UN Transcripts — https://transcripts.un.org/en/ga/c5/80/21 Fifth Committee, 21st plenary meeting - General Assembly, First part of the resumed 80th session — Fifth Committee — 23 February 2026 Language: en Automatically generated transcript — may contain errors. Not an official United Nations record. --- 5th Committee · Chair [0:01]: I call to order the 21st meeting of the fifth committee and welcome you to the first part of our resumed ATS session. Distinguished colleagues, before we begin our work this morning, with the consideration of the organization of work of the Committee for the first part of the resumed ATS session, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the new chair of the Group of 77 and China for 2026, the distinguished representative of Uruguay, and wish him every success in his role. I should like to pay tribute to the outgoing chair of the group of 77 and China, the distinguished representative of Iraq, and thank her for for her leadership during the past year. Distinguished colleagues, based on the status of preparedness of documentation for the Fifth Committee during the first part of its resumed 80th session, contained in document A C5 at L23, the Bureau has proposed a tentative and provisional program of work. This program has been circulated electronically through the Bureau and the website of the Fifth Committee. Efforts were made to prepare a program of work which makes best use of the available time and understanding that changes will be made as the session progresses. The Committee will note that Update to document L23 will will continue to be provided through the Bureau and the website of the Fifth Committee. Before I open the floor for statements on the proposed program of work, I would like to remind delegations that should they wish to inscribe on the list of speakers for the item in progress and have not already done so through the SEA Speakers module on E delegate, they may press only once the button located in front of their microphone, after which the light on the microphone will turn green to show that they have been placed on the list. The microphone will turn red once a delegation has been given the floor. Please note that if the button is pressed twice, the inscription will be canceled. Delegations are reminded to observe the time limits of three minutes for statements by individual Member States and five minutes for delegations speaking on behalf of the Group of States. Officials making introductory statements relating to reports before the Committee are also requested to observe the three minute time limit for such statements. In connection with the time limit, an on screen timer will be utilized which will be activated at the start of the Speaker's statement. I now open the floor for the comments on the proposed program of work for the session. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of the group of 77 and China. Uruguay · G77 + China [3:26]: Mr. Chair, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 in China regarding the organization of work for the first part of the resumed 80th session. Of the Fifth Committee. First, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Iraq for its outstanding leadership of the group of 77 in China throughout 2025, especially to our dear colleague Raghat. I also reaffirm's commitment to guiding the Group's work in a transparent, inclusive and constructive manner. The Group extends its sincere appreciation to the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee and the Bureau for their dedicated efforts and in preparing the program of work for this session. The Group also acknowledges the significant contributions of the Advisory Committee on the Administrative and Budgetary Questions in providing technical and sound recommendations on the agenda items before us. We emphasize that the timely submission and availability of documentation to the Committee from both the Secretariat and the ACAVQ are necessary to enable the Committee to thoroughly review the reports and manage its timeline efficiently with careful consideration and informed deliberation on the complex issues before us. The Group further emphasizes the importance of receiving documents in all official languages in a timely manner, in line with the rules of procedure of the General assembly and relevant resolutions. The group of 77 in China remains committed to the thorough consideration of all agenda items allocated to the Fifth Committee during this part of the resumed session. In this regard, the Group stresses the importance of allocating adequate time to each agenda item and and ensuring that the program of work allows for meaningful and substantive engagement. Consistent with the Group's position expressed at the closing of the main part of the session, we underlined that any adjustments to the program of work should remain exceptional, strictly limited, and should not create precedents for future sessions. Mr. Chair, the group recognizes the extraordinary effort undertaken by Member States in the Context of Work Stream 1 of the UNAAD initiative, including the approval of significant reductions to the budget. In this regard, the Group underscores that such decisions must be accompanied by a transparent and evidence based follow up that enables the General assembly to assess across agenda items both the financial and administrative implications of implementation, and stresses that Member States should be provided with structured and comparable information to support effective oversight. At the same time, efficiency measures proposed under UN 80 should be presented in a consolidated results based manner and implemented with due regard to risk management and operational continuity. The Group will actively participate in the Committee's deliberations on the agenda items before us, including Under Agenda Item 134, and on the review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the un, covering issues such as cost recovery, progress towards an accountability