(Resumed) Fifth Committee, 20th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 80th session

Distinguished delegates, we turn our attention to action on the draft resolutions on the issues that were before the Committee during the main part of the 80th session. Owing to the fact that most of the proposals before the Committee have only been agreed upon within the last 36 hours, I should like to inform delegations that the majority of the draft resolutions and decisions before the Committee today are advance and provisional versions and subject to editorial review and quality control. They will be issued in the 6 official languages as quickly as possible. Taking into— taking fully into account the various resolutions of the General Assembly on multilingualism, I thank all delegations for their flexibility to proceed exceptionally with these documents in English only to facilitate the conclusion of the work of the Committee and the main part of the ATS session. Furthermore, all documents for action today have been made available electronically. The provisional documents are available in the 5th Committee place on eDelegate, while the documents already issued are available in the Official Document System, ODS. I thank you for your cooperation. I invite the Committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 133, entitled Financial Reports and Audited Financial Statements and Reports of the Board of Auditors. The Committee's attention is drawn to the draft resolution A/C5/80/L14 entitled Financial Reports and Audited Financial Statements and Reports of the Board of Auditors, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Cameroon, Mr. Marius Ludovic Atoundi. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L14 without a vote?

I hear no objection.

The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no requests for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I invite the committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 135, entitled Program Budget for 2025. The Committee's attention is first drawn to draft resolution A/C5/80/L11 entitled "Capital Master Plan," submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Uruguay, Mr. Laureano Bentancourt. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/11 without a vote?

I hear no objection.

The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 137, entitled Program Planning. The Committee has before it draft Resolution A/C5/80/L9, entitled Program Planning, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Rwanda, Mr. Roy Kumuzagisa. Are there any comments on draft resolution A/C5/80/L9? I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Qatar.

Madam Chair, thank you for giving me the floor.

Uh, we proposed an amendment in the draft resolution on program planning in document A/C5/80/L9, Legal Affairs, of the proposed program budget for 2026 as contained in the report of the Secretary General A/AT/6, Section 8.

Thank you.

The representative of Qatar has proposed an oral amendment to draft resolution A/C5/AT/L9. Proposed oral amendment further approves the program plan for Program 6, Legal Affairs, of the proposed program budget for 2026 as contained in the report of the Secretary General, A/AT/6/Section 8. Are there any other delegations wishing to take the floor? In the absence of a request for a recorded vote on the oral amendment, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt the oral amendment? It is so decided. The additional paragraph shall be inserted in draft resolution A/C5/80/L9 as operative paragraph 15. If there are no further comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L9 as orally amended? As a whole.

I hear no objection.

The draft resolution as orally amended is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. The creation and then inclusion of the so-called mechanism, uh, to— for investigation in Syria in the draft UN regular budget and the report on program planning was accompanied by grave violations of international law, including the UN Charter, the Rules and Procedure of the General Assembly, the Financial Rules and Procedures of the General Assembly, as well as provisions adopted by the General Assembly that govern program planning. The Russian Federation believes GA Resolution 71/248 to be invalid and does not recognize this mechanism. In that regard, the Russian Federation dissociates itself from all provisions and paragraphs that mention this so-called mechanism for investigation in Syria. In addition, the Russian delegation disassociates itself from the consensus in Program 20, Human Rights, given the anti-Russian and anti-Belarusian politicized resolutions of the Human Rights Council. Thank you for your attention, and I request that this statement be recorded in the meeting records. Thank you.

As I see no further request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I now invite the committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 139 entitled Pattern of Conferences. The committee's attention is drawn to the draft resolution A/C5/80/L19, entitled Pattern of Conferences, submitted on the basis of information— informal consultations coordinated by the representative of the Bahamas, Mr. Obafemi Travis-McKenzie. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L19 without a vote?

I hear no objection.

The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no requests for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I now invite the committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 142, entitled Report on the Activities of the Ethics Office. The committee's attention is drawn to the draft resolution A/C C5/80/L15 entitled Report on the Activities of the Ethics Office, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of the Dominican Republic, Mr. Pablo Roberto Rodriguez Cruz. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L15 without a vote.

I hear no objection.

The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 144, entitled United Nations Common System. The Committee's attention is drawn to draft Resolution A/C5/80/L17, entitled United Nations Common System, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Israel Ms. Advalovičinski. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/17 without a vote?

I hear no objection.

The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 145 entitled Report of the Activities of the Office of Internal Oversight Services, and agenda item 134, entitled Review of the Efficiency of the Administrative and Financial Functioning of the United Nations. The committee's attention is drawn to draft resolution A/C5/80/L18, entitled Report of the Activities of the Office of Internal Oversight Services. Submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Guinea, Ms. Massény Kaba Stalla. Are there any comments on draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C.5.80/L.18 without a vote.

I hear no objection.

The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? I see no request for the floor. We have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 146, entitled Administration of Justice at the United Nations. The Committee's attention is drawn to draft resolution A/C5/80/L16, entitled Administration of Justice at the United Nations, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Jamaica, Ms. Annal Allen. Are there any comments? On the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L16 without a vote?

I hear no objection.

The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no requests for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I would now like to invite the Committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 147, entitled Financing of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. The Committee has before it draft resolution A/C5/80/L13 entitled Financing of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Switzerland, Mr. Loris Scherer. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L13 without a vote?

I hear no objection.

The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I would now like to invite the Committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 148, entitled Administrative and Budgetary Aspects of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. The Committee has before it Draft Resolution A/C5/80/L20, entitled "Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations," submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Nigeria, Mr. Mukhtar Shehu. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt Draft Resolution A/C5/80/L20 L20 without a vote.

I hear no objection.

The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? I see no request for the floor. We have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I would now like to invite the Committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 177, entitled Financing of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti. The Committee has before its draft Resolution A/C5/80/21, entitled Financing of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti. Submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Singapore, Ms. Yun Joo Zhang. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L21 without a vote?

I hear no objection.

The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 136, entitled, entitled Proposed Program Budget for 2026. The committee will consider the various draft resolutions submitted under the Proposed Program Budget for 2026. The committee has before it a draft resolution submitted by delegations, namely the draft resolution A/C5/80/L12, entitled Revised Estimates Resulting from Resolutions and Decisions Adopted by the Human Rights Council at Its 58th, 59th, and 60th Regular Sessions and 37th Special Session. The Committee has also— also has before it the draft resolutions which have been submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by coordinators, namely draft resolution entitled Questions Relating to the Proposed Program Budget for 2026, contained in A/C5/80/L4. Draft resolution entitled Special Subjects Related relating to the proposed program budget for 2026, contained in A/C5/80/L5. Draft resolution entitled Program Budget for 2026, contained in A/C5/80/L6. Draft resolution entitled Unforeseen and Extraordinary Expenses for for 2026, contained in A/C5/80/L7, and draft resolution entitled Working Capital Fund for 2026, contained in A/C5/80/L8. We shall consider the draft resolutions in that order. We will now turn our attention to draft resolution A/C5/80/L12 entitled Revised Estimates Resulting from Resolutions and Decisions Adopted by the Human Rights Council at Its 58th, 59th, and 60th Regular Sessions and 37th Special Session, submitted and co-sponsored by Belarus, China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Eritrea, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nicaragua, the Russian Federation, the Sudan, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. I give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation to introduce draft resolution A/54. C5/80/L12.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honor to speak on behalf of Belarus, China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Eritrea, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nicaragua, My delegation, the Sudan, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The position of the parties to an agreement of creating the Union State of Russia and Belarus regarding the resolutions mentioned in Document L12. On the Human Rights Council, that position was laid out in detail at the relevant meeting of the Fifth Committee. The politicization and lack of justification for these resolutions leaves no doubt. In that regard, we would like to introduce an amendment to L12 under this agenda item.— in which we insist on denying resources for the resolutions mentioned in the text of the amendment, the resolutions of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, as follows: S. 35/1, 51/29, 55/19, 55/21, 55/23, 55/27, 56/17, 57/2, 57/20, 57/36, 58/17, 58/18, 58/19, 58/21, 58/24, 59/1, 60/3, and 60/21. These are all listed out in the amendment. Thank you for your attention.

We shall now proceed to consider the draft resolution. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Denmark on behalf of the EU member states.

