Fifth Committee, 15th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 80th session

I call to order the 15th meeting of the 5th Committee of the 80th Session of the General Assembly. Distinguished delegates. Before we begin the business of the Committee for this morning, I should like to inform delegations that, as agreed by the Committee on an exceptional basis, the report of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions on the revised estimates relating to the proposed programme budget for 2026, contained in document A/80/7/Add.9, is available in English only. It will be issued as soon as possible in all official languages. I thank all delegations for their flexibility to proceed with this document to facilitate the work of the Committee, and would like to emphasize that this is on an exceptional basis and in no way sets a precedent. There should continue to be full respect for the existing resolutions of the General Assembly on multilingualism. It is my distinct honor to welcome to the Fifth Committee His Excellency the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres; the Chief of Cabinet, Mr. Courtney Rattray; the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Ms. Juliana Gaspar Ruas; the Under-Secretary-General for Management, Strategy, Policy and Compliance, Ms. Catherine Pollard; and the Assistant Secretary-General, Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget and Controller, Mr. Chandru Ramanathan. I invite the Committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 136, entitled "Proposed Programme Budget for 2026", and 148, entitled "Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peacekeeping operations". Under these agenda items, the Committee will consider the reports pertaining to the revised estimates relating to the proposed programme budget for 2026 and the support account for peacekeeping operations for 2025-26 period. I now invite His Excellency the Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, to introduce his report as contained in document A/80/400. Your Excellency, you have the floor.

Your Excellency, Ambassador Orvat, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it is a pleasure to formally introduce the Revised Estimates Report relating to the proposed programme budget for 2026 and the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations for the 2025-26 period. A few weeks ago, I introduced the proposed programme budget for 2026, which had been for the most part prepared before the launch of the UN Haiti Initiative. It responds to your call. As such, The initial budget proposal did not yet reflect the first outcomes of the Secretariat's comprehensive review of its resource requirements for 2026. The revised estimates report before you today does so, highlighting both the urgency and the ambition of the UN80 initiative. It responds to your call for a more effective, agile and resilient Secretariat and contains proposals to align resources with organizational priorities, modernize our internal operations, and reflect a pragmatic response to the evolving fiscal context. The report consists of two interlinked components: first, initial measures to improve the management and operations of the Secretariat, resulting from the first work stream of the UN-80 initiative; and second, target efficiencies and cost reductions to the proposed programme budget for 2026 and the support account budget for 2025-26. Building on earlier management reforms and significant investments in ERP and ICT infrastructure, the proposals include the creation of a common administrative platform to provide administrative services to secretariat entities located in each duty station, beginning with New York and Bangkok. This represents a considerable improvement of our efficiency, putting together what is done separately by different entities with, naturally, much more costs. The consolidation of payroll processing into a single global team operation across three centres: UN Headquarters, the Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, and the United Nations Office at Nairobi. And a systematic review by entities in New York and Geneva of functions that could be performed effectively in lower-cost duty stations. This is part of a broader strategy to reduce our commercial footprint and achieve a long-term cost reduction. Since 2017, the Secretariat has saved $126 million from terminating commercial leases in New York, further consolidating in existing premises, including terminating leases in two buildings by late 2027 is projected to save an additional 24.5 million US dollars annually from 2028. And this naturally represents the need to progressively reduce the areas that will do better in other locations than in New York. Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Allow me to now turn to targeted efficiencies and cost reductions. The review we conducted earlier in the year aimed to identify measurable efficiencies across the Secretariat in a holistic manner and irrespective of funding sources. The reductions, therefore, are not limited to the proposed programme budget for 2026 and the report includes reductions for the last six months of the support account period. I would emphasize that we have been very deliberate in putting forward a strategic proposal, not one that takes an across-the-board approach. While the proposal reductions are substantial, they have been carefully calibrated to preserve balance across the three pillars of the Organization peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. For example, I made a decision to exempt UNRWA from any reductions that would have dramatic consequences on the backbone of the entire humanitarian response in Gaza. The development account and advocacy for Africa's development were also exempted from reductions that would inevitably impact directly our support to member states hindering efforts towards the 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Africa Union's Agenda 2063. We also seek to further strengthen direct support to countries, in particular the most vulnerable, in the pursuit of their development aspirations. This includes a $1 million increase to the regular program of technical cooperation, and the 300,000 US dollars increase to the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States. These countries are the most impacted by climate action, are the ones that are in a more fragile situation in many aspects, and they always corresponded a priority of my mandate. The same applies, and it is a decision of the General Assembly, to the African continent, and we were particularly careful in creating the conditions to be more active both in relation to the African continent and in relation to smaller and developing states, landlocked countries, developing countries, and least developed countries. The proposed overall regular budget, I am proposing to bring the resource requirements for 2026 down to $3.28 billion, a reduction of $577 million or 15.1% compared with the 2025 appropriation. The proposed staffing table is revised to 11,594 posts, including special political missions, a reduction of 2,681 posts or 18.8% compared with the approved staffing table for 2025. To deliver these changes responsibly, the report also includes one-time costs related to separations and relocations, as well as requests for time-limited transitional capacities that will be needed in the areas of human resources, administration of justice, and legal affairs. To that end, I'm requesting an appropriation in the amount of 5.4 million US dollars and the commitment authority for 2026 to cover eligible one-time costs triggered by separations resulting from approved post abolishments in relocations for the program budget. Given dependencies, such as incumbencies, status of posts proposed for abolition or relocation, and the outcome of early separation programs, the estimate for one-time costs will be updated as implementation advances. I have to say that we had a particular concern in relation to the impacts on staff. The present situation, strictly for liquidity reasons, is a situation in which we have about 18% of vacancies. But those vacancies do not correspond to a political decision oriented by a strategic priority, but simply by the fact that people left and we had not the money to pay the replacement because of the liquidity crisis. What we are doing now is a reduction of 18.8% posts, not those that are now vacant, but those that correspond to functions that, in our opinion, can be done better by others or can be reduced by an efficiency in the way we work. But this has an advantage, and I know the concerns of the members of the Fifth Committee about the impact on staff and especially on the question of geographic distribution. The fact is that we have established already programs for voluntary separation that are being quite successful. At the same time, we will have a mechanism allowing for those whose posts are abolished to have the conditions to compete in a positive way to the posts that are vacant. And it is my deep belief that in the end, the number of members of the staff that will be released will be relatively small. And we are making everything in the way we handle the voluntary separation and in the way we will handle the filling of vacancies, we are doing everything to guarantee that there will be no deterioration in relation to the necessary equilibrium in geographic distribution and, if possible, to have some improvements in relation to that geographic distribution. Two main concerns of our work. limit as much as possible the impact on staff through the voluntary separations and the possibility of occupation of vacancies. Second, we utilize these instruments in order to guarantee that there will not be a disequilibrium that would undermine the geographic distribution, which, by the way, is still far from being entirely correct. So this is for me an absolute priority and all the instructions given to the services are in order to guarantee that this objective is attained. For the special political missions, the revised proposed budget amounts to 543.6 million US dollars, reflecting a reduction of 96.3 million or 15% compared with the initial proposal program budget for 2026, and a reduction of $149.5 million, or 21.6%, compared with the appropriation for 2025. The proposed reduction compared to 2025 comprises a net decrease of $84.7 million due to the closure of missions and a net decrease of 64.8 million US dollars for continuing mission. This will be achieved through conscious efforts to optimize staffing components, critically review needs, align with historical patterns, and seek opportunities to strengthen the culture of efficiency. For the special political missions, The revised estimates include the proposed net decrease of 1,215 posts and positions from 4,086 approved for 2025. This reflects both the closure of missions and efforts to streamline the staffing component and strengthen national capacity. For the support account for the period January to June 2026, the revised estimates amount to 188.9 million US dollars, representing a decrease of 23.9 million, or 11.2%. This includes a decrease of 206 posts, or 13.5%, compared with the approved staffing table for 2025-26. The staffing changes reflect an overall downward adjustment in line with the new staffing model endorsed as a framework by the General Assembly. The revised level for January to June 2026 represents the largest share of reductions attributable to that model, with further operational efficiencies complementing the adjustment. One-time costs for the support account will be accommodated within its 2025-26 approved budget and financial implications set out in the performance report. Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, the target reductions being proposed reflect our choices taken across entities to streamline structures, eliminate duplication, and prioritise resources for greatest impact. reductions of this scale will inevitably have programmatic and operational impacts across entities and come with adjustments in the way the Secretariat delivers on mandate activities. Accordingly, entities have identified the anticipated impact on their deliverables and put forward how they are planning to adapt their activities and their mitigation strategies. These measures constitute substantial budgetary reductions that affect real people, families, and futures, and we must never lose sight of this human dimension. In your engagements with us, you have stressed the importance of maintaining our efforts to advance equitable geographical distribution in our workforce. I wish to assure you again that we will make every effort to mitigate the impact of reductions in the overall composition of our workforce and to ensure that colleagues affected are supported through the transition. To advance these objectives, we have launched two early separation programs, which will generate additional vacancies for placement and for accommodating staff through lateral placements within their entities and then across entities and duty stations. These mitigation measures will allow us to significantly reduce the number of involuntary separations, and that will diminish the impact on the overall geographic balance and reduce the costs of termination. This will mean that once triggered, the downsizing policy will be applied to a smaller number of staff and will help ensure fairness and due process. Madam Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, looking ahead, work streams two and three of the UN IT Initiative are also underway. To ensure a coherent organization of the different actions across all three work streams and the UN system, the UN IT Initiative Action Plan was released three weeks ago. This coordination framework, developed following extensive consultations across the UN system, is also a planning and an accountability tool which will allow us to align responsibilities and actions. I welcome the establishment of the ad hoc working group of Member States and its ongoing work to carry forward the process in work stream 2 on improving every step in the mandate life cycle. The process will provide an important opportunity to enhance mandate implementation, and my team will continue to provide full support. Simultaneously, I have committed to 15 actions focused on enhancing mandate visibility, improving our reporting, strengthening how we manage mandate delivery, and harmonizing how results are measured and communicated across the UN system. say something that I believe is very important to all the members of the Fifth Committee. We are reducing the budget. Is that going to have a negative implication in the capacity to deliver our mandates? Well, unfortunately, our reduced budget is still bigger than the expenditure we are forecasting for 2025 because of the liquidity crisis. With one difference. With the present situation, we are spending less than we will spend next year if the budget is fully funded. And on the other hand, the stuff that is missing is not based on solid criteria in relation to optimization of the distribution of the staff for the different functions and for the implementation of the mandates, but the result of the vacancies created by people that leave, which means that I'm absolutely sure that there will be a considerable improvement in mandate implementation with these revised estimates than what we have in 2025. And they were exactly designed in order to guarantee that there will be no negative implications in relation to the implementation of mandates. Obviously, we will fully respect the work of Work Stream 2, and eventually there will be changes in the mandates And if there are changes in the mandates, there will be changes in the way we implement them. But what we are now is preparing a budget that is prepared to guarantee the full implementation of the mandates that we have at the present moment. On work stream three, focus on changing structures and realigning programs, I have presented a report which reflects a system-wide effort with a single purpose: to change how we work. The proposals span across the Secretariat, funds, programmes, specified agencies and related organizations. They represent a paradigm shift within pillars, across pillars and through the enablers that support our work to reduce fragmentation, duplication and inefficiency. and budgetary implications arriving from work streams two and three will be assessed rigorously and reflected in future budget proposals for your consideration for 2027. Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, the revised estimates report before you is not a routine technical revision. For the first time, the revised estimates reduce global regular budget resource requirements compared to what was originally proposed, and reductions for the support account for a period already approved by the Assembly. I want to repeat that this is a deliberate and considered adjustment to an already conservative proposal for 2026. It reflects both the urgency and ambition of the reforms we are undertaking, while also emphasizing a particular sense of responsibility to the most vulnerable in need of UN support. The goal is not temporary adjustment, but lasting cost reductions and modernization of Secretariat operations. That also means ensuring capacities needed for the future. for example, in technology, data, and protection safeguards. The United Nations operates in a world of great political and financial uncertainty. Resources are shrinking across the board, and they have been for years. Meanwhile, the needs of member states and the people we serve are increasing, making our mission even more urgent and more relevant. The proposals contained in the revised estimates represent our commitment to rebuild trust by demonstrating that every contribution is well used and every decision delivers results for the people we serve. Liquidity remains fragile, and this challenge will persist regardless of the final budget approved by the General Assembly, given the unacceptable volume of arrears. We ended 2024 with 760 million US dollars in arrears, of which 709 million is still outstanding from 2024. We have also not received 877 million of 2025 dues, and so thus, arrears now stand at 1 million, 586 US dollars. I've repeatedly appealed to member states to pay their assessed contributions in full and on time. And we continue to manage cash flows carefully, well below budget levels, and have proposed temporarily suspending the return of credits to safeguard liquidity and avoid disruption of program implementation. It is difficult for us to give back money that we have not because we didn't receive it. And so it is very important to find a solution for this question, a temporary solution based on an account in which the rights of member states are clearly established and returns will be paid as soon as our liquidity situation allows. Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. The UN 80 Initiative is our blueprint for a stronger, more effective, results-oriented and cost-effective UN, one that is more agile, responsive and resilient. Together, we can ensure that the United Nations is not only fit for purpose, but also fit for the future. Once again, I extend my profound gratitude for your engagement, your expertise, your partnership in this shared endeavor and the considerable effort to review these proposals on a compressed schedule. Thank you.