system, proposed revisions to the FRRs, and supply chain activities. The Group will also engage on procurement related matters and reports of the oios considered under this agenda Item. The Group will further participate constructively in the consideration of program budget related items, including the ICT strategy and deferred matters such as standards of accommodation for air travel and the review of of the UN Secretariat internship program. The Group also attaches importance to the consideration of human resources management during this part of the resume session, including reports related to ongoing reform initiatives. Mr. Chair, in conclusion, the Group assures you and the Bureau of its full commitment to engaging constructively and in good faith with all partners with a view to achieving negotiated outcomes and concluding the session, including a timely and orderly manner. I think 5th Committee · Chair [7:17]: I thank the distinguished Delegate of Uruguay on behalf of the group of 77 and China and I give floor to the European Union. On behalf of the European Union and its member States and aligning countries. EU · EU [7:33]: Senor presidente, Mr. Chair, I have the honor of speaking on behalf of the European Union and its member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldavia and Bozia and Herzegovina, as well as Armenia, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino. They all align with this statement. Allow me to begin by expressing our sincere thanks to the Chair and the members of the Bureau for their commitment and leadership guiding us successfully during the main session that was held in exceptionally difficult circumstances and tested the resilience of this Committee. We also wish to thank the Secretariat for their unwavering support. It allowed us to adopt each informed and responsible decisions serving the best interests of the organization, its personnel and the people it serves. We warmly congratulate Uruguay for assuming the chair of G77 and China. And we are ready and willing as a group to jointly forge ahead to reach constructive compromises and commitments. We recognize the leadership shown by Iraq and the spirit of trust and cooperation which Iraq was able to foster that we intend to keep building on that very spirit. We also congratulate the new members of the the Committee. This is a lofty responsibility in terms of achieving our common goal to guarantee efficiency, accountability and better organizational performance. The first resume session provides an important opportunity to address key matters that are essential to the effective functioning of the United Nations. Particularly in the context of the UN8 initiative, we would like to highlight several areas of particular importance. First, we continue to attach great importance to supporting the Secretary General efforts to modernize and reform the un. In this context, supply chain activities remain a priority requiring a balance and a consensual resolution. Reform, efficiency and accountability must go hand in hand. The Cost Recovery Framework is therefore essential to ensure transparency, sustainability and fairness across the system. We reiterate our strong commitment to our robots accountability framework, a cornerstone of the reform agenda and look forward to constructive engagement on the work of the jru. We also recognize our responsibility to carefully examine the proposed revisions to the financial regulations and rules and those governing program planning and the program aspects of the budget, which are fundamental to sound governance in the current context of financial constraints and liquidity challenges. Our deliberations must be guided by responsibility, realism and a shared commitment to strengthening the organisation. Second, the Committee is also called upon to decide on the key structural budgetary matters. In reviewing the standards of accommodation for air travel, we must ensure they reflect the needs of a modern, efficient and reformed organization. The ICT strategy is central to effective mandate delivery and operational performance. We are also presented with substantial revised estimates that require careful scrutiny. In addition, we will consider the itenonumoia with a focus on ensuring efficiency and accountability. Third, the staff of the organization are its most valuable asset. A comprehensive and forward looking human resources strategy is therefore essential, particularly in challenging times as downsizing and workforce adjustments feature on our UNH agenda. We strongly support modern, equitable and effective HR policies at the United nations, including for young professionals, and underscore the importance of a workplace culture based on respect, integrity and accountability. In this regard, Addressing racism and racial discrimination within the organization remains an essential component of our efforts. There must be zero tolerance for misconduct, including discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. Strengthening prevention, protection and response mechanism is essential to preserving trust in the organization and its credibility. Our methods of work must and optimizing them must be an unwavering commitment and a continued one. We emphasize the importance of preserving a healthy balance between a professional and private life for our personnel. We warmly recommend procedures that are transparent and inclusive to foster the active participation of the Secretariat in the Fifth Committee. Moreover, we underscore the essential need to receive all documents in a timely fashion and in all official languages. We believe that this is the minimum required to allow them to be effectively analysed. That is a prerequisite to ultimately achieve consensus and guarantee the effective participation of all Member States. The first part of this resume session was extended to five weeks to allow things to be easier for the Organization and its Member States and we hope that it will be as effectively used as possible as a