Madam Chair, we deeply regret the introduction of draft resolution L.12 and request a recorded vote. As we have said before, the Fifth Committee is the main body of the General Assembly entrusted with the responsibilities for administrative and budgetary matters. Its duty is to ensure the mandates given by the UN legislative forum are adequately resourced so they may be fully executed. It is the paramount responsibility of this committee to ensure that mandates approved by intergovernmental bodies of the United Nations are given adequate resources to ensure their successful implementation. To comply with this duty, the Committee must adhere to the resolutions and decisions establishing mandates. It is not the role to renegotiate or relitigate them. In this regard, the modalities of adoption of these mandates, whether by consensus or vote, are immaterial for the Fifth Committee. Our role still remains to examine the requests to resource and fund all mandates established by the Human Rights Council resolutions. The draft resolution L.12 under consideration proposes to entirely defund a series of country-specific mandates, which would not be able to deliver on their intergovernmentally approved mandates. We regard this proposal as a direct violation of the decisions taken by the Human Rights Council and an infringement of the Fifth Committee's role. We will therefore vote against the draft resolution and call on all other delegations to do the same.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Does any delegation wish to make a statement in explanation of vote before the vote? I give the floor to the representative of Ukraine.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The delegation of Ukraine strongly opposes draft resolution L.12, which seeks to block funding for several Human Rights Council resolutions. The role of the Fifth Committee is to ensure adequate funding for the implementation of United Nations mandates, not to politicize or undermine mechanisms designed to uphold human rights. The resolutions targeted by draft L.12 established essential investigative and accountability mechanisms in line with the Council's core mandate to promote and protect human rights. These mechanisms are indispensable for documenting the most serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law and for preserving evidence. They ensure that victims' rights to truth, accountability, and justice are upheld. For victims and survivors, these mechanisms often represent the only path to peace— to justice. Attempts to defund them undermine these rights and risk delaying or denying accountability for the most serious crimes. Such actions weaken the credibility of the United Nations and contradict our shared commitment to uphold human rights and the rule of law. Distinguished colleagues, among the resolutions targeted by draft L.12 are Human Rights Council resolutions 55/23 and 58/24, which extended the mandate of the independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. These resolutions address the gravest situation of human rights violations on the European continent in decades. Violations stemming from the ongoing war of aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The Commission of Inquiry was mandated to investigate serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, to collect and preserve evidence, and to identify those responsible. For these reasons, Ukraine will vote against draft resolution L.12, and we call upon all member states to do the same. Thank you, Madam Chair.

We shall now proceed to take a decision on the draft resolution. I now put to the vote draft resolution A/C.5.80/2022. /AL12 as orally revised. Those in favor, against, or abstaining on draft resolution A/C5/80/12 as orally revised, please signify on the board. Press number 2 for yes, number 3 for no, and number 4 for abstention. So press number 2 for yes, number 3 for no, and number 4 for abstentions. I now give the floor to the Secretary of the Committee.

Will delegations confirm that their votes are correctly reflected on the board. The voting has been completed. The machine is locked.

The result of the vote is as follows: in favor, 14; against, 85; abstentions, 48. The draft resolution A/C5/E AT/L12 is not adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement in explanation of vote after the vote? I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iran.

In the name of God, the most compassionate, the most merciful. Thank you, Madam Chair. We reaffirm our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and human dignity. This commitment, however, can only be meaningfully upheld when human rights are addressed in strict conformity with the principles of universality, impartiality, and non-selectivity, and in an environment free from politicization of human rights. We therefore do not recognize political politically motivated missions that lack objectivity and credibility, are established to intervene in, in the internal affairs of sovereign states, and demonstrate no genuine intention to advance human rights. It is particularly troubling that the very proponents of these initiatives have themselves widely violated the fundamental human rights of our people, including the right to life, to health, and to development. We are concerned that the resolution does not adequately reflect the unique challenges countries face, including the profound humanitarian suffering caused by unilateral coercive measures, sanctions, armed attacks, and state-sponsored terrorism. Our experience has shown that financing political mechanisms results in nothing but the waste of the organization's limited time, credibility, and resources, especially given the current liquidity crisis, which itself largely due to the errors of a single member state. Further, we are of the view that the consolidation of HRC country-specific mandates contradicts the sequential principles of mandate first, program next, and funding last, and undermines the current budget methodology as approved by the General Assembly. The Islamic Republic of Iran disassociates itself of any resources allocated to the HRC resolutions, including those related to Iran, Furthermore, my delegation disassociates itself from allocation of resources to IIIM. Thank you so much.

Distinguished delegates, the attention of the Committee is drawn to draft Resolution A/C5/80/L4 entitled Questions Relating to the Proposed Programme Budget for 2026, submitted on the basis of informal consultations Coordinated by the representative of Bulgaria, Ms. Yuliana Zhivkova Angelova. Are there any comments on A/C5/AT/L4? I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Good morning, Madam Chair. The Russian delegation is grateful to you, to the Bureau of the Fifth Committee, to the Secretary, and to all delegations for the work that has been done. And of course, we'd like to thank Bulgaria for this very heavy burden. This made it possible to complete consideration and agree on a budget for the UN for 2026. At the same time, we would like to note that the current process and the proposals that were submitted were geared first and foremost to achieving the quantitative indicators that were established. Figure-driven. They were figure-driven. The proposals on reductions were based on target figures. Rather, rather than a substantive assessment of mandate implementation, risks for implementation, and real consequence of the work of the various departments. In these conditions, the Fifth Committee had to adjust a huge amount of reductions so as not to allow for an erosion of mandate activity, reducing the quality of services and the emergence of additional costs in the future. At the same time, we have maintained a principally important premise: the need to enhance effectiveness do away with duplication, optimize processes, and concentrate resources on priority tasks. This thrust is enshrined in decision of the General Assembly, including resolution initiated by the Russian Federation. 77/318 regarding UN 80. In this connection, we call on the Secretary-General, in preparing the next draft budget, to approach the proposed reductions in a more thorough and balanced way, especially with regard to the impact of the proposals on mandate implementation. Also, to— well in advance and in a substantive manner— to consult with Member States. Only this kind of approach will ensure consensual and results-oriented budget for next year. Thank you for your attention.

If there are no further comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L4 without a vote?

I hear no objection.

The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.

Thank you, Chair, for giving me the floor. Israel would like to disassociate itself from Subprogram 5 under Section 3, Political Affairs. And also to disassociate from Section 26. Thank you, Chair.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. The United States disassociates from Section 26 of the budget.

I thank you.

And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Bonjour, Madam Chair. I'd like to ask a question to the Secretariat. Revised estimates. Do these provisions enter into the resolution? Questions relating to or subject to special subjects?

Thank you, Ambassador. Thank you, Chair. Yes, the next draft resolution will be revised estimates indeed.

Thank you.

Special subjects.

Thank you.

Special budget.

Thank you.

Then I won't take the floor now.

I see no further requests for the floor. We have thus concluded our consideration of these questions. On behalf of the Committee, I wish to express my deep appreciation to Ms. Anjalava for the able manner in which she conducted the informal consultations on the proposed program budget. Without her professionalism, patience, perseverance, and dedication, it would have been impossible to reach consensus on this draft resolution. Distinguished delegates, I now invite the Committee to consider draft resolution A/C.5/2014. 80/L5, entitled Special Subjects Relating to the Proposed Program Budget for 2026. The various questions comprising the special subjects under the proposed program budget for 2026 were coordinated on my behalf by Mr. Ilya Jibril Yachim Abdillahi of Djibouti, Mr. Louis Dan Cortez Merced of the Philippines, Mr. Michael Lloyd Eyestone of Canada, Ms. Nisan Suaraz of Türkiye, Mr. Torbjørn Svadenik of Norway, Ms. Johanna Bischoff of Austria, Mr. Marinko Avramović of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms. Adelma America Herrera García of El Salvador. Are there any comments on A/C5/80/L5? I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Good morning. Thank you for giving me the floor, Madam Chair. We requested the floor to introduce the following oral amendments. Just Roman section 17 of the draft resolution referring to the special subjects relating to proposed program budget for 2026, and I will read it in English.

Calling that the General Assembly has no decide on the concept of the responsibility to protect its scope, implications, and possible forms of implementation. Noting that the estimates of thematic cluster 1 comprise narratives, functions, strategy, and external factors, results performance measures, derivables, or other information related to the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General of the responsibility to protect. Decides to delete the narratives, functions, strategy, and external factors, results, performance measures, derivables, and other information related to the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the responsibility to protect as contained in the strategic framework and related narratives of the Office of the Special Advisor to the Secretary General on the Prevention of Genocide, Document A/80/6, Section 3, Addendum 2. Request the Secretary General to issue a corrigendum to his report A/80/6, Section 3, Addendum 2. In relation to this proposal that we have been submitting for over a decade.

Cuba reiterates its wholehearted and unequivocal support for the figure of the Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide. However, we have to once again highlight our disagreement with the inclusion of activities and outcomes pertaining to the responsibility to protect. There is no resolution in the framework of the United Nations to create a special advisor on the responsibility— or special rapporteur on the responsibility to Protect, which seeks to implement a concept on which there are serious divisions, such as the responsibility to protect. Bearing this in mind, and the fact that the Fifth Committee is working on the basic principles of allocating resources, uh, duly, uh, justified, we request, uh, delegations to support these amend— this amendment.