On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his statement. I now invite the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Ms. Juliana Gaspar Ruas, to introduce the related reports of that Committee as listed in today's Journal. Ms. Gaspar Ruas, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, Mr. Secretary-General, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, I am pleased to present the Advisory Committee's report on the revised estimates relating to the proposed programme budget for 2026 and the support account for peacekeeping operations for 2025-26 period. At the outset, allow me to stress once again that the Committee welcomes the UNAT initiative and the efforts towards strengthening the United Nations' impact and enhance its agility, responsiveness and resilience in accordance with resolution 79/318. The Committee acknowledges the need to make the Organization more financially sustainable and trusts that, through the review and deliberation on the revised estimates, Member States will determine the level of ambition and scope of reforms while ensuring effective mandate delivery. The committee reiterates that the depth and impact of the initiative call for more than one-time cost reduction exercise and require continuous and unremitting efforts to foster a culture of efficiency and cost-effectiveness for sustainable resource management. Madam Chair, the committee acknowledges the revised estimates were developed within a short timeframe, limiting the opportunity for a more thorough review and assessment of the basis for the proposed budget reductions. The Committees of the view the proposals, especially those involving entities with significant resource reductions, would have benefited from a more independent approach informed by the results of mandate and functional reviews and incorporating Member States' inputs. The Committee expects that future budget submissions will take into account changes arising from the other two work streams of the initiative and the deliberations among Member States their own. The Committee notes that the revised estimates report contains limited explanation and clarification on the methodology applied by different entities in identifying the number, levels and functions of the proposed staffing changes. While overall reduction targets were communicated to the entities, the proposals reflect varying levels of ambition and uneven results. The Committee considers that the UNAT initiative offers an opportunity for Member States to provide strategic guidance on the funding of different priority areas of the Organization. The Committee recognizes that target efficiencies and cost reduction measures will unavoidably impact the level of activities and organizational performance. The Committee acknowledges the efforts made by the Secretary-General to provide information on mitigating measures intended to minimize any undue impact on the implementation of mandates and the commitment by the heads of entities to continue implementing mandates as approved by Member States. The Committee trusts that systematic reporting on the impact of approved changes on mandate implementation and performance will be provided to the General Assembly in future reports. Madam Chair, on the efficiency agenda, The Committee supports the planned consolidation of service to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. However, the Committee notes that the overall target operating model for secretariat support services remain unsufficiently defined and considers that greater clarity is needed on the scope of functions as well as on the funding structure and governance architecture. The Committee considers that support services architecture would benefit from identifying location-independent services and determining which entities are best positioned to provide them. The Committee also considers that, similar to the ongoing discussions under Work Stream 3, Work Stream 1 should also aim at identifying possible consolidation and merger or enhance of mutualization of functions in areas such as ICT, human resource management and training. With regards to proposed relocations, the Committee underscores the critical need for a dedicated policy framework to enable informed decision-making and ensure relocations align with the Organization's strategic objectives. Such a policy should establish clear and transparent criteria for identifying functions suitable for relocation and selecting receiving locations, based on elements of a rigorous cost-benefit analysis to ensure decisions are economically sound and operationally sustainable. Allow me now to briefly move to the revised estimates relating to the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations. The Committee acknowledges the efforts undertaken to expedite the application of the new staffing model, which offers an objective basis on which to assess resource requirements and to ensure a closer alignment of resources to functions. The Committee also trusts that future support account submissions will take into account any changes arising from work stream 3, including any further efficiencies and cost savings deriving from potential changes in the multidisciplinary character of peacekeeping operations. Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, regarding staff separations following the General Assembly's decision on the revised estimates, the Committee notes that the downsizing policy was initially developed based on lessons learned from peacekeeping operations, a context that differs from staff reductions under the programme budget, particularly given the existence of desirable ranges. The Committee trusts that both for posts under the regular budget and the support account, application of the downsizing policy will fully comply with relevant General Assembly resolutions and support the Organization's human resource objectives, including equitable geographic representation, gender parity, and rejuvenation. The committee further trusts that all efforts will be undertaken in accordance with staff rules and regulations to use existing vacant posts that are not proposed for abolishments, as well as those that will become vacant if requests for early separations that are approved for retention of staff members who would otherwise be separated. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank Ms. Casper-Ruiz for her introduction. I would like to draw your attention to the report of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee on Internal Oversight, contained in document A/80/90/Add.1. Before proceeding to give the floor to the delegations, I would like to inform you, Mr. Secretary-General, that I am again encouraging members of the Committee to omit long courtesy remarks for the sake of time and efficiency. In addition, in order to allow all delegations to make their statements within our allotted meeting time and in your presence, Mr. Secretary-General, I urge the cooperation of all speakers to observe the time limits for statements, three minutes for individual member states and five minutes for delegations speaking on behalf of a group of states. An on-screen timer will be used to ensure we remain within these limits. Distinguished delegates, the floor is now open for any delegation who wishes to make a statement. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq on behalf of G77 and China.