time period. Thank you. 5th Committee · Chair [12:38]: I thank the distinguished Delegate of the European Union. On behalf of the European Union and its Member States and aligning countries, I give the floor to distinguished delegate of Australia on behalf of Cairns. Australia · CANZ [12:55]: Thank you, Chair. I have the honour to speak on behalf of Canada, New Zealand and my own country, Australia. Cairns welcomes many of the outcomes of the Fifth Committee's fall session, including some significant efficiencies and progress on reform of UN staff costs in line with UN 80. We stress the need for Member States and the Secretariat to sustain that momentum and continue efforts to advance a more efficient and effective UN system, one that is better able to deliver the mandates entrusted to it. This session, Cairns will continue to actively support proposals that enable the long term financial sustainability of the organisation. We will back further efforts to strengthen efficiency across the UN's operations, including through improved human resources management, strengthened oversight and accountability and enhance data transparency. UN staff are the organisation's most valuable asset. UN human resources policies must address the need for cost containment while ensuring a highly skilled, diverse and agile workforce capable of meeting current and future challenges. The HR reports before us offer a chance to reach balanced outcomes that give the Secretariat clear practical guidance. The Secretary General has warned that the Organisation is facing a moment of truth with unpaid contributions and an obligation to return funds that were never received in the first place, accelerating a downward liquidity spiral. Cairns again endorses the Secretary General's call for all Member States to pay their assessed contributions on time, in full and without conditions. Cairns members consistently do this and we underscore the importance of all fellow Member States doing the same. Cairns looks forward to receiving from the Secretariat information on options to improve the UN's financial footing. We understand this includes updating the methodology for the determination of the credits to be returned based on actual revenues. Cairns also looks forward to engaging on the Secretary General's proposals to amend the financial regulations and rules to reflect decisions reached in the fall and and to make further improvements to modernise the FRRs. Human resources reform and a modern financial framework must go hand in hand with disciplined mandate management. In the current environment of fiscal constraint and in the spirit of our ongoing reforms, we must demonstrate restraint in mandating new tasks while ensuring those we approve are adequately resourced. This applies across all pillars of the UN's work Peace and security, human rights development, as well as the Organisation's core operational capabilities. Finally, on organisational oversight, we look forward to reviewing the Secretary General's report on the accountability system, the JIU's program of work and the importance of system wide oversight in strengthening governance. Chair across these agenda items, Kansas priorities remain consistent to support financial rules that are fit for purpose, to improve efficiency wherever possible and to ensure that the organisation's resources are aligned with its mandates to deliver outcomes where they are needed most. The work of this session provides an important foundation for UN 80 and other reform efforts. This year. Australia, Canada and New Zealand remain committed to engaging constructively with all Member States to deliver practical, forward looking outcomes that strengthen the UN's financial stability and operational effectiveness for the long term. Thank you. 5th Committee · Chair [16:43]: I thank the distinguished delegate of Australia on behalf of Cairns. And I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of the United Kingdom. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [16:52]: Thank you. Chair. I would like to start by congratulating Uruguay on taking on the Chair of the group of 77 and China. We look forward to working constructively with the Group under their able leadership. I would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Iraq for the productive engagement with the group during 2025. We begin this new fifth committee session on the shoulders of significant reforms. Last year, collectively we made meaningful progress delivering a more efficient UN Secretariat containing future staff costs and agreeing vital changes to financial rules. These outcomes demonstrate what this Committee can deliver when we work collectively to a shared purpose. It is essential that we now build on this progress. The UK will continue to champion reforms practical evidence based changes that improve the effectiveness, coherence, financial sustainability and culture of accountability of the United nations. Over the coming five weeks, the UK will focus on the following priorities. First, human resources management. The UN's workforce is its most valuable asset and continued reform to HR policies is essential to ensure a modern, flexible and efficient Secretariat. We support efforts to strengthen strategic workforce planning and improve staff selection processes key to enhancing diversity and equipping the organization with the skills and capabilities it needs for the future. In addition, we stress the importance of the comprehensive system wide JIU review on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse in the UN system. Second, air travel. The current policy on business class travel is unsustainable in times of financial constraint. Reform is necessary to ensure more appropriate air travel rules in the regular budget. Resolution. We cut the travel budget to restrict the use of business class. But reforming the rules in their totality is necessary to provide clarity to staff and permanent reform. We have been close to consensus on this item before. We hope we can now achieve a successful conclusion. Third, the Committee will consider amendments to the Financial Rules and Regulations, the pbb ME and review cost recovery mechanisms. These mechanisms are the financial foundations for the organization. It is necessary to ensure they are functional, accountable, transparent and aligned with recent GA resolutions. Chair, we made much progress on reforming the UN during our main session. We hope we can maintain that positive momentum for further reforms in 2026. Thank you. 5th Committee · Chair [19:32]: I thank the distinguished delegate of United Kingdom. I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Dominican Republic. Dominican Republic [19:43]: Senior prison. Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues, good morning. The Dominican Republic aligns itself with the statement made by Uruguay on behalf of G77 and China, allow me to express our thanks for the leadership shown by the Chair when they steered the work of the Fifth Committee. We also wish to thank the Bureau, the Secretariat and the AC for the technical support that underpins our work. Moreover, we congratulate Uruguay on assuming the chairmanship of G77 in China and we thank Iraq for the way they constructively steered that work during the course of last year. Chair, this session is of particular importance given the nature of the agenda items which have a direct impact on the Organization's capacity to do discharge the mandates entrusted to it by Member States. We will broach central issues related to administrative efficiency and financial efficiency, the management of human resources, the reports of the jiu, the ICT strategy, the UMOJA system and other matters. These debates are part of the continuity of the UNHC initiative which was designed to bolster effectiveness, coherency and financial systems sustainability of the Organisation through a responsible streamlining of its structures and processes. We always seek to preserve the intergovernmental nature of the Organisation's decisions. As regards the jiu, we reaffirm the importance of its work as an independent mechanism for external oversight of the system. It is of vital importance to ensure that the recommendations accepted translate into best practices practices in governance and accountability. As regards the ICT strategy and the UMOJO system, we recognize its crucial work in administrative modernisation and in terms of supporting the taking of decisions based on data. However, we underscore the need to strengthen the clarity of the governance framework, budgetary transparency and accountability before Member States in terms of human resources. Reiterate our commitment to institutional integrity as well as to zero tolerance against misconduct. Geographical balance and achievements Advances towards gender parity, the sustainable management of human capital is vital to ensure the credibility and effectiveness of the organisation. Mr. Chairman, the strength of the United nations depends on financial discipline, effective oversight and genuine cooperation between Member States. States. The Dominican Republic reiterates its readiness to constructively participate in a results orientated fashion in the negotiations getting underway today in defence of an effective and responsible multilateralism. Thank you. 5th Committee · Chair [22:46]: I thank the distinguished Delegate of Dominican Republic. And I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Mexico. Mexico [23:03]: Chair, thank you for giving me the floor at the outset. Mexico wishes to commend the way in which the work of the Fifth Committee was steered during the main session. The this main session. The program of work for the first resumed session includes items items which are of particular interest for Mexico and that will have an impact on the functioning of the organization, particularly within the framework of the implementation of UN 80 and as part of efforts to strengthen the three fundamental pillars of the Organisation, we underscore the importance of matters related to human resource management and the reform proposals aims at rejuvenating the UN workforce. We hope to see the strengthening of mechanisms for the protection against discrimination and the strengthening of accountability against criminal acts or misconduct. Moreover, we will prioritize the review of travel conditions by air to ensure a more efficient use of available resources. We will also review matters related to the joint proposal on supply chains for complex humanitarian environments. And we will review progress made with the establishment of an ICT strategy, this with the goal of achieving greater efficiency. As part of the UN AT initiative, Mexico also wishes to express its commitment to examining the draft amendment to the financial regulations and rules of the United nations, including proposals to improve the organization's financial footing. Chair Mexico is convinced that improving the administration and management of human resources has an impact on us achieving the highest possible degree of mandate delivery. Consequently, the smooth daily functioning of the complex mechanics that underpin the administrative structure of the United nations is vital in order to allow the organization to effectively, appropriately and in a timely way heed and respond to the expectations of its membership. It must do this by offering quality services at headquarters and on the ground. To conclude, Mexico is committed to actively and constructively participating in the upcoming discussions on these important agenda items. Thank you. 5th Committee · Chair [25:12]: The Chair thanks. I thank Mexico for their statement and I give the floor to the Republic of Korea. Republic of Korea · Permanent Representative [25:21]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Today, multilateralism, including the UN is facing unprecedented challenges on many fronts. This Committee's role and responsibility have never been more important