Thank you.

The representative of Cuba has proposed an oral amendment to Section 17 of Draft Resolution A/C5/80/L5. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Denmark on behalf of the EU member states.

Madam Chair, we regret the introduction of this amendment and we request a recorded vote. The Fifth Committee is the main committee of the General Assembly entrusted with the responsibilities for administrative and budgetary matters. As such, the duty of this committee is to ensure that mandates given by the UN membership and other legislative fora may be fully executed, and to that end, that they are adequately resourced. The mandate of the Office of the Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide was approved by Security Resolution Council's Resolution 1366. It is therefore our responsibility to ensure that this office is able to effectively implement its mandate and all of the functions related to it. The additional paragraphs currently under consideration would, however, greatly reduce the capacity of the office for the Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide to implement its mandate. These paragraphs This would in particular hamper the Office in carrying out its mandate in close collaboration with other UN entities, notably so with the UN Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, who focuses on developing the conceptual, political, and operational aspects of the Responsibility to Protect. For this reason, we call on all delegations to vote against this amendment. Thank you, Madam Chair.

A recorded vote has been requested by the representative of Denmark on behalf of the EU member states on the oral amendment proposed by the representative of Cuba. In accordance with Rule 130 of the Rules of Procedures of the General Assembly, the Committee shall take action on the draft amendment to Section 17 A/C5/80/L5. Does any delegation wish to make a statement in explanation of vote before the vote? I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada.

Madam Chair, Canada joins the EU and its member states in calling for a vote on this oral amendment presented by Cuba. We regret this characterization of the mandate of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the responsibility to protect. We remind all delegations that the Fifth Committee is responsible for ensuring that mandates established by member states are adequately resourced to enable their full and effective implementation. In deploying resources in support of mandated activities, including through the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the Responsibility to Protect. We call on the organization to continue efforts to avoid duplication and ensure coordination, coherence, and efficiency across the UN system in alignment with the UN80 Initiative. We urge all Member States to vote against this oral amendment and enable the full and effective implementation of this mandate. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Venezuela.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. On many occasions, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has denounced the fact that while the responsibility to protect was promoted originally with altruistic purposes in mind, in the practice it has become a colonial interventionist instrument. Its use has been selective and it has only promoted the interests of those that exercise military activity and also as a means of substitute to undertake wars of domination. The concrete outcome of the Responsibility to Protect has been the very same as colonialist invasion, suffering, death, and the destruction of countries subjected to this ill-named so-called protection. People have never been protected. On the contrary, very often they were the excuse for the external imposition of changes of government that allows for the plundering of natural resources. The responsibility to protect lacks legitimacy. The General Assembly has not taken a decision on this notion or on its scope of application or on its implications or how it should be implemented. There is no consensus-based or fully accepted definition of this. The responsibility to protect not only lacks a legal founding, but also its undue use by certain governments to justify interference in the affairs of other states has been done in flagrant violation of the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, including those of sovereignty and territorial integrity. For all of these reasons, our delegation supports the oral amendment proposed by the delegation of Cuba, and we call on other delegations to vote in favor of it. Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nicaragua.

Madam Chair, we convey to you the fraternal greetings of the delegation of Nicaragua. We would like to express our support and our thanks for the amendment proposed by the delegation of Cuba to the draft resolution on special political missions, good offices, and other political initiatives used by the General Assembly or the Security Council. This is Cluster 4 Special Representatives and Advisors of the Secretary General. Nicaragua continues to stand steadfast with the international community and the United Nations against genocide, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. However, in terms of the topic of responsibility to protect, we reiterate that there isn't even a consensus on the scope, definition, or implications of this concept, and it continues to arouse serious doubts. Recalling that the true danger of the responsibility to protect is that it could be manipulated by politicized interests that attempt to use interference and the use of force so as to destabilize and change legitimate governments. The Western double standards in terms of the responsibility to protect can be seen with the genocide of the Palestinian people, where Israel continues with its impunity and with the support of countries that advocate for this definition. We reiterate our principles-based position that resources should not be assigned for the Special Adviser on Responsibility to Protect. Therefore, we urge other states to vote in favor of this important amendment. Thank you very much.

I now put to the vote the oral amendment as submitted by the representative of Cuba to Section 17 of A/C5/80/L5. Those in favor of inclusion of the proposed amendments, please press 2. Those against, press 3. And abstentions, press 4.

4.

Those in favor of inclusion of the proposed amendment, pla— please press 2. Those against, press 3. And abstentions, press 4. I now give the floor to the Secretary of the Committee.

Will delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the board? The voting has been completed. The machine is locked.

The result of the vote is as follows: in favor, 23; against, 77; abstentions, 50. The inclusion of the proposed amendment to Section 17 of A/C.5.80/L.5 is not adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement in explanation of vote after the vote? Are there any further comments on A/C5/80/L5? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L5 as a whole?

I hear no objection.

The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Serbia.

Dear Chair, the Republic of Serbia supports consensus within the Fifth Committee and has therefore decided to withdraw the proposed paragraph concerning the abolition of the temporary P3 post created to support activities under the GA Resolution 78/2007. /282, which established the International Day of Reflection in November 1995, Janu sadin Srebenica. The post in question was created without a mandate grounded in consensus and without a clear sustainable justification in terms of programmatic necessity or financial prudence. Chair, Serbia attaches great importance to consensus-based decision-making and inclusive dialogue, as they are essential for genuine reconciliation efforts efforts and for building mutual trust among affected communities. In this regard, we reiterate once again that the processes leading to the adoption of this resolution were highly politicized and conducted without meaningful consultation in Bosnia-Herzegovina. An inclusive and dialogue-based approach is essential given the tragic conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina in which all communities suffered greatly. Therefore, a consensual process will have strengthened reconciliation efforts and contributed to the foundations of the shared and stable future.

Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.

Thank you, Chair. Before, I just want to make a statement. I was— I'm quite surprised that this committee, while some delegations even in agenda item before has presented an LDOC speaking about not politicization— against politicization of mandates, and this room chose in the concluding session to put again politicization on the table and agenda of the committee. I regret that very badly. Regarding the current agenda item, Israel would like to dissociate itself from the agenda item revised estimate HRC all mandates given resources to mandates related to Israel, number 58/28 and 58/2. Thank you, Chair.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States of America.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The United States disassociates from funding for the independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory including East Jerusalem and Israel.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I would like to make a statement after the adoption of two resolutions, L.4 and L.5. Regarding budgetary questions in L4, the establishment and then inclusion of the mechanism for investigation in Syria was accompanied by grave violations of international law, including the UN Charter, the General Assembly Rules of Procedure, as well as as the provisions governing program planning established by the General Assembly. I repeat that the Russian delegation believes Resolution 71/248 to be invalid and does not recognize the mechanism. In that regard, we dissociate ourselves from all provisions that make reference to the mechanism for investigation in Syria. Additionally, the Russian Federation dissociates itself from all provisions referencing the mechanism for missing persons in Syria, the Commission on Violations in Syria, also known as the Panero Commission, and the establishment in OLA of a secretariat for the BB&J agreement. Under the Aarhus Convention, resources for which belong to the organizational structure of the European Economic Commission of the United Nations. The position of the Russian Federation regarding these entities, which are either politicized or not consensus-based, has regularly been shared with member states and is well known. As regards Document L.5, the Russian Federation dissociates itself from consensus on financing for Human Rights Council resolution— resolutions that were mentioned in our amendment to Document L.12. I ask that these comments be reflected in the record of the meeting. Thank you for your attention.

If there are no further comments for the floor— for the request, sorry, for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of these questions. We now turn to draft resolution A/C5/80/L6 entitled Program Budget for 2026, which is divided into 3 sections. Section A concerns the budget appropriations for the year 2026. Section B concerns the revised income estimates for the year 2026. And Section C concerning the financing of appropriations for the year 2026. Are there any comments on the draft resolutions? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L6 without a vote?

I hear no objection.