Madam Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of Group of 77 and China. The group extends its appreciation to the Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, for presenting revised estimates relating to the proposed programme budget for 2026 and the support account for peacekeeping operations for 2025-26. We also thank Ms. Julianne Gaspar-Ros, chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for introducing the committee's related report. Madam Chair, the group regrets that the revised estimate relating to the proposed programme budget for 2026 and the support account for peacekeeping operations for 2025-26 period, as well as related to ACA BQ report, were presented with considerable delay this year. Member States now have barely one month to complete the entire process leading to the adoption of the budget. Such limited time inevitably constrained the ability of delegations to conduct a thorough review and assessment of the basis for the proposed budget reduction, and to submit relevant questions in time and to obtain timely answers. This situation will regrettably require Fifth Committee experts to work intensively until the very last day of the year. The group expresses concern regarding the limited explanations and clarifications on the methodology applied by different entities in identifying the numbers levels and functions of the proposed staffing changes. In this context, the Group requests that comprehensive information be provided to Member States on the selection of posts and the choices of duty stations proposed for abolishment or relocation, including the associated cost and benefit, in order to enable informed consideration to the proposals. The Group reiterates that the development pillar should maintain the priority and the UN 80 initiative with a focus on how to further enhance support to developing countries. In this context, the Group expresses grave concern over the disproportionate reduction across priority areas, sections related to international cooperation for development, such as section 9, 10, 12, 15 and 17, face an overall 16.7 cut, compared with 10.6 in peace and security, such as section 3, 5, and 6, and 0.06 in human rights and humanitarian affairs, section 25, 26, and 27. Moreover, the proposal for abolishment of 469 posts under economic growth, sustainable development, and Africa represent 57.6% of all proposed abolishment raises serious concerns on balance and fairness. The Group recalls that it is previously noted that the UN80 initiative represents an opportunity to address the percentage of high-level posts in organizations and its remuneration. In this context, the Group notes that most of the proposed abolishment do not meet this objective. It is noted with concern that the proposed staffing changes include a net reduction of 72 P1 and P2 posts, a reduction of 12.1 per cent in comparison to 2025 approved posts, the grade with the second highest reduction percentage at the professional level. The group also looks forward to receiving clarifications on the functions and roles to be performed by the UN's Under-Secretary for Policy and the reasons for proposing to transfer a post performance such as core functions like policy of the organizations to being funded under extra budgetary resources that are beyond the oversight of Member States. Madam Chair, we will propose a longer version of the statement, however, let me in conclusion say that the Group of 77 and China would like to emphasize the importance of open, transparent, and inclusive negotiations on the programme budget. The group assures you of its constructive approach in these negotiations for an outcome that would strengthen the organization and harmony among the member states. I thank you.

I thank you and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union on behalf of the EU and its member states.

Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union's member states. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Monaco align themselves with the statement. We begin by expressing our gratitude to the Secretary General for his outlook and to the Chair of the ACABQ for presenting the Committee's reports on the revised estimates. Mr. Secretary General, when you introduced the proposed program budget for 2026 over a month ago, we anticipated that this year's process would not be business as usual. This is because this year the discussion is not solely budgetary. It touches the core of the UN aid reform agenda, the implementation of the Pact of the Future, and ultimately, the political imperative of strengthening effective and efficient multilateralism itself. In this context, we would like to raise three main considerations. First, on process. The Secretary-General's revised estimates were issued two weeks later than anticipated, with the ACABQ's report following more than six weeks after its expected date. As a result, On 1 December, we are only now considering the key documents that should guide the next year's programme budget. The ACABQ rightly notes that Member States should determine the level of ambition and scope of reforms through the review of the revised estimates. Yet, this is unprecedentedly challenging within such a compressed timeframe, especially as the advisory reports are twice the length of the original. This Committee needs space for a diligent, consensus-oriented and technical assessment of these working methods and to exercise the role of the Fifth Committee, ergo, the General Assembly. Our work cannot become a mere automatic endorsement of Secretariat or HJABQ proposals. This needs time for reasoned consideration, which this year has been severely compressed. The problem is compounded by the fact that we are also called to address a growing length of volume of documentation. This affects efficiency and cost, limits the capacity of Member States, particularly small delegations, to engage fully, and undermines multilingualism, a core value of this organization. These are highly unfortunate outcomes. Second consideration on content. We fully support you, Mr. Secretary-General, in your efforts under UN 82 match reform ambition with responsibility while ensuring the imperative of a firm balance across the organization's three pillars. In this regard, several issues warrant careful review. The ACABQ notes varying levels of ambition and rigor that may impair core functions and mandate delivery. At the same time, it recommends abolishing posts beyond those identified by the Secretary General while retaining some posts proposed for abolition, offsetting numbers with a recommendation against proposed establishments. These proposals could directly affect the integrity and careful balancing of the Secretary-General's plan, as the basis for many of these ACABQ assessments remains to us unclear and inconsistent. We also note downgrades exceeding the Secretary-General's proposals without analysis of consequences, as well as diverging views on relocations. with the ACABQ recommending against 34% of them, raising questions about coherence and feasibility. Madam Chair, these elements require careful analyses, particularly regarding reform impact and accountability. And my final point, in spite these stark challenges, we reassure you that we will work to provide adequate financing for all mandated activities. The European Union and its member states as the largest collective contributors to the UN system, approach this process with a strong sense of responsibility. This requires looking beyond immediate details and also considering strategic measures to improve budgeting, financial management, and delivery processes. Madam Chair, Mr. Secretary-General, we will work constructively towards a consensual and timely adoption of the 2026 budget relying on the full engagement of all delegations and continued support from the Secretariat through prompt responses and technical advice. As part of Workstream 1 of UNAD, the budget offers an opportunity to demonstrate that efficiencies go beyond numbers and should be from now on embedded in the Organization's culture above and beyond the current exercise. Mr. Secretary-General, we conclude by expressing our sincere gratitude to UN staff for their dedication in delivering the organization mandates even in these challenging times. This delivery is of course challenged, but it is taking place every day because of that professionalism, that dedication, the passion and the compassion of UN staff under your leadership. We are grateful for that. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya on behalf of the Africa Group.

