator system. We believe it is not acceptable against the backdrop of the overall liquidity crisis to to inflate the resident coordinator mechanism, especially to invest them with functions beyond the coordinating role, which was entrusted by member states. There is also a need to adapt the offices of the resident coordinators to reflect local contexts. Turning back to the reform track, I wish to recall the importance of the work of the UN regional commissions. meaning taking into account their coordinating and leadership role in regional development and the unique nature of the commissions as a source of knowledge and expert potential. All of these benefits and advantages need to be sustained subsequent to the reform of the development system. Turning to South-South cooperation, we support the main principles of South-South cooperation and trilateral cooperation, including solidarity. and providing states with capabilities for their independent development through the exchange of experience and technologies, taking into account their needs. The share of the resources we have been allocated for trilateral cooperation programs with participation of the UN system is growing. Recently, together with the UN Office of South-South Cooperation, we have begun to implement initiatives for healthcare, sustainable agriculture in Central Asia and the Sahel, and we are pleased that the positive responses that we have already received from our partners and positive feedback. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Dominican Republic.

Gracias.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Dominican Republic aligns itself with the declarations made by Uruguay on behalf of the A77 and China, and by Palau on behalf of AOSIS. We thank the United Nations Development System for its work, including that of the Resident Coordinators and the country teams, whose support has been essential to advancing in achieving the SDGs. Mr. Chair, we are concerned by the decline in development financing at a critical moment for the 2030 Agenda, in particular the reduction in resources for the Joint SDG Fund and the liquidity problems of the Peacebuilding Fund. We also reiterate the importance of honouring the commitments in the funding compact, in particular the goal of reaching at least 30% of core resources. We think it is urgent to ensure adequate, flexible and predictable financing for sustainable development and a lasting peace. Mr. Chair, national priorities must guide the operational activities for development. We must strengthen the localisation, local delivery of the SDGs and incorporate the ABAS, OAS and Doha programmes of action into cooperation frameworks and programmes of the agencies. For SIDS, the available financing remains insufficient given our climate vulnerabilities and our economic and financial vulnerabilities. Mr. Chair. The strengthening of the leadership of the Resident Coordinator as the main representative of the system on the ground is essential in order to avoid fragmentation and to ensure the strategic coordination and also effective accountability. We welcome efforts to improve efficiency and the coordination of the system through tools such as expertise on demand and joint knowledge centers. However, we think it's essential that the UN80 initiative should strengthen technical assistance and response capacities without reducing the physical presence or the scope or the operational activities of the country teams on the ground. We reiterate our commitment to work together with the UN system and the international community to make progress towards sustainable development that is full and inclusive. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Dominican Republic. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zambia.

Chairpersons, Excellencies, Zambia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the G77 and China, the African Group and the LDCs. As the United Nations undertakes a strategic reset, Zambia supports reforms that strengthen mandate delivery and responsiveness to Member States while upholding multilateralism and the principles of the Charter. UN entities supporting development must have the capacity and resources to fulfill their mandates. Their expertise, policy advice, and operational support remain essential to advancing national priorities and the 2030 Agenda. Chairperson, strengthening these entities require improvements in both the adequacy and quality of financing. Zambia calls for implementation of the funding compact, protecting core resources, expanding predictable multi-year contributions, and strengthening pooled funding aligned with national priorities. earmarked contributions should support strategic objectives with sufficient flexibility and proportionate reporting requirements. At country level, Zambia supports a strengthened resident coordinator system with adequately equipped offices that bring resident and non-resident agencies together around shared priorities and collective results. Overlapping programs and fragmented funding strain national capacities and reduce impact. We encourage joint planning, clear accountability, and simpler reporting arrangements. The Zambia UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023 to 2027 provides a platform for this collaboration. Stronger data and evaluation should demonstrate collective development outcomes and the value of coordinated support. Governments should also be able to access specialized expertise across the UN system more rapidly in response to national needs. We wish to underscore that reforms under the UN aid initiative should improve delivery and impact, safeguard essential expertise and effective field presence, and ensure continuity of support to developing countries. This process must remain transparent, inclusive, and member state driven. South-to-South and triangular cooperation offer opportunities to exchange knowledge, technology and practical solutions. Zambia reaffirms its support for the BPEP+40 outcome document. Such cooperation should be country-led, mutually agreed and responsive to national priorities, while complementing North-South cooperation. In conclusion, Zambia calls for a well-resourced, accountable and coherent UN development system, stronger entities, better quality financing and effective resident coordinators