The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I thank the Secretariat and the Bureau for all the activities related to the UN Programme Budget for 2026. Sri Lanka takes note of Section 24 of the Secretary-General's proposed program budget for 2026 and the proposed revised estimates resulting from the resolutions and decision adopted by the Human Rights Council at its 58th, 59th, and 60th regular sessions. Sri Lanka also takes note of Table C of Annex 1 of document number A/80/525 titled Revised Estimates and 37th Special Session Report of the Secretary-General, which provides the estimated budget for 2026 for the Resolution 60/1, Promoting Reconciliation, Accountability, and Human Rights in Sri Lanka, adopted in Geneva in October this year. I wish to recall that Sri Lanka rejected Resolution 60/1 presented to the Human Rights Council. These documents provide resource requirements for Human Rights Council resolution 51/1 and 57/1, including its extension of mandate through 60/1 relating to Sri Lanka, which have continued to be rejected by the Government of Sri Lanka. In the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Sri Lanka, as well as many other countries, have repeatedly questioned the credibility and transparency of the project implemented under the said resolution, its work and budget allocated to it. After 4 years of its existence, this project is yet to see any benefits for the people of Sri Lanka. The extension of its mandate will only be counterproductive to the Sri Lanka government's efforts on promoting unity, reconciliation, and human rights. Within a short period of time since assuming office, the government of Sri Lanka has taken a series of tangible, decisive steps on reconciliation and human rights. Further, in view of the UN80 initiative and the liquidity crisis faced by the United Nations, the continuation of the above post of, uh, 16 staff employed at General Temporary Assistant posts and relevant allocation which do not serve the interest of the people of Sri Lanka only serves to polarize communities, which cannot be justified. This allocation could be used more productively to generate tangible benefits for both the people of Sri Lanka and the United Nations, rather than being placed under a heading that offers no real value to either. Therefore, Sri Lanka is compelled to disassociate from the provisions that funds the mechanism relating to HRC Resolution 60/1 in the proposed program budget 2026. Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belarus.

Thank you, Madam Chair. We thank the Secretariat of the Committee for the work done to negotiate the parameters of the program budget for 2026. We would like to briefly address a few items in the decisions that have just been adopted, uh, for the program budget for next This year, we dissociate ourselves from provisions relating to the financing of the investigative mechanism in Syria. The Republic of Belarus is of the view that the decision to establish that mechanism runs counter to the existing prerogatives of the UN Security Council. We believe that the question of establishing such international bodies lies within the remit of the principal body of the United Nations responsible for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security. In other words, the United Nations Security Council. The resolution to establish the mechanism was adopted by the GA without consensus and in the context of significant disagreements between states. That is why we do not support the, uh, decision on the program budget as it relates to that specific aspect. In addition, as part of our general comments, we wish to note that allocating resources for the functioning of such mechanisms in the context of major financial challenges that the organization faces and the efforts that it is undertaking to find additional resources appears counterproductive. Secondly, Madam Chair, we supported draft resolution L.12 submitted by the Russian Federation on behalf of a group of states, including my country, we consistently oppose country-specific resolutions. We are convinced that they are based on a non-objective, biased approach to the countries affected. Belarus, as one of the founding nations of the United Nations, China is a party to the vast majority of existing human rights instruments, and we recognize the priority of universally recognized principles of international law and ensures that its national legislation is in line with them. Our country remains committed to implementing its international obligations in the area of human rights, and we remain open to mutually beneficial work with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in order to avoid politicization of HRC decisions. Third, the Republic of Belarus supported the amendments presented by the delegation of Cuba. We are convinced that the concept of responsibility to protect does not enjoy universal support. It was adopted with a lack of consensus and is controversial. Other— the practical implementation of that concept is also controversial given the lack of a legal basis for its functioning. There are doubts as to this being used for political purposes. That is why we cannot support the program budget as it relates to the responsibility to protect. Given the above, we dissociate ourselves from all decisions that relate to the financing of the mechanism for Syria, country-specific resolutions of the Human Rights Council and the responsibility to protect aspects. Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nicaragua.

Señora presidenta, Madam Chair, our delegation takes the floor to explain its position on the Human Rights Council. Nicaragua recognizes that the promotion, protection, and development of human rights is that this international organization should promote is— should be in the context of the respect for the sovereignty of each country, applying the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity, of constructive dialogue and cooperation without politicization or double standards. Consequently, we reject the manipulation and instrumentalization of human rights for other purposes, and for hegemonic ends derived from economic interests and imperialist policies that affect the sovereignty of peoples that seek to forge their own destiny without any external interference. We are moving ahead with public policies to protect human rights for all of our people despite the imposition of illegal, inhumane, unilateral coercive measures, which are a crime against humanity. Nicaragua does not support granting resources to the Human Rights Council on resolutions on specific countries, particularly Nicaragua.

Thank you.

As no further requests for the floor, we have concluded our consideration of this question. Are there any comments on draft resolution A/C5/80/L7 entitled Unforeseen and Extraordinary Expenses for 2026? If there are no further comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L7 without a vote.

I hear no objection.

The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? I saw— I see no requests, so we have just concluded our consideration of this question. Are there any comments on draft resolution A/C5/AT/L8 entitled Working Capital Fund for 2026? If there are no further comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L8 without a vote?

I hear no objection.

The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? I see none. We have thus concluded our consideration of this question. Under the same agenda item, the Committee also has before it a note by the Secretary-General contained in document A/C5/80/16 entitled Summary of Amounts Relating to the Fifth Committee recommendations on the proposed program budget for 2026. Are there any comments? May I take it that the committee wishes to take note of the information provided by the Secretariat in document A/C5/AT/16?

I hear no objection.

It is so decided. We have thus concluded our consideration of Agenda Item 136. At this stage, I invite the Committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 134, entitled Review of the Efficiency of the Administrative and Financial Functioning of the United Nations. The Committee's attention is next drawn to the draft decision contained in document A/C5/80/L22 entitled Questions Deferred for Future Consideration. Before proceeding to consider the draft decision, I wish to recall that the Committee will take up the reports under Agenda Item 134, Review of the Efficiency of the Administrative and Financial Functioning of the United Nations., in particular the question of cost recovery, and under Agenda Item 136, Proposed Program Budget for 2026, in particular the question of Enterprise Resource Planning, UMODJA, progress report, at the first part of the resumed session. Are there any comments on the draft decision? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt Draft Decision A/C5/80/L22 without a vote.

I hear no objection.

The draft decision is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft decision? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. 134 at this stage. Distinguished delegates, we have concluded this stage of consideration of items before the Committee at the main part of the 80th session, and I request the Rapporteur to report directly thereon to the General Assembly. The proposals just adopted by the Committee and recommended for adoption by the General Assembly will be contained in the Fifth Committee Report A/80/568 and in the INF Note A/C5/80/INF/3. I would like to inform delegations that the provisional versions of the committee— of the Fifth Committee Report, and the InfNote will be uploaded to the Fifth Committee place on eDelegate shortly. The delegations are asked to use the electronic version of those documents for adoption by the General Assembly at its resumed 69th Plenary Meeting to be held today at 3 PM— sorry, 3 PM— in the General Assembly Hall. Distinguished delegates, we have now concluded our substantive work of this session. Before opening the floor for statements, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has worked so tirelessly over the last few weeks and especially in recent days to bring this session to a successful conclusion. I want to extend particular thanks to my fellow Bureau members Mr. Mohammad Tadjamrolahi of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Bajradin Bakit Musabakit of the Sudan, Mr. Erik Björk of Sweden, Mr. Vadim Baloney of Chile. Your exemplary leadership and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in guiding the Committee towards this positive outcome. I would also like to once again express my sincere appreciation to all coordinators for for their dedication and hard work. In this connection, I also wish to acknowledge the work carried out by Miss Corina Moroi of Republic of Moldova, Miss Dorcas Owusu-Obikiere of Ghana as coordinators in addition to those already mentioned. Colleagues, I would like to thank you once again for your hard work, long hours, unwavering commitment and dedication to see this through together. Now I have direct knowledge, firsthand experience, how intense and demanding the work of the Fifth Committee can be. I have to tell you there were moments during the negotiations when I started questioning my life choices, but I'm still grateful I am so grateful for having been part of this experience, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. So hats off to you. We have reached a truly meaningful outcome in this critical year. Have some well-deserved rest. Rest. We all need some physical, mental, and emotional restoration. Happy New Year. And Merry Christmas to those who are yet to celebrate. Furthermore, I would also like to thank the Comptroller and the Office of Program Planning, Finance, and Budget and other members of the Secretariat, in particular the many people who work relentlessly to provide the necessary support to the Committee, including behind the scenes, in particular responding to numerous inquiries, along with our colleagues from the Department of General Assembly and Conference Management, the Department of Operational Support, and the Department of Safety and Security, supporting us through countless late nights and urgent document requests. Their invaluable support was crucial to our success. I would also like to recognize the contributions of our conference officers, interpreters, and sound engineers who have ensured the smooth conduct of our meetings. Additionally, I would like to thank the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee for their expertise and guidance. Which have benefited the Bureau, coordinators, and the entire committee. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding leadership and cooperation of the outgoing chair of the Group of G77 and China, the distinguished representative of Iraq, throughout 2025. The floor is now open for any delegation who would like to make a statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq on behalf of G77. Group of 77 and China.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. I have the highest honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Madam Chair, after lengthy, arduous, and intense negotiations, the Group of 77 and China would like to thank you, Madam Chair, your team, and the Bureau members for your leadership throughout this session. Your leadership played a crucial role in ensuring the successful conclusion of the work of the Committee. Our sincere appreciation also goes to the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee led by Mr. Lionel Barrett for the high professionalism shown in facilitating the work of the Committee. We also thank the Controller and Assistant Secretary General, Mr. Chandru Ramanathan, and his team for being responsive and helpful throughout this session, as well as the chair members of the Advisory Committee for well-reasoned recommendations for this Committee. Madam Chair, this session was conducted under exceptional circumstances in the context of the UN Haiti Initiative, where the Committee considered the related documents within limited time frame, compounded the challenges faced by the Committee in concluding its work in a timely and orderly manner. In this regard, the group reaffirmed that adequate time should be given to each agenda item and that practical steps must be be taken to ensure that the report from Secretariat and the ACABQ are issued in all official languages in a timely fashion in line with the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. We stress that any necessary adjustments should remain— they are strictly limited to this session and should not create any precedent for future sessions. Madam Chair, the Group of 77 and China demonstrated a responsible and constructive engagement, particularly at time when the organization is engaged, and reflection on its future direction. In the ongoing context of the Secretary-General's UN80 Initiative, the group attaches great importance to the work of the organization. We work constructively to ensure an adequate level of the resources for efficient— effectively implementation of all mandate activities, in particular funding the development pillar of United Nations in order to support the achievement of development goals. We are particularly pleased the Secretary-General's request for UNRWA funding was fully approved, a testament of importance, relevance, and indispensable nature of this unique agency that performs functions that cannot be replaced by any other UN entity. The adoption is further proof that UNRWA remains a legitimate agency supported by all members. State, regardless of the false slander and unfounded allegations against it and its staff members. We hope this will provide much-needed relief to the agency during this extremely challenging period. And we also request the Secretary-General to fully implement the recommendations of the ACABQ under Section 26, including those related to the Anuraj Sirjarrahaka compound in occupied East Jerusalem and report the committee thereon. Madam Chair, the group is also pleased that deliberations were successfully concluded on important agenda items, in particular the revised estimate and program budget, budgetary, the UN Common System Pattern of Conferences, the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, and construction project. Madam Chair, the Group of 77 and China is proud to have upheld its commitment to engaging all negotiation partners in an inclusive, transparent, and constructive manner. We thank all other groups and delegations for their cooperation and flexibility. The group also commends all coordinators for their invaluable efforts, which contributed significantly to achieving a for the successful outcome of this session. On personal note, as my delegation prepares to conclude its role as a chair of the Group of 77 and China, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all members of the group for their solidarity, trust, and unwavering support in advancing and defending our shared priorities. I would extend my deep gratitude to the former chair of the group, our dear colleague Smidhart of Uganda, for his tireless efforts and continued cooperation in advancing the work of the Group. My special appreciation goes to the incoming Chair of the Group of 77 and China, our dear colleague Lloriano of Uruguay. I wish him every success in leading the Group in the coming year. I'm certain that all Group members will extend to him the same support that I have received. I thank you and Happy New Year to all.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union.