Madam Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the African Group. The group thanks the Secretary-General and the Chair of the Advisory Committee for presenting their respective reports in the context of the UN80 initiative and acknowledges the continued liquidity challenges confronting the organization. We align with the statement delivered by Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and wish to add the following remarks. The African Group reiterates its support for a stronger, more agile, and more effective United Nations and recognizes that prudent financial management and genuine efficiencies are necessary to preserve the organization's ability to deliver on its mandates. At the same time, The Group underlines that the reform must not become a cost-cutting exercise at the expense of mandate delivery, particularly in regions such as Africa, where needs are greatest and peace, security and development challenges are most acute. The Group is concerned that the estimates, prepared under significant time pressure, have been submitted to the Fifth Committee shortly before the end of the year. limiting the opportunity for thorough review, structured dialogue and evidence-based decision-making. The group is further concerned that proposals under the revised estimates appear to preempt the outcomes of work streams two and three on mandate review and structural realignment, including through reductions and reconfigurations in divisions that may subsequently be subject to mergers or restructuring. Madam Chair, the African Group recalls repeated assurances that activities directly supporting developing countries, including LDCs, LLDCs, SIDS and African priorities, as well as key development cooperation instruments and regional commissions, would be shielded from reductions. It notes with concern, however, that the pattern of proposed cuts including in sections relating to international cooperation for development, regional cooperation, and Africa-related mandates, appears more severe than in other pillars and risks weakening programme delivery in areas central to Africa's development agenda. The Group is deeply concerned about the scale and structure of the proposed abolition of posts, including significant reductions at the P-2 and P-3 levels and in general service positions, where African nationals and other staff from developing countries are often most represented. Such patterns risk undermining both equitable geographical representation and the rejuvenation of the workforce, contrary to objectives previously set by the General Assembly for human resources management and the UN 80 initiative. Madam Chair, the African Group takes note of the proposal to relocate functions from high-cost to low-cost duty stations, including Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Entebbe, and recognizes the potential to enhance efficiency while bringing capacities closer to the field. However, The Group is concerned by the apparent inconsistencies between the stated objective of relocating to lower-cost locations and the actual pattern of proposed relocations, including some to duty stations that neither significantly reduce costs nor bring functions closer to African operations and clients. The group is especially concerned that reductions in political affairs, peacebuilding support and special political missions risk weakening conflict prevention, mediation, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, security sector reform and electoral support at a time of rising instability and terrorism across the African continent. The African group stresses that any reshaping of peace and security capacities, including through the new staffing model for the support account, must safeguard the effective implementation of Security Council and General Assembly mandates in Africa and strengthen rather than dilute AU-UN cooperation frameworks. In conclusion, the African Group reiterates its commitment to constructive, transparent, and inclusive negotiations on the revised estimates with a view to adopting a sustainable development-oriented budget that responds to our collective needs and ensures that efficiency gains reinforce multilateralism and promote a United Nations that is more representative, equitable and effective for all. I thank you.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Singapore on behalf of ASEAN.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ASEAN aligns itself with the statement made by Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. ASEAN thanks the Secretary-General for introducing his report and Ms Juliana Gaspar Huas, Chair of the ACABQ, for introducing the ACABQ's related report. Madam Chair, It is no exaggeration to say that the Fifth Committee has a monumental task on its hands this year. With less than a month to complete its work, the Committee will need to proceed efficiently and pragmatically to reach agreement on the budget. In this regard, the most important ingredient in this process is political will. ASEAN urges all delegations to approach these negotiations in good faith, guided by our collective purpose of ensuring that the Organisation can continue to deliver on its mandates fully and effectively. ASEAN reaffirms its support for the Secretary-General's UN80 initiative, which is aimed at strengthening the UN system to make it fit for the future. The revised estimates that were introduced today seek to identify efficiencies and reduce costs as part of this reform. ASEAN stresses that the reform must lead to a strengthening of the founding principles and purposes of the UN, as outlined in the Charter. It is thus crucial to ensure that balance is preserved across all three pillars of the UN's work: sustainable development, peace and security, and human rights. ASEAN therefore echoes the concerns expressed in the G77 statement on what appears to be a disproportionate approach to the staffing and resource reductions taken by different departments and offices. We note that the sections concerning human rights and humanitarian affairs have put forward what amounts to a mere 0.6% cut in resourcing, compared to a much larger reduction of 16.7% in the sections in International Cooperation for Development, or the 10.6% overall cut to the sections on Peace and Security. ASEAN reiterates that the ongoing reform exercise should not result in the weakening of mandates or geographic balance in staffing, and should ensure that development mandates are adequately resourced to help developing countries in their respective regions to meet their socio-economic goals. This includes the adequate funding of regional economic commissions such as ESCAP and the Resident Coordinator System. ASEAN notes that amongst the regional commissions, ESCAP is facing the second largest reduction of 12.9%. Madam Chair, ASEAN notes the ACABQ's recommendation that the streamlining efforts by the Secretary-General should be informed by the work of the other two workstreams of the UNAT initiative, to allow for a better assessment of the impact on existing mandates and their alignment with the strategic priorities of Member States. We agree with the Committee's recommendation that future proposed programme budget submissions should consider changes arising from the other two workstreams and include information on the impact of changes on mandate implementation, and an analysis of the mitigation strategies and their effectiveness. This will ultimately allow us to assess whether we, as the General Assembly, have achieved our objectives in this reform. To conclude, ASEAN will play an active role in the upcoming discussions. We look forward to a constructive dialogue with all delegations. Thank you.

I thank you and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada on behalf of CANS.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honor to deliver the statement on behalf of Australia, New Zealand, and my own country, Canada. CANS would like to begin by thanking the Secretary-General for the revised estimates for 2026, as well as Ms. Gaspar Ruas and the members of the Advisory Committee for their reports. The UN stands at a crossroads. Our decision today will define whether this organization can meet global challenges or will falter under their weight. During these unprecedented times, we must exercise firm stewardship based on a clear strategic vision for this organization. We reaffirm our strong support for the Secretary-General's UN80 initiative to deliver a United Nations that is fit for purpose, effective, efficient and resilient in responding to global challenges today and in the future. We commend the Secretary-General's leadership in driving reforms that strengthen governance, streamline processes and enhance the organization's ability to deliver results. We must seize this opportunity to embed efficiencies, eliminate duplication, and better align mandates with resources. These revised estimates represent a test of our collective ability to do so. Immediate budget decisions are necessary to establish the reform pathway. Let us approach these proposals in a constructive and open-minded manner and focus on the long-term viability of the organization. We must take a consistent and balanced approach across the UN's three pillars. At the same time, we must ensure that every dollar spent delivers maximum impact, particularly where it is needed most. And we are mindful that the United Nations is not only an institution, but also a community of dedicated professionals. We must ensure that staff are supported as the UN adapts to new realities.