I thank the representative of Zambia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tunisia.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Tunisia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Group of 77 and China, and wishes to make the following remarks in its national capacity. The United Nations development system has a critical role to play in supporting Member States in implementing the 2030 Agenda. To fulfill this mandate, its operational activities must be country-driven, responsive to national priorities, and adapted to each country's specific circumstances. There can be no one-size-fits-all approach to sustainable development. National ownership and leadership must remain at the core of the United Nations Development Cooperation. Second, we must strengthen support for transformative accelerators of the Sustainable Development Goals. These include the transition towards renewable energy, climate adaptation, investment, and the human capital development, particularly through education, skills development, and decent employment. United Nations expertise and operational capacities should be mobilized in an integrated manner to help countries translate their national development strategies into tangible and measurable results. Third, closing the financing gap requires moving beyond traditional funding. We encourage stronger partnerships between United Nations agencies, international financial institutions, development banks, private investors, and the business sector to mobilize additional resources. The United Nations should play a catalytic role in creating investment opportunities and facilitating partnerships. Fourth, we underscore the importance of further strengthening the Resident Coordinator System, including its coordination authority and capacity to convene the United Nations Country Team. Empowered resident coordinators are essential to ensuring greater policy coherence, better alignment of agency programs with national priorities, and the reduction of duplication and fragmentation across the UN development system. We also call for enhanced use of country-level pooled funding mechanisms, supported by stronger and more predictable contributions from donors. Such mechanisms can facilitate joint programming and encourage collective action across UN entities. In this regard, flexible and predictable funding remains essential to the effectiveness of the UN system. Finally, greater emphasis must be placed on accountability and results. We support the development and consistent application of clear, measurable, and country-relevant key performance indicators to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of UN operational activities. These indicators should focus not only on outputs, but also on measurable development outcomes, coordination, value for money, and progress towards the SDGs.

I thank you.

I thank the representative of Tunisia for his statement. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Liberia.

Thank you, Chair. Liberia reaffirms its commitment to the 2030 development agenda, agenda for sustainable development, and emphasizes the importance of effective international cooperation in advancing our national development priorities. Liberia recognizes the United Nations development systems. system as a vital partner in implementing our national development plan, the arrest agenda for inclusive development. Through this agenda, Liberia is prioritizing agriculture, food security, roads and infrastructure, the rural law. They are rule of law and governance, education and skills development, sanitation, health, tourism, technology and innovation. Achieving these priorities require predictable and adequate development finance and stronger coordination among the United Nations agencies, a greater investment in national institutions and human capacity. We call for development assistance that is aligned with Liberia's national priorities and deliver tangible results, particularly in reducing poverty, creating employment for young people, empowering women, improving basic services, and expanding economic opportunities for all across the 15 counties. Liberia also emphasizes the importance of technology transfer, private sector investment, domestic resource mobilization in building a resilient economy and reducing long-term dependence on external assistance. Liberia views South-South cooperation as an important means of sharing knowledge, expertise, technology, and practical solutions among developing countries. We encourage stronger cooperation, particularly within Africa, in agriculture modernization, food processing, digital innovation, public health, education, renewable energy, infrastructure, and vocational skills development. These partnerships can help Liberia strengthen local production, improve livelihoods, and accelerate economic transformation. Liberia also supports triangular cooperation as a means of combining the expertise of developing countries with the financial and technical resources of other development partners. Chair, Liberia stresses that South-South cooperation should be complementary to and serve to deepen North-South cooperation and existing development partnerships, not to replace them. Liberia also calls for a strengthening, adequately resourced, and nationally responsive United Nations development system, and a strengthening and recalibrated residents coordinator system. Liberia remains committed to working with the United Nations, African partners, and the international community to build a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous nation. And I thank you.