in making the system more effective, efficient and people focus. I'd like to make three point today. First, a cultural efficiency should be fully embedded in our organization. In the context of the UNAID initiative, initial efficiency measures such as common administrative platforms and payroll consolidation have been already identified and are being implemented. This momentum of reform must be sustained and translated into a fundamental cultural shift. My delegation also welcomes future initiative to consolidate support functions, including information and communication technology, and improve working methods of the both Secretariat and member state. Second, United nations steps remain the organization's most valuable asset. We reiterate the importance of strengthening strategy objectives of human resources management such as rejuvenation, diversity and agility. We encourage increasing entry level opportunities to rejuvenate the Secretariat while also addressing its top heaviness to enhance workforce agility and competence. We should also continue to promote staff step mobility. Third, technology is a critical enabler of the Bayesian Organization's work artificial intelligence represent a catalytic tool for improving operational efficiency. When used responsibly, AI can streamline administrative processes, enhancing data analytics and strengthen evidence based decision making processes. To ensure the responsible use of AI in the un, timely establishment and implementation of a coherent governance framework is essential. We welcome and encourage the Secretariat's related efforts. Mr. Chair, the UN Initiative presents a valuable opportunity to recalibrate the organization's working culture, workforce and operational modalities to better response to contemporary challenges. My delegation remains committed to engaging constructively in this process. I thank you, 5th Committee · Chair [28:09]: I thank the distinguished Permanent Representative of Republic of Korea and I give the floor to China. China [28:18]: Mr. Chair, China extends gratitude to the Bureau, the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee and the ACABQ for their preparatory work for the session. We congratulate Uruguay on assuming the Chairmanship of the group of 77 in China and supports its statement on behalf of the Group. We also commend Iraq for its substantial and effective work while being the Chair of the group of 77, China would like to add the following comments. First, the current international landscape is marked by intertwined turmoil and challenges. Multilateralism Facing severe tasks, we must uphold the authority and role of the UN and practice genuine multilateralism. Fair and reasonable HR practices and efficient and pragmatic budget management are the essential foundations for the UN's effective financial functioning. We look forward to consulting and cooperating with all parties for positive outcomes for different agenda items. China supports Secretary General Guterres in promoting cost savings and efficiency gains through the UN80 initiative. We hope the Secretariat will adopt a pragmatic and a results oriented approach, foster a culture of efficiency, reduce formalism and bureaucracy, and earnestly implement Resolution 80242 adopted at last year's QA session. Second, China attaches great importance to HR management at the un. We note that the Secretary General's report clearly states that the Secretariat has made progress on gender equality. It still faces challenges in achieving equitable geographical distribution and rejuvenation of the workforce. Hopefully, the Secretariat will take concrete actions in accordance with the resolution 77 on HR management, intensify efforts to attract and retain young talents and effectively advance the equitable geographical distribution and workforce rejuvenation targets. Third, the root cause of the liquidity crisis is the substantial arrears of the largest contributor. Addressing the crisis requires tackling both symptoms and root causes. Suspending or stopping the return of credit to Member States does not resolve the underlying issue. The Secretariat should address both symptoms and root causes and seize the opportunities by the UN Aid initiative To foster a culture of frugality and efficiency by improving budgeting methods, conducting expenditure reviews, strengthening internal controls and performance oversight, ensuring Member States financial contributions are valued and utilized effectively. Mr. Chair, the Chinese delegation stands ready to engage constructively with all parties in discussions and consultations. Support the Chair in carrying out the discussion and ensure the successful completion of the deliberation on all agenda Items. Thank you, Mr. 5th Committee · Chair [31:06]: Chair. I thank the distinguished Delegate of China. And I give the floor to the United States. United States of America [31:18]: Colleagues. The United States approaches this first resume session with straightforward expectations. We must deliver decisions that restore discipline, strengthen accountability and protect the resources that Member States entrust to the United Nations. We must continue to use UN80 as a lens across this session's agenda to advance a Secretariat that is leaner, more focused and impactful on accountability. We expect to measure results against clear standards and and timely follow through on oversight findings including audit, evaluation and internal controls. Misconduct and disciplinary matters must be handled with prompt investigation, due process and consequences. We want a cost recovery methodology that is consistent, transparent and fair. We support technical updates to the financial regulations as well as consideration of the current credit return methodology. We support the adoption of long delayed revisions to program planning and evaluation so that results and performance drive choices. Modernization cannot become a permanent justification for higher spending. The United States will insist on