Chair, we reaffirm the importance of multilingualism as a pillar of inclusion and transparency. Multilingualism guarantees access to documentation and interpretation in all official languages so that every member state can participate on an equal footing.

Chair, we also underscore the importance of robust oversight and accountability throughout the reform process, principles integral to a stronger, more credible United Nations. This committee is tasked to help shape the organization's future. Meaningful UN reform will require some difficult decisions. We must deliver a sustainable budget and an urgently needed reform agenda so that the UN can deliver on its core normative mandate, address the needs of the most vulnerable, and meet the challenges ahead. CANS looks forward to working collaboratively with you, the Bureau, and Member States to ensure that the UN operates with transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Together, let us build a UN that is leaner, stronger, and able to deliver for all. I thank you.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

Thank you, Chair. Secretary-General, first of all, I thank the Secretary-General for his report and the ACABQ for its valuable work. The UN is undergoing a critical juncture. We support the efforts being made while ensuring that reforms are accountable and sustainable, because today's decisions will shape the UN of tomorrow. Allow me to raise two points. First, reforms must be guided by a clear strategic vision. In this regard, Switzerland has serious reservations about relocations that are not directly linked to the common administrative platforms or to payroll consolidation. With the exception of those two cases, Switzerland shares the concerns expressed by the ACABQ in its report that the proposed relocations are based on insufficient justification. We therefore would like to first see a cost-benefit analysis and a long-term risk assessment. Experience and research shows that relocations entail significant risks due to the fragmentation of teams and the loss of institutional knowledge. Therefore, it would be irresponsible to accept such uncertainty. A sound justification is all the more essential given that the purpose of these revised estimates is to generate savings. And yet, as the SGA's report notes, the relocations produce no savings in 2026. They require additional resources. Relocations, therefore, present additional costs for member states, costs that should only be undertaken with a clear strategy in the long term to strengthen our organization rather than weakening it. Second, Switzerland believes that it is imperative for our decisions to be accompanied by robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. The reforms under consideration are not mere technical adjustments. They affect the very way in which the UN delivers on its mandates. Member States must therefore empower existing evaluation mechanisms to accompany their implementation. We must be able to measure results, verify that efficiency gains are indeed being achieved, and ultimately adjust our approach if our choices risk weakening the UN. Madam Chair, as its ultimate stewards, we, the Member States, have the collective responsibility to ensure that reforms strengthen rather than weaken the UN and its staff. Our responsibility is not only budgetary, it is moral. Let us ensure that this pivotal moment is marked not by shortcuts, but by a responsible path that preserves the UN's ability to serve the peoples of the world and to meet the challenges of tomorrow. you can count on our support. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. Kingdom of Morocco takes note of the adjustments proposed under the revised programme for 2026. reduction of 15.1% of the program budget and 18% for posts. We agree with the ultimate goal of these reforms to improve efficiency and to modernize the methods of work of the UN. In this spirit, my delegation would like to share three preliminary responses. First of all, taking into account the African priorities and developing countries by the SG in his report on revised estimates for 2026. while protecting the interests of the LDCs, SIDS, and other specific countries. In addition, there have been a number of modified posts to the regular budget that demonstrate the range of the transformation that is envisioned, and we salute that. Thirdly, we place great importance on methodical and progressive management of these adjustments. Morocco takes note of reductions affecting peacekeeping operations accounts, including political affairs and support for peacebuilding, which could have impacts on the implementation of the peace and security of the world, which is of great importance to Member States. These reductions must be well calibrated in order to maintain the implementation of missions and their mandates in an effective way. Chair, I believe that reorganization within the UN's various departments, especially through consolidation of functions, will help us to improve coordination and efficiency within the UN, as well as end duplication. However, any relocation ought to take place with transparency and provide significant savings, they also must remain, keep posts close to the countries and regions affected. We believe it's important to ensure that implementing these new relocation and staffing envisioned will contribute to a more harmonized management of financial resources and human resources in our organization. The reduction of staff must take into account the principle of representation, that is, equitable geographical representation, which is one of the cornerstones of our action for developing countries, and we thank the SG for underscoring that this morning. In addition, Morocco commends the SG's initiative aiming to modernize the UN through establishing a common administrative platform and consolidating functions. which will help to enhance coherence and optimization of services. We also commend efforts to reinvest a portion of the savings made to improve technical cooperation and to support the least developed countries. In closing, I'd like to underscore that the budget is the beating heart of our organization. We understand its importance for the action of the UN, and therefore, we, the member states, ought to provide the SG with the budgetary resources he needs to fully carry out the UN's mandate and to implement the ambitious goals of UN80 reform. In parallel, Morocco supports the SG's request to revise the rule penalizing the return of unspent funds to member states. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Secretary-General, the United Nations is at a crossroads. Its presence on the ground is more necessary today than ever, but financial limitations are threatening its ability to fulfill its mandates and program activities effectively and to fulfill its operations efficiently. This situation requires deep-seated change. transforming the UN into a more nimble, effective, and results-oriented organization that is able to effectively address current and future challenges. That is why we welcome your proposal for operational efficiencies and cost reductions in the regular budget for 2026 and the support account for peacekeeping operations for 2025-26. The suggestion to reduce by 15% the resource allocation and to cut 2,681 posts in comparison with the 2025 allocations reflect the first measurable impact in terms of efficiencies and operational improvements as a result of the UN80 initiative in work stream one. We think that these measures are critical. to make the procedures more nimble and to allocate resources to areas of greatest priority. In this perspective, we think that the reform should go beyond simple tweaks and that potential future reductions are the results of a careful assessment of the impact of these adjustments on mandate delivery and considerate mitigation measures to ensure no undesirable effects. Mexico hopes that the level of ambition will be maintained for the other work streams. And this should be part of this, should add to this goal to give continuity to the change that is hoped for, for the improvements in terms of planning and budgetary discipline. Mexico acknowledges that the organization is at a turning point. We need to act and we need to ensure that the organization has enough resources to discharge its mandates that Member States have given it in due time. Although we regret the fact that these negotiations are being held under unusual pressure as a result of UNAT, we urge all delegations to be flexible to ensure a timely conclusion of our discussions that will lead to hopefully the adoption of the budget for next year. Thank you.

I thank you and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand.

Mr. Secretary General, Madam Chair, Thailand aligns itself with the statements delivered by Iraq on behalf of G77 and China and by Singapore on behalf of ASEAN. We thank the Secretary General for presenting the revised estimates and we thank the ACABQ for their report. Thailand welcomes the revised estimates as an integral component of the UN80 initiative under work stream one. Our position is clear. Revised estimates must be more than meeting quotas or cutting for cutting's sake. They must enhance efficiency and effectiveness by optimizing resources and exploring lower cost delivery models that strengthen rather than constrain the UN's ability to deliver on its mandates. The reform measures must be result-oriented, ensuring that resources are used strategically to deliver greater impact for Member States. Any reductions should be gradual and proportionate to each entity's mandates, and designed to avoid disruptions to essential operations. They must not also undermine equitable geographical representations in staffing, particularly for developing countries. Madam Chair, as host country of ESCAP, we have witnessed its indispensable contributions to inclusive and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. Regional commissions like ESCAP, with the largest number of countries in special situations, including LDCs or LDCs and SIDS, must therefore receive adequate resources to effectively translate global mandates into regional actions. Thailand is pleased that LDCs, LDCs and SIDS as well as the resident coordinator system are not subjected to such reductions. Thailand also welcomes the proposed establishment of the common administrative platform starting with New York and Bangkok in mid 2026. Consolidating administrative functions and leveraging ESCAP's existing capacity can generate economies of scale, reduce duplication and improve service quality. Additionally, Thailand supports the relocation of functions from high cost duty stations. As host country to more than 40 UN offices, Thailand stands ready to explore how we can contribute to this effort, including the potential relocation of UN offices or back office operations to Thailand. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, the revised estimates are not a stand-alone remedy of the UN's financial liquidity and structural challenges. Predictable and sustainable financing is essential for the UN to thrive as the anchor of multilateral cooperation. This is not business as usual. We find ourselves in a moment that demands adaptability, not only from the UN, but from all of us in this committee. Thailand stands ready to work constructively with all delegations towards a forward-looking outcome and a timely conclusion of our work. Thank you.