I thank the representative of Liberia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Niger.

Mr. Chair, ladies and gentlemen, this aligns itself with the statements on behalf of the groups of which it is a member, and I would like to make a few comments in our national capacity. The operational activities of the UN system can be measured by what they actually change in people's lives. To contribute really to the SDGs, they must be based on the priorities that each state sets itself. That is the whole substance of the principle of national ownership. The Niger has embarked on a process of national refounding. Our people expect from that process that they have sovereignty, security, social justice, and sustainable improvement in their living conditions. The partnership that we want with the UN system is based on that respect for our choices, taking account of our priorities, and producing results that can be seen on the ground. In the Sahel, insecurity remains, climate change is making communities more vulnerable, food crises are succeeding each other, and geopolitical tensions are weighing on our economies. Given the accumulated difficulties, the agencies, funds, and programs cannot act independently. their activities must become more coherent, in particular with regard to food security, access to water, health, education, youth employment and community resilience. That means that we need two things. First, predictable, adequate financing that is long term. Then we need effective coordination among the UN bodies. in strict liaison with the national authorities. Mr Chair, South-South cooperation allows countries that share comparable situations to share their experiences, to transfer technologies, to build their capacities and to make better use of their resources. For us, such cooperation opens the way to indigenous solidarity-based development. The Niger is putting in practice within the Confederation of Sahel States with Burkina Faso and Mali, putting that principle into practice. We are working to develop our economic complementarities, regional infrastructures, food sovereignty, access to energy and the local processing of our raw materials. The Sahel is too often presented solely in terms of crises and rivalries. It is also a region of initiatives and solutions whose peoples aspire rightly to peace, dignity and progress. Mr Chair, Niger expects from the UN system a multilateralism that results in true solidarity, respect for state sovereignty and real support for economic and social transformation. We are not asking for development to be decided for us. We are asking for it to be supported.

And the microphone was cut off.

I thank the representative of the Niger.

Floor to the distinguished representative of Mozambique.