Madam, Madam la Présidente, Madame Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. At the outset, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to you, to the members of the Bureau, and the facilitators for the quality of your leadership and your constant commitment throughout this session. We also extend our thanks to the Fifth Committee Secretariat and to all dedicated staff of the organization whose professionalism and constant availability have been instrumental to the successful conclusion of this session. Despite challenging, inefficient, and exhausting working methods, which clearly require review and under an exceptionally tight schedule, delegations have demonstrated a strong spirit of cooperation and responsibility. We commend you, our Chair, and the whole Fifth Committee family for its commitment to consensus and constructive engagement. This 80th session has delivered several significant achievements worthy of recognition. Mission.

Successfully adopted the 2026 Regular Budget and a negotiated outcome on Special Political Missions, ensuring the continuity of the organization's essential mandates. At the same time, this session has marked an important first step in implementation of the UNHCR initiative, marking the first occasion on which the General Assembly has taken a substantive decision on the proposal. We have collectively acknowledged the need to do better and thus welcome a proactive UNAT approach that allows for gradual adaptation, including consideration of organizational arrangements. We have supported important reform initiatives such as common administrative platforms and staff relocations, and have sent a clear signal on the need to limit business class travel. In addition, we have provided initial guidance for further— for future budget submissions and anticipate seen tangible progress in the first and second resolution sessions. UNATI is not a one-off exercise, but a continuous process, and we remain committed to engaging constructively as these works develop. While standing fully behind this reform and its potential to make the United Nations fit for purpose, we also recognize its enormous impact on its valued staff that has to carry many of its consequences and implications. Beyond resource allocation, we have also strengthened the budgetary methodology itself to enhance transparency, discipline, and effectiveness. We have achieved one of the most ambitious negotiated outcomes in recent years of the UN Common System, providing timely and meaningful guidance to the forthcoming comprehensive review of the compensation package for UN staff,— this sent a strong and united message of support to UN personnel, while also acknowledging the need of a review in line with the UNHCR reform mindset. We have also reaffirmed that multilingualism strengthens our organization and that this core value must be fully reflected and leveraged under the UNHCR initiative. Progress was also made on oversight matters, reaffirming that a resilient organization requires a strong, operationally independent, and effective oversight Bodies. These achievements, reached by consensus, must now be met by responsibility from all Member States. We therefore call on all to pay their assessed contributions in full, on time, and without conditions. This is essential to demonstrate that the reforms proposed by the Secretary-General and endorsed by Member States can success. Without adequate liquidity, the budget cannot function effectively. Nor can oversight be fully exercised. We have also advanced our discussions on the financial situation, including agreement on adjustments to the financial regulations and rules. We look forward to continuing our collective efforts to identify sustainable solutions to the organization's liquidity challenges.

Finally, we wish to underscore that human rights constitute one of the three fundamental pillars of the United Nations. The budget must reflect this reality. Avoiding discussions on human rights financing or selectively defunding mandates in this area undermines our collective responsibility. Our role is not to renegotiate, but to ensure that they are— that we have resources for each of the decided mandates. The European Union will continue to defend human rights from a Fifth Committee perspective initiative and calls on all delegations to safeguard the three pillars of the organization. In closing, Madam Chair, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the principles and values of the United Nations, strongly reaffirmed under the UN80 initiative. As we move forward, let us continue to work together in a spirit of cooperation, consensus, and collegiality so that the Fifth Committee remains a committee of solutions a forum that leads by example. Allow me to conclude by wishing all colleagues a 2026 defined by consensus, cooperation, and success. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Angola on behalf of the African Group.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the African Group at the closing of the main part of the ADF session of the Fifth Committee. After almost 3 months of intensive meetings, exchange of proposals, and negotiation that have tested the endurance and commitment of all delegations, the African Group aligned itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Iraq on behalf of the group of G77 and China and wishes to make the following additional remarks. The African Group wishes to express its sincere appreciation to you, Madam Chair, and to the members of your bureau for the steady leadership, patience, and guidance throughout this demanding session, including at crucial moments during the most delicate stages of negotiations. Your efforts have helped steer our deliberations toward constructive and balanced outcomes. And Madam Chair, we can assure you that you made the right life choice. The group The Commission also extends warm thanks to the Fifth Committee Secretary team led by Mr. Lionel Berridge for its continuous and highly professional support, from servicing our meetings and providing timely, substantive, and technical inputs to preparing documentation under severe time constraints and remaining with the Committee late into the night. The indispensable contributions of interpreters whose work ensured that all delegations could participate fully in the discussions also deserves special recognition. The African Group further wishes to thank the ACABQ as well as the Controller and the Secretariat more broadly for their valuable work and constructive engagement in providing expert advice and support that have underpinned the Committee's deliberations and outcomes. The Group is grateful to all delegations and regional and political groups for the spirit of flexibility, collegiality, and compromise that has characterized our work in recent weeks. This spirit has enabled consensus on key items and helped reduce the number of deferred and non-action items compared with previous sessions, thereby preserving the intergovernmental and membership-driven nature of the United Nations budget process. Madam Chair, this session has been conducted under extraordinary, extraordinary circumstances marked by delays in the issuance of reports and documentation and compressed negotiation timelines. Nevertheless, the Committee has managed to organize its work, hold discussions, and achieve concrete results, demonstrating the resilience and professionalism of delegations and the Secretariat and the determination of member states to uphold their responsibility in the administrative and budgetary governance of the organization. The Group is encouraged that for the second consecutive year the Committee has adopted a resolution on special political missions, consolidating a positive trend towards regular and substantive consideration of this critical agenda item and ensuring proper intergovernmental guidance oversight, including in relation to missions on the African continent. The African Group acknowledges with appreciation the leadership provided by the delegation of Iraq, particularly Ms. Raghad and Mr. Haider, as the outgoing chair of the Group of 77 and China, and extends its full support to the delegation of Uruguay incoming Chair, with whom the Group stands ready to cooperate closely in the Fifth Committee. The Group also pays tribute to all African Group experts, lead coordinators, and the Group's Bureau representative for their dedication and tireless effort in advising Africa's priority across the Committee's agenda. Madam Chair, in closing, the Group looks forward to continuing to work with all partners in the upcoming sessions with a view to strengthening a more effective, transparent, and responsible United Nations that delivers on its mandate for the benefit of all member states and wishes all colleagues a restful and safe period of recess. I thank you.