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

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chairperson. We would like at the outset to associate ourself with the statement made by the representative of Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China, and we are making this statement in our national capacity. The Kingdom would like to thank the chairmanship of the Fifth Committee for leading the work of the committee properly. We'd also like to thank the Secretariat and His Excellency the Secretary-General. We thank them both for the clarifications and the information provided on the revised estimates. My delegation studied the proposals in the documents, including some structural realignment and redistribution of resources, we believe that we support an increase in operational efficiencies and to increase the competencies and rationalize expenses in line with the current reform pathways. We notice that the volume of the proposed changes in this particular period, given the tight time schedule, would raise some concern. Introducing wide-scale amendments during a very short period of might not allow member states to understand fully their impact on mandate delivery. We believe that following a gradual pathway supported by a clear mainstream in implementation would be more in line with the nature of the work of the Fifth Committee and to guarantee that we reached our decisions in a sound way. The Kingdom would like to renew the importance of multilingualism and conference services as basic elements for the work of the Organization. We stress the need for any measure to restructure the Organization be associated with guarantees to provide for the high-quality language services and the need to spell out clearly how this would be achieved while striking a balance between technology and the retention of human skills. In conclusion, the Kingdom would continue to look forward to work constructively with the chairmanship and the secretariat and member states so that we can arrive at balanced solutions that would enhance competencies and support reform without adversely affecting the work of the organization. Thank you.

You and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France.

Thank you, Madam Chair, Secretary General. We thank the Secretary General for the revised budget proposal. France reaffirms its support for this rigorous approach. This proposal is courageous, based on significant optimization measures, 15% of reductions in spending and 20% of post reductions. efforts demonstrate a will to adapt the UN to a complex financial environment without sacrificing its effectiveness or ambitions. We must ensure that these post reductions, which have an immediate effect on our UN colleagues, do not undermine a dynamic management of staff and the need to rejuvenate our talent pool while respecting as well the people the UN is based on. I thank the chair of the ACABQ for her report. But we as member states must fully shoulder our responsibilities and guarantee that the three pillars of the UN, peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights, each have the means that they require based on simple principles. We need responsible, adequate, equitable financing for mandates to support vulnerable populations. We must also ensure rigorous management. We must avoid duplication in financing and optimize resource use that will strengthen the trust of Member States in the UN and the UN's ability to serve populations. We must also discharge our financial obligations, all of us, by paying on time and in full. France upholds this fundamental commitment. It is unacceptable for the UN to be jeopardized by massive arrears. We know that there are consequences. We must mitigate the consequences through coherent regulation for all. Chair, the next four weeks must help us to work effectively in a spirit of cooperation to arrive at the adoption of this important budget by the end of the year. There is no other possible outcome. Beyond 2026, we must build a real culture of performance, and we must, in the long term, enhance effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of our system. These principles ought to inspire preparation of the next few budgets. The adoption of this budget will be a decisive step toward implementing UN 80 in its three pillars. This must take place in a coherent way to strengthen multilateralism and provide the UN with resources, methods, and the vision that it needs to address our century's challenges. France is fully invested in this work. We believe that a renewed, responsible, and ambitious multilateralism is the key to meet the expectations of the peoples of the UN. Thank you.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Thank you. Madam Chair of the Fifth Committee, Secretary-General, Madam Chair of ACABQ, thank you very much for presenting today's proposal and to the ACABQ for their report. As we have said before, UNAT comes at a critical time for this organization. We welcome your leadership in driving reform and presenting the bold proposal in front of us today. With any significant change program, there is always an element of risk. implementing genuine reform at pace. The proposal before us is therefore not perfect, but this change is timely and necessary now. We commend your efforts in producing a revised budget, which will continue to deliver on the organization's mandates in a more streamlined and efficient manner, while maintaining balance across the three pillars. For my delegation, it is important that we agree this reformed budget. recognizing the difficult choices and the delicate considerations that you have made. In multiple UN80 briefings, delegations across all regional groups have expressed the need for the UN to reform. We will continue to listen and engage on the concerns expressed, but now is the moment for us as Member States to put words into action and take the tangible steps to reform the UN, so that it continues to deliver for our citizens for the next 80 years. In the spirit of UN80, we also welcome the proposed implementation of the new support account model from 1 January, six months earlier than originally planned. A more mature model for determining these resources has long been required, and we encourage continued efforts on ensuring the support account model meets wider UN80 objectives, such as rejuvenation of posts. And finally, Madam Chair, as we all know, The revised estimate is the most critical item under discussion by the committee this session. It is also one part of a longer process. We know that the ACABQ has worked hard on its review, and we are grateful for its report. However, we remain concerned about the limited time that the committee has to review the report and negotiate. We therefore stress the utmost importance of agreeing an outcome by consensus and at pace over the weeks ahead. and we stand ready to work across the membership to achieve this. I remain confident that together we will seize this historic opportunity to improve the efficiency of the budget and direct resources to where they can have most impact to build a stronger organization for the future. Thank you.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States of America.