Mr. Chair, Mozambique aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the African group the Group of 77 plus China, and the LDCs. We take note of the Secretary-General's report on the implementation of General Assembly resolution 79/226 on the Q CPR. We acknowledge the progress achieved by the United Nations development system in supporting the SDGs, despite growing development changes and constraints on multilateral cooperation. Against this backdrop, Mozambique supports continued efforts to strengthen the efficiency, coherence, and accountability of the United Nations development system, while ensuring that reforms translate into tangible development results. In this regard, we wish to emphasize three priorities. First, strengthening the resident coordinator system has a central pillar of effective coordination, coherence, and delivery of UN development assistance at the country level. Second, ensuring that UN development activities remain firmly anchored in national ownership, priorities, and development plans. with cooperation frameworks developed through meaningful consultation with host countries in support of the 2030 Agenda and the Doha Programme of Action. Third, ensuring that proposals for regional restructuring, expertise pooling, and country team configurations are tailored to national contexts, preserve development capacities, and are supported by adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing. Mr. Chair, despite the progress highlighted in report, the estimated $4 trillion annual gap for SDG financing remains a major challenge. The continued shortfall in voluntary core funding, including the unmet 30% target, underscores the urgency of translating existing commitment in concrete actions. In conclusion, Chair, Mozambique reiterates that institutional reforms however ambitious, cannot deliver sustainable development without corresponding financial commitments. We therefore call for the fulfillment of ODA commitments, including the 0.7% GNI target, alongside comprehensive debt solution, reduced borrowing costs, and improved access to affordable long-term development finance and concrete disbursement. Ultimately, the success of UN reforms must be measured not only by efficiency gains, but by their concrete impact on people's lives and the achievement of sustainable development. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the representative of Mozambique. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cote d'Ivoire.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of G77 plus China. And we wish to deliver the following remarks in our national capacity. We wish to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the state of South-South cooperation, which underscores the growing contribution of this cooperation to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Agenda. For Cote d'Ivoire, South-South cooperation is a key lever for solidarity, for experience sharing, and for mutually beneficial development, which is rooted in respect for sovereignty and national ownership. Mr. Chairman, in this context, the continental free trade zone, African Continental Free Trade Zone, which represents a market of more than 100 1.5 billion consumers corrected the speaker is an important means of incentivizing intra-african trade and building regional value chains South South cooperation and triangular cooperation are both a part of this momentum and they facilitate Partnerships which are rooted in complementarity of economy sharing of experience and placing value on the capabilities and potential of a cover continent in this vein we welcome the initiative which is initiatives to strengthen public private dialogue to mobilize investments in Africa in particular the second edition of the Africa so Forum which was held in Abidjan 12 and 13 May of 2025 which fostered the emergence of African Champions in the national level my delegation welcomes the outcomes of the meeting of the advisory group on financing for a national development plan and this was held in Abidjan in July 2026, which brought together approximately 80 billion US dollars. And we also welcome the outcomes of the Africa Award Summit, which was organized by Kenya and France, and setting out pledges of more 23 billion euros. And this also reflects a commitment to of African financial architecture reform. In order to strengthen this cooperation, to build upon it, we wish to underscore the following two priorities. Number one, to build national capacity and experience sharing among countries of the South. And second, to ensure greater mobilization of predictable, sustainable financing in accordance with the Seville commitment. To conclude, wish to reaffirm our commitment to South-South and triangular cooperation, enhanced cooperation.

The microphone has been cut off.

I thank the representative of Cote d'Ivoire, and I now give the floor to the representative of Haiti.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by G77 plus China and CARICOM. And in our national capacity, we wish to deliver in the following remarks related to Agenda 2022 to reaffirm the importance of South-South and triangular cooperation, while at the same time applauding the contribution of the United Nations system in Haiti. Mr. Chairman, our world is being buffeted by difficult times with security, climate, financial crises, and unfortunately, countries of the South continue to disproportionately endure the repercussions of this tumult. For our Republic, a country which is particularly vulnerable to macroeconomic and environmental shocks, South-South cooperation represents a real means and a lever for development. And yet, South-South cooperation cannot, under any circumstances, be a substitute for ODA or North-South cooperation. And yet, this provides additional support, flexible and nimble support. And as we near the deadline for Agenda 2030, we are encountering a multidimensional a crisis which is causing our institutions to experience challenges and there's a need for the international community to become to be engaged as a result and in parallel we are advocating strengthened South South and triangular partnerships and we're experiencing difficult times so we need to prioritize rapid quick impact intervention developing states in the technical and financial cooperation they need secure safe access to solutions which are adapted to reflect their realities, taking into account the urgent nature of their needs. Mr. Chairman, we firmly believe in South-South cooperation rooted in solidarity, skills sharing, as well as seeking sustainable development solutions beyond financial flows. And in this regard, we applaud the strategic and operational support that is being delivered by the United Nations system, which is fully committed to Haiti. We We encourage facilitating and ensuring the local nature of support being provided to the government, and there's a key need to ensure independence here. We call for sustaining a spirit of solidarity, which is undergirding these initiatives while ensuring mutual respect for sovereignty of every partner. And we call upon the international system to work assiduously to provide support for developing states.

Thank you.

I thank the representative of Haiti, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malawi.