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

Madam Chair, China supports the statement made by Iraq on behalf of G77 and China and would like to add the following comments. First, China supports Secretary-General Guterres in proposing the UN80 initiative and advancing UN reforms aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency. After difficult consultations, this regular session has reached a number of important resolutions putting forward requirements for the for improving the efficiency of the UN in the next stage from the aspects of policies and resources. The Secretariat must fully and effectively implement the content of resolutions, eliminate redundancies, be oriented by actions and results, promote a culture of efficiency, reduce formalism and bureaucracy, and cherish the valuable resources provided by member states while fulfilling its mandate. Second, as an important part of the UN80 initiative, the resolution on this revised budget was reached by consensus laying the foundation for mandate review and structural reforms in the next stage. China reiterates that UN reforms should be carried out in a balanced manner across the three pillars and continue to be transparent and inclusive. Member States must play a central role in the reform process, and the Secretariat should provide advice and recommendations for Member States to make decisions. The principle of equitable geographical representation should be respected and maintained during the reform process. Third, the current international situation is marked by changes and chaos, with multilateralism facing severe challenges. Strengthening the role of the UN and jointly promoting global governance are the calls of member states. China supports the continuous improvement of the management work of the UN. All main committees should attach importance to improving the effectiveness and transparency of program planning. All parties concerned should adopt a constructive approach, support the CPC in fulfilling its functions and role in reviewing program plans, promote efficiency improvement at the GA across all the process from mandate approval and program planning to budget review, work together to improve the UN's management work and serve the interests of member states. Madam Chair, under your successful leadership, this regular session has completed the review of its agenda item in a In fact, I would like to thank the CABQ, the bureau, and the secretariat of the committee, as well as representatives of all parties at the committee for their unremitting efforts and great contributions to reaching the resolutions. I thank Iraq as the chair of the G77 for building solidarity and consensus within the group and its outstanding leadership. We firmly support Uruguay as next chair of the group. Finally, I wish you all a happy 2026 and an auspicious Chinese New Year of the Horse. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Madam Chair. At the outset, Japan would like to express its sincere appreciation to you, Madam Chair, and to the Bureau facilitators and the Secretariat, as well as to all colleagues and experts from member states for their tireless efforts and constructive engagement that have enabled us to reach this agreement. We welcome the adoption of this budget as a first tangible outcome of the UNAID initiative. It sends an important and positive signal that meaningful progress is possible, and it encourages other work streams under UNAID to continue their work with confidence and momentum, which will materialize further efficiency for the UN system. Japan strongly supports the continuity of UN reforms, especially strengthened budget discipline and informed decision-making of budget, including through transparent PBIs information, and we welcome those elements appropriately reflected in the outcome. At the same time, we underscore the need for further fiscal discipline, not only through 2027 but also beyond, and we should collectively continue our work to make the United Nations financially sustainable in the long term. In implementing the UN Initiative We believe that due attention should be paid to geographical diversity by closing the gap between the desirable range and actual staff for unrepresented and underrepresented countries in the Secretariat. Madam Chair, the resolution reflects a shared understanding among member states that UNAID initiative is not one-time reform exercise but a continuing process. In this regard, next year's budget negotiations should take into account progress to be made under Workstream 2 and 3. And going forward, we must remain committed working together toward further reform while ensuring the efficiency efficient and effective mandate delivery across all three pillars of the United Nations. In this spirit, Japan stands ready to continue engaging constructively in the next phase of UNAID. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. Colleagues, first of all, I want to congratulate the Madam Chair and thank her for the skill with which you have chaired the work of our committee in an extremely, extremely difficult context It's excellent that the doubts you had did not undermine your leadership. Madam Chair, the closure of this 5th Committee marks a decisive moment for our organization. The constructive spirit that prevailed over these discussions over these weeks is a confirmation of multilateralism and reaffirms our unanimous attachment to a UN that we would like to see be modern and —geared towards results. This adoption by consensus of the 2026 budget unequivocally validates the first vector of the UN80 initiative launched by the Secretary-General. This balance, which is balanced and ambitious, demonstrates the capacity of our organization to reform itself, to control its costs, and to enhance its effectiveness. It also makes it possible to preserve what what truly gives the UN its richness and diversity, in particular multilingualism. France is grateful to the Secretary-General and the Secretariat for this courageous proposal that made it possible for us to move forward. With its European partners, France welcomes the strong message sent by the Committee in favor of reform over the long term. Very important Structural changes were launched which make it possible to— more sustainable management of payroll and pensions, which represent some 60 or 70% of the budget. Now, the budget translates our readiness to have a more effective, reactive UN closer to our constituents. The savings make it possible it is possible to focus resources on needs, particularly humanitarian needs, the most urgent needs at the service of population. Just one example, we welcome the agreement reached on the support office of the UN in Haiti. The UN thus continues to be active in all its pillars, the budget guarantee, the financing of our common priorities, principles and values, peace and security, promotion of human rights, combat against impunity. Support for sustainable development and action, climate action. This budget must now be fully implemented. We call on all member states, without any exception, to pay up their excess contribution in full and in time, starting at the beginning of 2026. Payment is not an option, it's a duty for all of us, and France is committed wholeheartedly to that. Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States of America.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, the United States commends the Fifth Committee for embracing common-sense reform and for adopting a leaner and better prioritized 2026 regular budget. Today we deliver a $570 million saving in our assessment compared to last year, and we reduced the UN's bloated bureaucracy by nearly 2,600 posts. These consequential reforms create a more focused, effective United Nations fit for purpose for the people it serves—one that directs its resources to core mandates and puts the United Nations firmly on the path to get back to basics. President Trump has made clear he believes the U.N. still has potential. Already, his guidance and encouragement have made that potential more real, illustrated by the results we have achieved here in the Fifth Committee. Today marks an important first step in our comprehensive reform efforts. As our collective resolution clearly states, reforms are not a one-time exercise. To that end, we expect ambitious and tangible reform proposals in the 2027 and 2028 budgets, including structural realignments, improved efficiency, and the elimination of duplication. We urge the Secretary-General to put forward bold proposals that deliver the structural changes the United Nations urgently needs. In this budget, the General Assembly has established cost containment as a core objective for the Common System and has directed the ICSC to align with the goals of UN 80. Next year's comprehensive review of UN compensation and benefits must produce significant changes, including lowering the margin to bring UN compensation in line with the U.S. Civil Service comparator. These common-sense reforms are essential to ensure that the UN's compensation system is fair, sustainable, and respectful of the taxpayers who fund this institution. In this budget, we initiated a process to modernize the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund, a reform with the potential to reduce long-term costs dramatically while ensuring stability and responsible stewardship of beneficiaries retirement security. This year, we approved responsible budgets for special political missions, including restructuring, consolidating, and eliminating unnecessary special envoy roles. Together, we have taken steps to ensure that SPMs remain focused, effective, and aligned to fulfill their mandates. In this budget, we reinforce the independence and effectiveness of the Office of Internal Oversight Services, including prioritizing its investigative capacity on cases that may lead to disciplinary action or significant financial recovery. As we continue to reform the UN, we expect OIOS to support our efforts to make the UN more accountable, transparent, and efficient. In this budget, we strengthen oversight of the UN's major construction and capital projects, including the renovation of conference facilities in Nairobi, ensuring these multimillion-dollar investments are managed responsibly and embrace the rapid advances in conferencing technology and services. Taken together, this budget reflects a shared commitment to make the United Nations more accountable, more disciplined, and better equipped to deliver real results. The United States looks forward to working with all delegations in the year ahead to deliver more essential, durable, and consequential reforms. Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