Madam Chair, Mr. Secretary-General, colleagues, The Secretary-General's UNAD initiative and his proposed revised estimates are a necessary first step for the United Nations to get back to basics, to renew its founding mission to maintain international peace and security, and to rebuild trust across the world that the UN can be a responsible steward of the precious resources that member states entrust to it. As part of UN80, the Secretary-General proposed a 15 percent budget cut and the elimination of 2,600 posts. As the Fifth Committee considers this first step in our wider reform mission, we cannot, we must not, backtrack in any way from the Secretary-General's revised estimates. The United States regards these necessary reductions as permanent, not temporary fixes. for this overdue reform is about more than short-term savings. It is about creating a focused organization capable of achieving measurable results without endlessly expanding its footprint. The time for endless talk about the need for reform, meetings about meetings, and tapping the world along with unserious half-measures of reform is over. The United States will not shy away from the decisions needed to ensure this institution is leaner, more focused, and more effective in achieving its foundational mission of maintaining international peace and security while respecting the national sovereignty of member states. We look forward to working together during this last month of this main session to achieve these essential, durable, and consequential reforms. Thank you.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Madam Chair. At the outset, I would like to extend my appreciation to the Secretary-General and also Chair of the ACVQ for their introductory remark. Japan welcomes the Secretary-General's report, in particular the proposal for budget efficiency and reduction. The proposal is not perfect. and certain areas require further clarification. However, we recognize that this is the first concrete deliverable under the UN 80 initiative, demonstrating a real commitment to budget efficiency and sending a positive signal for sustaining the momentum for the reform. Our foremost priority under this extraordinary circumstance is to reach a consensus within the year with tangible outcome rather than unpacking the whole discussion, ensure the unit continue its crucial work on the ground, and then keep our reform efforts active, not as a one-off measure, but as an ongoing and mid to long-term commitment in 2026 and 2027 and beyond, so we don't have to come back here in 10 years and repeat the same discussion again. Through the upcoming negotiation, we need to make sure the efficiency and effectiveness are being sought. while the UN's core mandates, namely peace and security, development, human rights, and humanitarian assistance are being preserved, and it must be underpinned by full respect for the international law. Safety and security of the staff members in the field are also essential, and it should not be undermined. We are also keen on enhancing rejuvenation and geographical diversity under the downsizing exercise, and willing to discuss how to reinforce budget discipline even after the UN80 initiative in order to make the UN budget more sustainable. Despite the very limited time remaining for discussion, Japan stands ready to engage constructively with all delegations to this end. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Haitian delegation notes with the statement delivered by Iraq on behalf of G77 and China. and welcome the report that Secretary-General presented under items 136 and 148 of the agenda on the proposed programme budget for 2026 and financing for peacekeeping operations. We also commend the recommendations of the ACABQ as well as the UN80 Initiative, through which Secretary-General has prioritized enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of the organization to ensure that it is more robust, responsive, and better adapted to the mandates bestowed upon it by member states. Madam Chair, my delegation places great importance on the efforts made by the Secretariat to ensure transparency and rigor in the drafting of its report, which is a key instrument for the sound management of our organization. In this regard, we encourage pursuing constructive dialogue between member States and the Secretariat to guarantee that budgetary decisions reflect both strategic priorities and the financial constraints that we are collectively facing. In addition, my delegation would like to issue the following recommendations with regard to the proposed budget for 2026. My delegation would like to underscore the importance of maintaining a realistic, transparent budget that is in keeping with the strategic priorities of the UN in order to maintain its capacity to implement its essential mandates, especially when it comes to sustainable development, human rights, peace, and international cooperation. With regard to the support account for peacekeeping operations, the delegation of Haiti recalls that these operations are a fundamental pillar of collective security. Therefore, we insist on the need to strengthen oversight and spending optimization mechanisms to ensure that every dollar invested contributes in an equitable and transparent manner to peacebuilding and to protecting vulnerable populations. In a context marked by financial and security challenges that are growing, it is crucial for budgetary decisions to reflect balance between financial discipline and commitment to the UN's universal values. We therefore reaffirm our commitment to the principles of budgetary responsibility and international solidarity. Madam Chair, in closing, the Haitian delegation reaffirms its commitment to working constructively with all delegations to arrive at a balanced consensus on these revised estimates. And we also reaffirm our will to support a United Nations that is stronger and more capable of meeting the hopes of all. Thank you.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iran.

Thank you, Madam Chair. His Excellency, the Secretary-General, all protocols observed. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the representative of Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. My delegation notes the extraordinary challenges facing this session as we review the revised estimate stemming from the UN 80 Initiative. We are concerned about both the timing of their presentation to the Fifth Committee and the scope of the changes, while the Committee now has only a few remaining days to examine. Despite the significant long-term implications for the Organization and for the people we serve, still we remain concerned about the serious financial constraints caused by arrears, mainly from the largest contributor, and by obstacles affecting payments from some countries, which continue to impact the work of the United Nations. The UNAT initiative should not become a mechanism to justify budget deficit or compensate for the arrears or shift the financial burden onto other Member States. We underscored that the UN80 Initiative, in line with Resolution 79/318, is intended to strengthen the impact of the United Nations by enhancing its agility, responsiveness and resilience, while reducing duplication and supporting more effective and efficient delivery of mandates. We stressed that this endeavor should seek to avoid the creation of new layers of bureaucracy. It should also ensure that the vital issues, including the development pillar, regional commissions, and humanitarian domain are provided with adequate resources, while promoting equitable geographical representation across the UN system. Reform ought to prioritize efficiency and coherence rather than the mere cost-cutting exercise. At the same time, the proposed reductions may affect entities' capacity to deliver their mandates, highlighting the need for appropriate mitigation measures. In conclusion, we reaffirm our commitment to constructive engagement on this matter. Thank you.

Thank you. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.

Madam Chair, thank you for giving me the floor. At the outset, I would like to express my delegation's appreciation to the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, for introducing the revised estimate for program budget 2026. My delegation also thanks the Advisory Committee on Budgetary Questions for presenting their report. Madam Chair, Mr. Secretary General, the UN stands at a critical crossroads. The launch of the UN80 initiative marks a historic and necessary pivot, one that seeks to modernize the organization through operational effectiveness, a review of mandate implementation, and a structural realignment. Together, these efforts form a pathway toward a stronger, more agile, and more effective United Nations. Central to this willingness to confront hard choices, the Secretary-General had proposed 15.1% reduction in overall resources requirements and 18.8% reduction in staffing levels. These are substantial adjustments. Cuts, when done strategically and equitably, can illuminate pathways to productivity that might otherwise have remained unseen. Constraints can serve as birthplace of innovation. When the organization is challenged to achieve the same with less, it could ultimately achieve more. However, for reforms of this magnitude to succeed, efficiency must be pursued at every level. Every entity must at the very at least examine their operations and see the possibility to push towards efficiency and its potential gains. This decision, how we recognize, streamline, and allocate, will shape the character and capabilities of the United Nations for decades to come. We are living today in an unprecedented time of technology and advancement, driven most notably by the exceptional growth of artificial intelligence. The United Nations is a unique position For the first time, it could absorb reductions while preserving quality through innovation that leverage these emerging tools. Yet, the organization capacity to grow is shaped not only by technology, but by participation of youth, by gender equality, and inclusion of unrepresented and underrepresented member states. Protecting these elements and entry points is essential for safeguarding the organization's long-term capacity and ensuring its evaluation remains equitable and future-focused. Madam Chair, Secretary-General, the Israeli delegation looks forward to working closely with all delegations in negotiations ahead. Together, we can help build a United Nations that is more efficient, innovative, and better equipped for the challenges ahead. Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Botswana.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Botswana aligns itself with the statements made by the Group of 77 and China and the African Group, and wishes to add the following remarks in its national capacity. Madam Chair, just to be clear, with the financial challenges faced by this esteemed organization, Botswana supports the UN 80 initiative, including the 15% reduction in the 2026 regular budget compared to the 2025 budget, reduction of the 18.8% in post, proposal to reduce overlap between departments and to consolidate functions, proposal to explore lower cost delivery models and identify functions that can be performed in cheaper locations, including relocation of offices to the field, and proposal to streamline administration, including consolidation of payroll processing into a few hubs and common administrative platforms in locations like New York, Bangkok, Kenya, and Addis Ababa. However, Madam Chair, My delegation expresses grave concern over the disproportionate reductions across priority areas, in particular the development and humanitarian pillar, henceforth sections 9, 10, 12, 15, 17 and 27. Respect of the wishes of the regional groups and adherence to their interests, the very member states whom this organization is to serve. the lack of incorporation and views of regional groups in the UN80 initiative, and the lack of an incorporation of equitable geographical representation and gender parity in the UN80 initiative. Madam Chair, let me therefore, in closing, reemphasize Botswana's longstanding position on the importance of open, transparent, and inclusive negotiations on the program budget, and the need to have an outcome that serves the 193 membership of the United Nations, in particular developing countries, especially Africa, where a lot of our work and mandates are carried out. I thank you.