Thank you, Chair. Malawi aligns itself with statements made on behalf of the G77 and China and the LDCs group. Chair, for Malawi, South-South cooperation should turn shared experience into lasting capabilities and development gains. Our priority is cooperation that advances Malawi 2063 by strengthening productive capacity, competitiveness, and self-reliance. We therefore emphasize four priorities. First, national agency. Developing countries should set their priorities, sequencing, implementation modalities, and expected outcomes. Partners should align support accordingly, respecting national circumstances and policy space while strengthening national leadership. Second, practical knowledge and technology transfer. Cooperation should build sustained partnerships that enable institutions and enterprises to adapt, apply, and maintain solutions. Third, regional integration and production networks. Cooperation among universities, research centers, standards bodies, development banks, and vocational institutions should convert knowledge into productive activity, strengthen regional value chains, and expand opportunities for local enterprises and young people. Fourth, effective triangular cooperation. Developing countries, traditional partners, international organizations, and the private sector should combine expertise, technology, and financing in support of nationally defined priorities. Chairperson, South-South cooperation should remain grounded in solidarity, mutual benefit, and national ownership. It should complement, not replace, North-South cooperation and the development commitments of developed countries. The United Nations development system should connect national priorities with relevant expertise, facilitate implementation, and promote shared learning. Success should be measured by capabilities retained, technologies applied, and institutions strengthened. Malawi stands ready to share and learn. We seek cooperation that strengthens both our ability to choose and our capacity to pursue our development path.

I thank you.