Merci, Madame la Présidente.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Let me first express my utmost appreciation to you, the Comptroller, the ACBQ, and the Bureau for their leadership. I would also like to thank the Secretariat, all the support staff, as well as the facilitators As well as all the experts who have worked day and night to reach a compromise, a consensus. Madam Chair, the UN80 Initiative was launched with the aim of improving the effectiveness, coherence, and cost efficiency of this organization. Our shared and primary objective must therefore be to ensure that the United Nations does not emerge weakened from the reforms, rather strengthen. This principle has guided Switzerland's positions in all discussions on UN reform for many years, and it remained at the core of Switzerland's stance throughout the negotiations in this Commission. To enable our organization to face unprecedented challenges, we have had to accept significant post-abolishment. We regret the unavoidable layoffs of staff. As personnel are an organization's most valuable asset, allow me once again to express our deep gratitude to all UN staff. We also wish to convey our solidarity with those who are directly affected by the consequences of the decisions we have had to take. From the beginning of the negotiations, Switzerland has sought to engage constructively and in good faith, paying particular attention to the proposed relocation Relocations. Unlike temporary adjustments and layoffs, relocations fundamentally alter the structure and functioning of the organization. While we do not oppose them as such, we believe they must be based on a solid analysis demonstrating that they are carefully designed. Relocations can offer an opportunity to strengthen the organization's impact, provided they avoid fragmentation and preserve the coherence of the UN We regret that some of our proposals were not given more thorough consideration. However, of course, we take note of the outcome and respect the collective decision that was taken. Switzerland remains convinced that reform is necessary, but that a process driven solely by imperative of rapid change, guided by short-term vision and lacking the necessary analysis risks weakening the United Nations. Madam Chair, beyond the continuation of deliberations related to UN80, we believe it is essential that this committee keep liquidity issues at the top of its priorities. In this regard, we welcome the progress achieved during this difficult session. Such results give us the confidence needed to jointly shape an organization fit to meet the challenges of the future. You can count on the the support of Switzerland. Happy New Year to everyone and have a good break.

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

Madam Chair, Thailand aligns itself with the statement delivered by Iraq on behalf of G77 and China. In the same spirit by all here today, The Thai delegation would like to express our sincere appreciation to you, Madam Chair, and all the Bureau members for your guidance and dedication throughout this exceptionally long and intensive session. We also wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Secretariat, the ASC Controller, the Chair and members of the Advisory Committee, as well as our coordinators for having worked tirelessly to ensure that we have all the support we need. Madam Chair, under the context of UN ACT initiative, let us continue to explore lower-cost options that enable the UN to deliver on its mandate and with efficiency. Thailand welcomes the proposed establishment of the common administrative platforms, starting with New York and Bangkok, to reduce duplication and improve service quality. We also support the relocation of functions from high-cost duty stations and are open to exploring practical arrangements in collaboration with ESCAP and the UN Secretariat. As host country of ESCAP, Thailand wishes to emphasize that it is crucial for ESCAP and other UN regional commissions to receive adequate resources to continue to support its member states, especially countries in special situation to effectively translate mandates into actions. Thailand also welcomed the establishment of the UN position at the OSCHR regional office in Bangkok to support OSCHR regionalization efforts. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, despite some difficulty due to time constraints, we can certainly be proud of what we have achieved today. My delegation wishes the to thank all delegations for engagement and flexibility in the entire process. This would have not been possible without our commitment to negotiating constructively and in good faith. We would like to convey our deep appreciation, in particular to the Chair of G77 and China, for the unwavering dedication and fortitude as we navigated this exceptional year. Madam Chair, Let me reaffirm that Thailand remains steadfast in supporting the work of the Fifth Committee. Finally, my delegation would like to wish all colleagues a very happy New Year. Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Madam Chair. On behalf of the UK delegation, I extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Yu, the Bureau, and the Fifth Committee Secretariat for your tireless work throughout this historic session. This main session has been unique in ambition and challenge. The Committee should be proud of its achievements. On the regular budget, we've agreed the most significant recalibration in a generation, delivering a leaner, more efficient budget that maintains balance across the UN's three pillars. The UK welcomes the comprehensive consensus reached on the regular budget and special political missions resolutions, and commends the SG's bold leadership in driving reform through UN80. This budget demonstrates our unwavering support for UN80 and provides clear direction for the way forward. There is much to build on next year. On Common System, meaningful, meaningful progress has been made to contain future staff costs, the biggest driver of expenses in the UN, with plans for ICSC to review the margin and the commitment to consider options for further efficiencies in the context of the comprehensive review. And on the Financial Performance Report, the committee has delivered vital changes to financial rules reflecting a fairer approach which we hope will encourage all Member States to pay in full, on time, and without condition. This progress can provide a foundation for discussions on further sustainable solutions to the UN liquidity crisis next session. Despite tough time constraints and scrutiny, the Committee did the unthinkable— completing budget Q&A in less than a week, agreeing a reform-focused budget, under intense pressure. We have seen admirable cross-regional cooperation and a genuine desire to advance reform. I thank fellow delegates for their constructive engagement. Still, challenges remain, particularly extreme working methods and politicization of technical issues. As such, the UN's budgetary process continues to suffer from structural delays and late scheduling. We must all commit to improve our working methods to allow all delegates to participate fully and constructively in Fifth Committee negotiations. Madam Chair, as we look ahead, the UK remains committed to championing efficiency, impact and transparency while defending the UN's core mandates. We urge all delegations to sustain reform momentum and work together for a stronger United Nations. I close by wishing you and all our Fifth Committee community the very best for 2026. Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. At the outset, my delegation wishes to thank you, Madam Chair, for your leadership during this unprecedented session and for upholding the principles and working methods of the Fifth Committee. And we wish to thank your team as well and the Bureau for its endless dedication. We also wish to thank Secretariat for its engagement throughout long days and even, even longer nights, which enabled the Committee to reach a necessary conclusion of the important agenda, agenda in this unique session. This session was truly unpredictable, main session for the Fifth Committee that will be always remembered. However, it served an opportunity for our committee to learn about how much we could do with little time. Going forward, my delegation hope that these skills we have gained this session of efficiency, creativity will lead us for future sessions. We wish to commend the Fifth Committee delegates for their flexibility, hard work, and their commitment to remain faithful for the core responsibilities of this committee, safeguarding the credibility of the organization as a whole and aiming to have a functioning and agile organization that will deal with the critical issues at hand Our deliberation reflects important values, from accessibility to efficiency, from transparency to innovation, from protection against retaliation to accountability, and even from common system to a system of the common. We believe that these values will assist us in achieving tangible progress in building an organization that reflects the necessary mandates that this organization was founded upon. While negotiations were not without difficulty, the outcome reflects a constructive conclusion reached under the current financial constraints in the context of the UN80. As UN80 moves forward to reshape the United Nations, my delegation recognizes and looks forward to working with our colleagues on the further transformations required to support this process, including in areas as staff well-being, efficiency, and institutional resilience. Madam Chair, we are glad to close this session and look forward to continue working with you, your team, at the same professionalism and focus for the session ahead. Thank you very much.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.

Muchas gracias, Senhora Presidenta.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. My delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and wishes to add a few remarks in a national capacity. This session has been exceptionally demanding. The challenges we faced were not limited to the heavy workload or the increasingly compressed timelines, but stemmed above all from the complexity generated by a reform process unfolding in parallel with an acute liquidity crisis. Negotiating under such conditions required a heightened sense of responsibility and constant efforts to balance efficiency with institutional sustainability. Our discussions took place at a time when the world is confronted with conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, food insecurity, and persistent underdevelopment. These realities call for a robust United Nations capable of responding effectively to challenges of very different, different natures and above all, capable of implementing the mandates entrusted to it by member states.

Brazil reiterates a fundamental principle: just as we expect the organization to deliver, member states must deliver as well. Assessed contributions must be paid on time, in full, and without conditions. Persistent arrears, particularly by major contributors, undermine predictability, rational planning, and the orderly implementation of mandates. Payments made only at the end of the financial year deprive the Secretariat of the ability to plan responsibly and place unnecessary strain on the organization. Madam Chair, Brazil firmly believes that the reform is necessary. Yet, reform must be well sequenced, technically grounded, transparent, and should maintain the balance among the three pillars of the Organization, since there are no stable and persistent peace and security without sustainable development and the promotion of human rights. While elements of Workstream 1 were reflected in the budget in an appropriate manner, we trust that the forthcoming workstreams will proceed with greater technicality and balance without losing sight of those who depend most on the organization: victims of conflict, hunger, and underdevelopment. Let us, therefore, hope that at the end of this process we will not only say that we have a United Nations that is fit for purpose, but we also be clear, collectively, about what that purpose truly is.

I thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. It is a pleasure for me to warmly congratulate you on the occasion of the closing of the main session of the 80th session of the Fifth Committee. Your leadership Your availability, ability to listen, and your presence even at the late hours of negotiations were decisive in allowing the Committee to successfully conclude its program of work, which has been particularly demanding this year. In this difficult time for our organization, your patience together with your determination and trust in cooperation and the spirit of responsibility of all members of the Fifth Committee have allowed us to successfully conclude our work this morning to the great satisfaction of us all. My thanks also go out to the Controller of the United Nations as well as the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee. I thank them for their professionalism and their constant commitment throughout this session. I also wish to thank the chair of the G77 and China, carried out by Iraq, as well as the presidency of the African Group, uh, represented by Angola. I thank them for their responsibility and coordination throughout this session. Madam Chair, the Kingdom of Morocco welcomes the strategic decisions adopted by the Fifth Committee this year, decisions that seek to strengthen a more efficient, streamlined management of the resources— the human resources of our organization. In this regard, we welcome the, uh, uh, measures to redeploy posts from high-cost duty stations to lower-cost duty stations such as, uh, Vienna and Bonn. We also welcome the decision to preserve posts that are essential to the proper functioning of the United Nations. These decisions reflect a clear will to strengthen the operational capacity of the organization while ensuring rigorous budgetary management over the long term that is in line with the priorities of the organization. Morocco also welcomes the fact that the 2026 program budget provides adequate financing for priority sections for developing countries, namely ECOSOC and LLDCs. Madam Chair, Morocco also welcomes the consensus adoption of various important agenda items, including the program budget for 2026, special political missions, as well as questions relating to the administration of justice and audit. Finally, the Kingdom of Morocco reiterates its commitment to the principle of transparency and consensus within the Fifth Committee. We remain committed that discussions on the future of the organization must continue to be based on dialogue, mutual trust, and a common ambition of achieving an efficient multilateralism with a reformed, adapted United Nations that is able to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Thank you very much, Madam Chair, and I wish all delegations a happy new year.

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

Gracias. Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. First of all, allow me to express my sincere gratitude to Mexico, to you, to the Bureau, and to the facilitators for leading the work of this committee during an exceptional session. We'd also like to express our deep gratitude to the Secretary to the Fifth Committee. Their commitment and professionalism, often at late hours, night or early morning, have greatly facilitated our deliberations. Mexico attaches great importance to the work of the Fifth Committee. In this session, the Committee managed to adopt the annual budget of the organization in an unusually short period of time. So that the UN has the necessary resources to carry out its critical functions based on the principle of efficiency, transparency, accountability. Throughout the negotiations, Mexico's priority was to support the measures proposed by the Secretary-General, the framework of Access One of UN80 initiative to improve the efficiency of the United Nations by creating common administrative platforms, and other measures. With this in mind, the approval of the regular budget for 2026 represents a concrete step in the right direction to have a, a more flexible and agile organization capable of dealing with global challenges in a context of limited budgetary resources. Mexico is grateful to the rest of the delegations for the flexibility they showed throughout this session and invites everyone to continue working in a constructive way in the renewed session of the Fifth Committee, not to lose the momentum of reforms and to make sure that UNADY maintains its direction and fulfills its goals in the upcoming years. Lastly, I want to mention that this session also highlighted structural challenges that have historically limited the work of the committee. These obstacles must be confronted urgently as part of efforts to revitalize the work of the General Assembly. Madam Chair, my delegation reaffirms its commitment to this committee and to a renewed UN that is modern and coherent, capable of serving peace, security, and the well-being of all peoples. Thank you very much, and happy holidays to all of you. Thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Paraguay.

Muchas gracias. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I'd like to begin by thanking you for your leadership to bring us to this result, to the Bureau, the facilitators, and the Secretariat for their continued support. My delegation wishes to place on record that Paraguay dissociates itself from paragraph 26 of the program budget for 2026, as well as from the revised estimates resulting from the resolutions and decisions adopted by the Human Rights Council that make reference to the resources required for the implementation of Human Rights Council Resolution 58/21. Furthermore, on references to the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs in general, Paraguay notes that paragraph 74 of Resolution 70/1 1 refers to the voluntary nature of the follow-up and review processes of the 2030 Agenda, which are implemented in accordance with national regulatory frameworks and, uh, priorities with full respect for Paraguay's constitutional principles. In addition, my delegation wishes to recall that in Paraguay no forms of discrimination are permitted and are legal system lays the foundation for genuine equality. In that regard, it should be clarified that for Paraguay, any definition of gender is limited exclusively to the differentiation between women and men. In conclusion, Paraguay advocates for renewed and efficient multilateralism and reaffirms its commitment to the principles and objectives enshrined in the UN Charter. Thank you very much.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Argentina.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. We're pleased to see you chairing the 5th Committee of the General Assembly, and we are grateful for your leadership to guide our work. The 80th session of the General Assembly has fallen in the context of the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations, and at the same time as debates on the UN80 initiative, which represents an opportunity to assess the general functioning of the operation so as to ensure a more efficient and effective implementation of the UN system as a whole. For this reason, we believe that we should focus our efforts and once again find inspiration in the founding principles of the United Nations Charter and to work to towards that in a constructive manner. Madam Chair, on the draft resolutions adopted by this committee, Argentina dissociates itself from the references to gender, the Pact for the Future, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is comprised— which comprises legally non-binding aspirations that every state in the exercise of its sovereignty, has the right to interpret and pursue freely. Furthermore, Argentina dissociates from those references that are contrary to the guiding principles of the protection of life, freedom, and private property. Furthermore, we dissociate from Section 26 of the budget. We are grateful for the constructive work of delegations and the support provided by the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

And I now give the floor to our distinguished Controller.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it's a real pleasure to be here with you, and I want to thank on behalf of the Secretary-General your unqualified support for the UNAT Initiative and also in particular for a lot of the guidance that has been included in the way in going forward. I must compliment the committee on how efficiently it has dealt with yet another year of challenges, but having been with you for a long time, I'm not at all surprised, and I've said to many people who ask me, "What is your plan B?" I said, "I don't need a plan B." This committee will follow its tortuous processes but will eventually end in a good place. And I'm particularly grateful for the way in which you managed to close it out in time for all of us. I also want to take the opportunity to thank the ACABQ, the managers, and also my team sitting right here behind me and those who are in their offices for the manner in which they took on what has been an exceptionally challenging task for us, to put together a whole budget in less than 6 weeks the 345 tables in the document was not an easy task. And then to answer 2,000+ questions to the ACABQ, and thankfully not as many from you, was a deep gratitude on our part that you managed to finish the Q&A also in a record time. I think it's credit to all involved in the way in which this process has been carried forward, and maybe there are good lessons to be learned here. In the way forward for the future as well. I just wanted to say that as you break for the new year, I just want to point out that we start another arduous journey, and there are 4 elements I want to highlight. One, as of tomorrow, 2,900 positions will be abolished. So we have to make sure that whoever is on those abolished positions and still hasn't been separated gets paid in January. We have more than 1,000 separations that have already been signed, and we have to make sure that those people are also taken care of without falling off the system. Of course, a lot of these reforms that are now approved by the GA have to be implemented and implemented fairly quickly. And I just want to remind you, I can't resist saying this, every time the ACABQ says, "Please provide all this information to the General Assembly during its consideration of the report," and every time the General Assembly tells us, the Fifth Committee, "Please include this in the next budget," I want to remind you, you see the next budget in September, we have started preparing it yesterday. So a lot of these proposals that you are asking us to do are already in the pipeline because we have less them 4 to 6 weeks, in fact 4 weeks in some cases and about 6 weeks to produce the next budget already. Just bear that in mind as we go through the various discussions. And lastly, I go to the life choices of the chair. I don't know what I was thinking when I took on this job. But I can tell you this. Over time, you become immune to the torture of the 5th Committee. So you have to remember that eventually you come out in a good place. And for those of you who are not longstanding, you know there is light at the end of the tunnel fairly quickly. But I must say this, that it's physically exhausting, but it need not be mentally so exhausting if you remember 2 or 3 fundamental things that happen with the Fifth Committee every year. There is usually a very decent outcome and by consensus. Consensus not once but 3 times a year and that's something remarkable that you should not underestimate and that is the reason why I feel very comfortable and confident that the Fifth Committee will get to a good place. But having said that, and here's maybe a piece of advice for the Chair, this is the first session, so luckily it's the more difficult one. So in the second and third occasions, it may not be as difficult, and maybe since you made a remark that you would not trade this experience, maybe you will consider continuing as the Fifth Committee Chair for a little bit longer because over time you become quite immune from the travails of the Fifth Committee, as my Fifth Committee Secretary colleagues will also attest to. So, a suggestion for you for consideration. I do not know whether your staff will support you, but I'm sure that you can consider that. And finally, I just want to say a big thanks to the many countries that have already paid in advance. This year we have reached a new record in terms of potential collections in advance, and I continue to appeal using this forum to all of you to send in the money as quickly as possible, and of course, want to wish you all a wonderful 2026. And when you come back in the first resumed session, please bring the same positive spirit because you're going to need it. Thank you.

Thank you, Chandru. Before I adjourn the meeting, I would like to inform the Committee that a briefing by the Secretariat on the one-gavel approach used by the General Assembly will be held today at 2:45 PM in the General Assembly Hall. I declare the work of the Fifth Committee closed for the main part of the 80th session of the General Assembly. The meeting is adjourned.