stronger management and tighter internal controls in supply chain and procurement with measurable improvements that reduce risk and eliminate repeat audit findings. For ICT strategy and Umoja, we will focus on governance, reducing duplication across the system, cost discipline, timelines and demonstrated benefits. On human resources, we will continue to advocate for merit based hiring integrity and performance with recruitment processes and retention policies that work. To that end, we will examine the contractual modalities for staff, noting the benefits of fixed term appointments over open ended continuing contracts. We will support reforms that simplify procedures, improve timelines and help managers quickly and transparently select and onboard qualified candidates. The United States underscores the importance of equitable geographic distribution as reflected in the system of desirable ranges along with reporting that tracks staff composition by nationality. Those data should drive stronger outreach so that underrepresented and unrepresented Member States are competing and successful. Successful without compromising merit. The United States looks forward to working with all delegations to achieve durable, measurable and consequential reforms. Thank you. Thank you. 5th Committee · Chair [34:19]: I give the floor to the distinguished Delegate of Japan. Japan [34:23]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. At the outset, I would like to begin by thanking the Chair of the Fifth Committee, the Bureau members and the Secretariat staff and the members of SAVQ for their valuable contributions and tireless work for the Committee. I would also like to congratulate Uruguay for assuming the chairmanship of G77 and China. Mr. Chair, as I stated in the last session, Japan strongly support the continuity of UN 80 reforms, especially strengthened disciplined and informed decision making of budget. We therefore will continue to engage in all the sessions or all discussions of this session to achieve outcome which allow the United nations to function in financially sustainable way in the long term. Mr. Chair, in this session, the agenda items before us include important issues such as financial rule and regulation, air travel, and above all, human resource management. My delegation will carefully consider these agenda items to ensure that the organization can deliver on its mandates by making the UN stronger, more integrated, effective, efficient, accountable and sustainable. Three years ago, we adopted the comprehensive resolution on human Resource management after over six years of negotiations and successfully provided solid guidance to the United Nations. Regrettably, since then, we could not reach a consensus to adopt a comprehensive resolution that could improve human resource management, which is a key element of success for any kind of organization, whether it be a company, a government or the United Nations. We look forward to examining the Secretary General's ongoing efforts regarding human resource management, including enhancing rejuvenation and promoting equitable geographical diversity, and we stand ready to engage in negotiations constructively and faithfully. I thank you. 5th Committee · Chair [36:54]: I thank the distinguished delegate of Japan and I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Fiji. Fiji [37:04]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Fiji thanks you and the members of your Bureau and the Secretariat for your dedication. As we resume this first part of the 80th session, we align ourselves with a statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of G77 and China, and offer the following remarks in our national capacity. Mr. Chair, this is a pivotal juncture for our institution as a small, island developing state. Fiji affirms its unwavering support to the United nations and for multilateralism. We call for unity, dialogue and renewed cooperation in the spirit of the UN Chartha and the Pact of the future. The agenda before us demands tireless effort. The urgency now is to safeguard our institution and to ensure that we meet our core mandates within the resources available. Solidarity, flexibility and consensus, where possible, remain essential to expediting the work of this Committee. Fiji agrees that the full and timely payment of assessed contributions is critical, and we're also taking steps to further fulfill this commitment before the end of this month. We would like to also underscore the importance of safeguarding peacekeeping operations. Through this Committee, we recognize the liquidity constraints affecting the UN's peace and security pillar. Any budget reduction must be reviewed holistically to ensure they do not compromise the safety, effectiveness or credibility of peacekeeping missions, including the vulnerable population. The needs of countries in special situation, including seats must be affected, fully recognized and therefore call a strong support of development pillar of the UN including the full implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda gender proceeds. Mr. Chair, with respect to the unity review process this year will be decisive. As the UN advances critical reform measures, it is essential that these reforms do not disrupt regional delivery of ongoing initiatives for the Pacific. We need to ensure that that the UN development system remains responsive to Pacific island countries and the UN therefore must retain an adequate and effective presence in the Pacific through any reform efforts. Speaker 23 [39:08]: We therefore emphasize the need for full and accelerated implementation of one UN model beyond CO location to ensure efficient operations and empowered resident coordinators. Without progress, we risk losing critical UN functions in vulnerable regions such as in the Pacific. UN support must be determined by need, not by size or geography. As the UN proceeds with work stream three of the UN 80 review entitled structural Changes to Program and Realignment, we stress the importance of transparency and inclusiveness. Member States must be fully informed of the process and criteria including this work stream. Fiji [39:46]: Given its potential impact on UN delivery in our region, Fiji looks forward to remaining fully engaged throughout this resume session. 