I thank the representative of Malawi for his statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Mexico observes with concern that just a few years from 2030, we are immersed in a strange flux of instability with financing projections for our system that threaten to take us back to the starting point of the 2030 agenda, just when we need more action. It's therefore essential that operational activities for development meet the most urgent needs rigorously and pragmatically. through efficient, effective structures that respect national ownership of the host countries. Investing in development means that we need to invest in prosperity and in the lasting peace of peoples. Therefore, any action, particularly in humanitarian crises or conflicts, must have that pillar as its goal, Mr. Chair. Better investment requires better management of resources beyond the simple premise of sending more resources. We must capitalise on the specialised experience offered by development system bodies. A resident coordinated system that is equipped to show its ability, its capacity as an access for institutional coordination, will be able to harmonise comparative advantages, provided that, number one, it has political support. Number two, it promotes a coherent ecosystem that encourages active collaboration with country teams. And three, it manages efficiently the deployment of resources to bring tangible results on the ground. We will continue to advocate avoiding duplication of effort among entities. This call for coordination must guide South-South cooperation as well. Let's make best use of the experience and comparative advantages of southern economies, economies of the South, let's overcome the proliferation of initiatives and make sure that we achieve them. The new strategy for the whole system must ensure coherent action in accordance with national priorities. The Development Corporation Forum of 2027 and the review of the final document of Buenos Aires in 2028 must result in substantive progress towards development. Lastly, Mr. Chair, even given the scale of the challenges, we must take advantage of the opportunities that are presented. Preserving the spirit of UN 80 and the basis of the QCPR means that we need to diversify our funding sources, guarantee that they are predictable, and rationalize administrative structures so that we can provide more resources to development. Let us strengthen strategic partnerships. Let's make the impact clear on the most needy people, and let us make use of the catalyzing role of middle and emerging powers to overcome this critical juncture. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Mexico for his statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Timor-Leste aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, ASEAN, the Group of Least Developed Countries, and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, CPLP. In our national capacity, we wish to highlight three priorities. First, ensuring that UN development support remains firmly anchored in our national priorities. United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2026-2030 provide a basis for coordinated assistance in inclusive services, economic diversification, climate resilience, and democratic governance. We value the role of the Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team in translating these priorities into practical support while strengthening national institutions and capacities. Second, strengthening the effectiveness and sustainability of the UN development operation. Advocate predictable and flexible financing, including core resources, in essential for sustained country level support. As the UN development system undergoes reform, improvement in coherence and efficiency should reinforce its operational capacity, particularly in least developed countries, rather than diminish its ability to respond to national needs. Third, deepening South-South and triangular cooperation. Timor-Leste membership in ASEAN opens further opportunities for knowledge sharing, technical cooperation and capacity building among developing countries, including through regional effort to narrow development gaps. Our engagement with the CPLP also facilitates exchange for expertise and development experience across region. The CPLP coordination food cooperation food point focal point meeting held in Dili in August 2026, which approved initiative in several areas, including environmental education and telemedicine, illustrate the potential such partnership. We reframe the South-South and triangle cooperation complement rather than replace North-South cooperation and can contribute to move to more inclusive and effective international development partnership. Mr. Chair, ultimately the effectiveness of development cooperation should be reflected in stronger national institution, sustainable capacity, and tangible improvement in the life of our people. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Timor-Leste, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cabo Verde.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Cabo Verde aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, AOSIS and CPLP, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. We welcome the progress made in strengthening the coordination of the United Nations development system. We now need to ensure that these reforms translate into more coherent and effective support at the country level. The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, agreed with national authorities, should effectively guide the work of all UN entities, facilitate results-based monitoring, and reduce fragmentation through greater joint programming and implementation. For Small Island Developing States, SIDS, cooperation must reflect realities that go well beyond income levels. Structural vulnerabilities, exposure to external shocks, the cost of insularity, and limited institutional capacities should be fully taken into account. Tailored support is particularly important in project preparation, risk analysis, and strengthening of national institutions responsible for implementation. We remain concerned about the financial constraints facing the UN development system. More predictable, flexible, and multi-year financing is essential to ensure continuity, national ownership, and the effective delivery of agreed programs while also maintaining transparency, accountability and measurable results. In this regard, Cabo Verde welcomes the ongoing work of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index. We encourage continued technical support for its practical application in national planning and in dialogue with development partners. While the MVI is not in itself a financing instrument, it provides valuable evidence to better assessment, development needs, and strengthen project preparation. The full text is already sent to Secretariat. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cabo Verde, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the G77 and China, and I deliver the following remarks in our national capacity. Colleagues, when we discuss the operational activities, we speak of converting priorities to tangible results in people's lives. Accordingly, I would like to share with you the partnership experience that the new Syria is building with the UN. Since the liberation, we have chosen openness and cooperation and built an increasingly important partnership with the UN. And since the appointment of the resident coordinator in Damascus, we have received high-ranking officials of the UN, Mr. Tom Fletcher included, and the High Commissioner for Refugees. And we have also been pleased to receive the Secretary-General, whose visit culminated the partnership between us. We have translated together this will into practical measures. The Foreign Ministry has launched, in cooperation with the UN, a statement on the recovery priorities. And from Damascus, for the first time, we have launched the humanitarian response plan. Today, Mr. Chairman, we look forward to building further on this cooperation through promoting the coordination between the UN agencies and together with the Syrian Government to enable integration between programs and their alignment with the national priorities and to achieve the recovery and the SDGs. Mr. Chairman, we have placed before the United Nations a foundation for joint efforts, and we call on member states to build on this effort through their contributions in a manner that aligns with our national priorities. Success of this partnership is a collective responsibility. We have a national leadership that works to implement priorities and a UN system that uses its experiences and international partners who support with technology and resources. This all requires flexible and predictable funding and a practical partnership that is aligned with the local circumstances and that benefits from the experiences of advanced nations. In conclusion, we have turned a new page with the United Nations, and we look forward to cooperating with you as we author our future together. And we look forward to taking our measures and steps together towards the future and our renaissance, and that contributes to a more regional and stable -- a more secure and stable region in the Middle East. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. South-South cooperation is an important instrument for sharing knowledge, technology, and practical solutions to common development challenges. As reflected in the report of the Secretary General on the state of South-South cooperation, strengthening these partnerships is essential to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Mr. Chair, Azerbaijan attaches great importance to South-South cooperation as a means of promoting solidarity, mutual benefit, and sustainable development. The Azerbaijan International Development Agency, established in 2011 under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, plays an important role in facilitating development assistance, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. Over the past decades, and the health, more than 140 countries have received assistance from Azerbaijan. These efforts reflect Azerbaijan's approach to international development, cooperation grounded in solidarity, partnership, and mutual benefit. Public administration is also a valuable dimension of South-South cooperation. Through the Asan service model, Azerbaijan shares its experience in transparent, efficient, and citizen-centered public administration, illustrating how innovative approach to governance and public service delivery can inform knowledge training among developing countries. Azerbaijan's engagement across regions underscored its role as a bridge builder between the global south and the global north, facilitating dialogue and cooperation on shared challenges. Regional connectivity, transport corridors, and energy cooperation contribute to strengthening economic links, facilitating trade, and supporting regional integration and energy security. Alongside economic cooperation, dialogue and the exchange of experience are essential to fostering mutual understanding. Through the Baku process, Azerbaijan promotes intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding among diverse societies. Civil society also contribute to international development cooperation. The establishment of the Global South NGO platform in Baku in April 2025 provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among civil society organizations and promote collective action on shared development challenges. Mr. Chair, digital transformation is an increasingly important dimension of South-South cooperation. As highlighted in the Secretary-General's report, the Baku Action Plan adopted in 2025, World Telecommunication Development Conference, emphasized peer learning, knowledge exchange, and partnership among developing countries. In conclusion, Azerbaijan reaffirms its commitment to working with all Member States to strengthen South-South cooperation, accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, and advance sustainable development for all. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Azerbaijan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nigeria.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Nigeria aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, as well as the statement delivered on behalf of the African Group. In our national capacity, we reaffirm our strong support for the United Nations Development System as a central partner in our efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Enhancing its operational efficiencies is no longer merely procedural, but an absolute necessity for progress. For Nigeria, The UNDS remains indispensable as a new generation of cooperation frameworks is not only fully aligned with our national development plan, but has also improved coherence at the country level. We reaffirm strong support for the resident coordinators, particularly those in Africa, in recognition of the essential role they play in driving the UN's development efforts. Mr. Chair. South-South cooperation is a vital expression of solidarity among the peoples and nations of the global South. As a leading actor in that regard, Nigeria has institutionalized its commitment through the National Technical Aid Corps. For over three decades, Nigeria has deployed thousands of highly skilled professionals, including doctors, engineers, and academics, to over 40 countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. In addition to that program, commitment to enhancing South-South cooperation is further demonstrated through the establishment of the Directorate for Technical Cooperation in Africa, which plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration and economic development across the African continent. In our commitment to South-South cooperation and collaboration, Nigeria underscores the significance of triangular cooperation. This partnership model offers a comprehensive approach to addressing global challenges, including through sharing expertise in areas such as tropical agriculture, counterterrorism, consensus management, and electoral support. Looking ahead, we firmly support the newly launched UN system-wide strategy on South-South and triangular cooperation for sustainable development.

Mr. Chair.

A strong UN development system and a vibrant South-South cooperation architecture are two sides of the same coin. Both are essential to accelerating SDG implementation. We remain committed to constructive engagements to ensure the system delivers and that no one is left behind. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Nigeria for his statement. Distinguished colleagues, if any delegation that had inscribed on the list of speakers is in the room and ready to speak, you may indicate your intention, you may indicate your request to speak by pressing the microphone button now. I see none. Colleagues, we've heard the last speaker on this list and have thus concluded the general discussion of item 22. I wish to recall that the submission deadline for draft proposals under agenda item 22 and its sub items is 3 p.m. on Monday, the 19th of October. The committee will therefore reconvene tomorrow, Friday, the 16th of October at 10 a.m. to begin its consideration of agenda item 58, permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources. The meeting is adjourned. I thank