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

We thank the Secretary-General for presenting the revised estimates for the regular budget as well as the ACABQ and its chair. We support the view that this team worked very professionally. The very idea of refreshing the UN, as we understand it, is consensus-based, and therefore we thank Secretary-General, who understands the needs of the time. However, before moving forward with the transformation, it's important to clarify three questions. How do we govern the implementation of this initiative? Secondly, how will the changes, including resource reductions, affect the implementation by the Secretariat of the mandates issued by Member States? And thirdly, what are the costs and benefits of each UN80 proposal? In part, answers to these questions can be found in GA resolution 79/318. And perhaps due to the lack of time, UN headquarters as well as secretariat units throughout the world were unable to develop a uniform approach. We hope that resolution 79/318 and perhaps our resolution at the end of December will serve as the basis for preparing the budget for 2027. I remind you that the main premise of our resolution is the key role of member states in reform, as well as a focus on limiting duplication. In certain areas, especially where there is overlap with activities funded by voluntary contributions, UN entities are indeed seeing a reduced effectiveness. And this is taking place for various reasons, including unclear division of labor, following the agendas of certain donors, excessive bureaucratization of the processes. Of course, it is our duty to combat this, as well as to pay our contributions. The second question that I mentioned as troubling us is the validity and the sustainability of the assertion of the Secretary-General that these proposals will not affect mandate implementation. During the question and answer session, we had a number of doubts emerge, and we hope that they will be resolved. because thoughtless reductions, we believe, are fraught with major risk for the future of the UN, a UN for which expectations are growing and not shrinking. And lastly, with regard to costs and benefits, we have a great deal of painstaking work ahead of us. We'd like to express doubts with regard to geographic relocations to Europe. The low cost of those stations, as well as administrative issues, lead one to wonder why we don't expand the presence of the UN in developing countries. We're also concerned about the downsizing policy's application and how it could affect geographic representation. Proposals related to financing of peacekeeping, we believe, should be discussed in accordance with established procedure. And we'd like to assure you of our constructive attitude for working with all of you. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation would also like to express its appreciation to the Secretary General and his team for their initiative to reform their organization, their relentless efforts to translate the proposals into concrete actions, and Secretary General's words of assurance regarding the implementation of mandates. We also thank Chair and members of ACABQ for its work under the extremely constrained timeframe. The ROK delegation welcomes the proposals contained in the revised estimates and believes that they will serve as an important momentum to start mainstreaming a culture of efficiency across the entire UN system. In this regard, I would like to share several reflections prompted by the current revised estimates. First, this revised estimate is only the beginning of the meaningful reform that we expect from the United Nations. As a member of the UN, we will all be affected in some way, and it may not feel comfortable. If we truly seek change, however, we should not hesitate to be more ambitious and take the very first step forward. In this regard, my delegation welcomes the efficiency measures proposed by the Secretary-General through the revised estimates as an important initial step. Second, as noted in the SAAPQ report, the UNAD initiative presents an opportunity to address the high proportion of senior-level posts in the organization and to advance rejuvenation efforts. My delegation looks forward to an updated report on the comprehensive human resources management strategy to be presented at the upcoming first resumed session, which we expect will include concrete proposals to support the continued rejuvenation of the organization. Lastly, my delegation notes that departments and entities of the Secretariat are having different levels of reductions under the revised estimates. in order to ensure the steady implementation of the UN's core and urgent mandates. In this regard, we agree with the ACABQ's view that every effort should be made to ensure that the principles guiding the UN Aid Initiative toward more efficient and judicious management of resources be applied consistently. As this year's revised estimates under the UN Aid Initiative constitute only an initial step, We look forward to continued efforts to seek efficiencies across all sections in the coming years. My delegation stands ready to actively and constructively engage in the discussions for the successful completion of this important agenda item. I thank you.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Senora President.

Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the G77 and China. We are grateful for the efforts undertaken by the Secretary-General and the Secretariat to keep our Organization relevant in the complex international context. At a time when the main contributor to the UN budget, the United States, is deliberately breaching its financial obligations to put pressure on the UN, in line with its unilateral practices that are counter to multilateralism, we must protect multilateralism. Given the lack of commitment from the US to the UN, that is the situation we must address. We are concerned about the process that we have before us, in particular as a result of the late arrival of the report, which has a negative impact on Member States' ability to consult capitals and to coordinate positions and ultimately to reach consensus. We are concerned to see that the Bureau's proposal for this week already means putting pressure on delegations. We need to try to make progress, but we must make sure it is not superficial progress as a result of time pressures. Many of the proposals on the table have serious consequences, including for the United Nations staff and mandates that we have already agreed upon. In addition, we are concerned about the fact that many of the SG's proposals go beyond a budgetary process, which should be the case normally here, and this is as a result of the UN 80 initiative. Therefore, the assessment we will undertake over the next few weeks will not necessarily be part of the strategic vision that we are called upon to judge. Disproportionate reductions are being called for in various areas of the budget, and this includes compromising development for the most vulnerable, and 57% of posts in that area are being called for abolishment, which will have a serious impact on developing countries. We're also concerned, as many delegations are, about the impact of these staff reductions on geographic distribution, which as we all know is something that countries of the South have been clamoring for. Even though the report that has been put forward is not just as a result of the liquidity crisis, we know that the liquidity crisis is a factor. The UN should look beyond the current US administration and think more to the future. Thank you.

Thank you. We have just heard the last speaker on today's list. Before inviting the Secretary General to make some concluding remarks, I was informed that the Chair of the ACABQ would like to provide some clarifications related to the report.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. And I think all the interventions, there were some references on the information that comes from the ACABQ report. I just want to clarify, we'll be issuing a corrigendum. By mistake, the report conflicts the human rights and humanitarian assistance as one priority areas. together, and humanitarian assistance is a separate priority area where you had the 0.6% reduction compared to 2025. You have an edited version of our report. We will be issuing a corrigendum. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank you. And I now invite the Secretary General to make some concluding remarks.

Thank you very much. Let me first of all express my deep gratitude to all the groups and delegations for their contributions that are extremely important. And obviously, all the aspects that were referred will be discussed in detail with the team that is ready to cooperate. with the Fifth Committee in order to be able to fully clarify all the aspects that need clarification and at the same time to listen also and participate in a very constructive way in the support to the Fifth Committee. Allow me just one observation. I was sincerely worried when I heard the observation of the Group of 77 that development was the sacrificed pillar of the review. And I was worried because it corresponded to something that I had given very clear instructions not to happen, on the contrary. So I asked our colleagues to make some calculations, and I am able now to give you It is always easy to make a comparison about the detail here with the detail there and prove whatever we want. But what matters is the global amounts that are here in the revised estimates. So the political affairs, including DPPA, DPO, ODA, OCT, SPMs, and the Peacebuilding Fund that is untouched, at a reduction of 18.9%. This reduction is a bit inflated by the fact that there are SPMs closing, one SPM in Iraq is closing, and if we discount these, we would come to a reduction of about 14% to 15%. Development, DESA, UNCTAD, OHRLS, UNEP, UN-Habitat, and the Economic Commissions, reduction of 11.7%. Human rights and humanitarian, reduction of 13.6%. Specialized support entities, DGACM, DGC, DSS, OLA, 17.9%. Support entities, DMSPC, DOS, OICT, UNON, UNOG, OIOS, UNOV, 20%. It is clear that the reductions were focusing essentially on support entities. because they are not the ones that deliver to the people we care for and to the support to Member States. That's where the biggest cuts are. And in relation to the three groups, political affairs, development, and human rights and humanitarian, the development is the one that suffers a smaller reduction. And indeed, there are some elements that I would like to underline. the priority for Africa, the Economic Commission for Africa has a reduction of only 6.1%, which means that we'll spend, if fully funded, much more than what it was able to spend in 2025. On the other hand, the department dealing with Africa in headquarters is untouched. The resident coordinator system that is particularly relevant in the African context is untouched. And if we can see that the regional cooperation for development in general that comprises the regional economic commissions and the regular program for technical cooperation, the global reduction is 9.1%, clearly below the 15% of the average. And so Of course, there are aspects that might even be adjusted in one or another specific point, but there was clearly, clearly a vision in which our commitment to development is absolutely fundamental and our commitment to the African continent is absolutely fundamental. Thank you very much.

On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his remarks and for his presence here with us. The Committee has thus concluded its general discussion at this stage. Informal consultations on agenda item 136, proposed programme budget for 2026, will be coordinated by Mrs. Yuliana Zhivkova-Angelova of Bulgaria. Informal consultations on agenda item 148, administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peacekeeping operations, will be coordinated by Mr. Muktar Shehu of Nigeria. This meeting is adjourned. Thank you so much. Thank you.