5th Committee · Chair [39:55]: I thank you, I thank the distinguished delegate of Fiji and I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Russian Federation. Russian Federation [40:07]: Distinguished Mr. Chairman, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chair of the Fifth Committee for organizing our work during this main part of the 80th session of the UN General assembly fifth committee. We trust that under his leadership, with her leadership rather, our work will continue to be productive and the Committee will manage to complete all of the agenda items work. We would like to thank the ACABQ for their customary high quality reports and we express particular gratitude to staff of the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee for their support. We are pleased to greet representatives of Member States. We note with regret that the UN is continuing to experience difficulties caused by cash shortages. In this regard, we'd like to underscore that any measures to respond to this situation should be balanced and transparent in nature and most importantly should be discussed upstream with Member States. Austerity measures should not have an impact on the ability of intergovernmental bodies to carry out their roles fully or serve to restrict their work. We also should continue work on UN reform. We believe it's important to ensure a leading role for Member States in determining the parameters of potential changes. Any initiatives that might have an impact on the budget processes or the distribution of Resources should be considered solely in the relevant intergovernmental formats, primarily the ACABQ and the Fifth Committee. In conclusion, we would like to assure you that of the willingness of the Russian delegation to participate constructively in negotiations on all agenda items and to assist achieving balanced decisions. The negotiation process should be transparent and should include all interested parties. The Fifth Committee's working methods should be complied with unswervingly. Thank you. 5th Committee · Chair [42:31]: I thank the distinguished delegate of the Russian Federation. The Chair gives floor to Israel. Israel [42:40]: Thank you. First, regardless to this agenda item, I wish to stress that assuming a role in the Bureau of the United nations entitled a duty of responsibility, impartiality and equal respect toward all Member States. It is therefore regrettable that at the very outset of this formal meeting, the Vice Chair chose to single out Israel. If all delegations in this room are addressed as distinguished, I trust that the same courtesy and respect will be extended to my delegation and to my country. While saying that I do want to wish and to express our appreciation for to the Bureau to the Secretariat for their extensive documentation prepared for our consideration and wish to congratulate Uruguay for their chairmanship of the G77 in China. The United Nation is as its core, an organization built by the people, for the people, drawing from every perspective, every experience, every region of the world. My delegation supports a forward looking approach for the years ahead, recognizing that a diverse, agile, resilient and accountable workforce is not merely an inspiration, but a necessary condition for Monday delivery. We must ensure that workforce planning, performance, management and mobility framework advance both efficiency and fairness. The credibility of the United nations depends on who the staff is and whether they are being treated with dignity and respect. Efforts to address discrimination in all forms must remain a priority. A workforce, a workplace that is inclusive, equitable, is stronger, more effective and more representative of the global community it serves. The United nations must remain accessible, transparent, accountable for Member States that are too often underrepresented. So it is truly reflective of the full diversity of voices it was created to serve. When misconduct or failure occurs, it is essential that United nations respond with transparency and accountability. We must focus on what strengthen institutional credibility, strong leadership, a professional and diverse workforce, a culture of accountability, zero tolerance for misconduct and smart, innovative use of technology like navigating in a blizzard. Progress requires not speed alone, but direction, discipline and a commitment to principles that endure long after the storm had passed. Israel looks forward to engaging constructively in these discussions ahead. Thank you. 5th Committee · Chair [45:49]: The Chair thanks Israel. I give the floor to distinguished delegate of Rwanda. Rwanda [45:55]: Mr. Chair, at the outset, my delegation congratulates The Chair and the Bureau on the successful completion of the Fifth Committee during the main part of the session, we are confident that under your leadership, the Committee will once again be guided towards balanced, pragmatic and consensus based outcomes. During this resumed session, my delegation would like also to extend appreciation to the Secretariat and the Advisory Committee on Administrative Questions for their respective reports and continued support to our deliberation. Rwanda also aligns itself with a statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 in China and wish to offer the following remarks in our national capacity. Mr. Chair, the fifth committee meets at the moment of raising expectations and constrained resources. The demands pressed on the United nations continue to expand while the financial and operational involvement in which the organization operates become increasingly complex. In this context, Rwanda supports efforts aimed at enhancing system wide coherence and reducing fragmentation. The Committee will also consider a number of reports on critical administrative and budgetary matters, including the human resource management that is central to the effectiveness and credibility of the organization. Rwanda underscores the importance of ensuring a Secretariat that is representative, inclusive and fit for purpose. Equitable geographical representation at all levels, transparent recruitment processes and performance management framework that rewards merely and accountability are not aspirations. They are essential for a strong and international civil service. In addition, we also stress the importance of adequately financing internship programs, advancing gender parity, enhancing youth representation and ensuring disability inclusion, particularly for candidates from developing countries. Beyond Human Resource one underscores the importance of strengthening efficiency, oversight and institutional accountability across the administrative, logistical and technological functions of the organization. Effective resource management, including supply chain operations, travel standards and information communication strategy. Information communication technology strategies are essential to achieve cost effectiveness and sustaining Operational Excellency. Mr. Chair, the questions in front of us and our deliberations in this Committee are not only technical, but they are also fundamental to the organization's ability to to deliver on its mandates and maintain credibility while upholding the principles of mutualism. In this regard, Rwanda recalls expectations pressed on this organization to be matched by our shared responsibility to provide it with the predictable, adequate and sustainable support necessary to fulfill its mandates effectively. In closing, Mr. Chair, Rwanda reaffirm its commitment to engage constructively and working towards driven outcomes that strengthen the United nations capacity to deliver. We stand ready to contribute actively to the deliberation ahead and look forward to a productive and successful session. Thank you very much. 5th Committee · Chair [48:48]: I thank the distinguished delegate of Rwanda. And I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Maldives. Maldives [48:55]: Thank you, Chair. The Maldives aligns with the statement delivered by Uruguay on the Group on behalf of the group of 77 in China, the Maldives thanks The Bureau for the proposed Program of Work for the first part of the resume session, we attach great importance to a program of work that is predictable and workable for all. For smaller delegations, participation is shaped not just by ambition but by practical realities. This includes the timely issuance of documentation and reasonable timelines to consult and prepare. In this regard, we welcome the Bureau's efforts to strengthen the Committee's working methods. We encourage continued discipline as the schedule is further developed so that consultations remain manageable, inclusive and focused on results. We also view better working methods in the context of the UN80 initiative, particularly Work Stream 1. The purpose of efficiency should be to improve delivery and not to weaken it. Measures pursued under Work Stream one should therefore be judged by whether they preserve the Organization's ability to implement mandates and provide services to Member States, especially the smallest. The questions we should be asking are what problem is being addressed, what will change in practice, what savings or improvements are expected, and what safeguards will remain in place to prevent disruptions. We also stress that reform should not result in the administrative burdens being transferred from the Secretariat to delegations and impact felt more sharply by small missions. Chair the Maldives stands ready to work with you and all delegations in a cooperative spirit to conclude our work in a timely and orderly manner and I thank you. 5th Committee · Chair [50:33]: I thank the distinguished delegate of Maldives. In the absence of further statements, may I take it that the Committee approves the proposed program of work and understanding that it will be reviewed and adjusted by the Bureau as necessary during the course of the session? I hear no objection. It is so decided. Continuing on the matter of the organization of the work of the Committee, I wish to draw the attention of the Committee to the note by the Secretariat and the organization of the work of the Fifth Committee contained in the document. A Stroke C5 Stroke 80 Stroke 80 INF1 for additional information on access to Fifth Committee, place on Edelegate Portal, including requests for inscription in the list of speakers through the EA Speakers Module and submission of written questions for all items being taken up at the first part of the resumed ATS session through the E Summit module. I would also like to draw the Committee's attention to a new feature on the 5th Screen Committee public website, the 5th Committee Info Hub. On the Info Hub, members will find a range of useful information, including dashboards of present and past Bureau members and Coordinators, a live status of documentation that updates as documents become available in the Official document system, as well as additional information on the working methods of the Committee and more. The Secretariat has advised that Further content will be rolled out over the coming months, including dashboards with statistics on supplementary information provided to the Committee, outcomes by session and subsession and other resources, and the official membership of the Fifth Committee, which was published during the main part of the 80s session as document A C5ata INF2. I would like to request delegations to submit no later than the close of business 6pm on Friday 6th March, any changes through the E list of participants, module and edelegate to be reflected in the updated list of the membership to be issued as a C5 at INF2 Rev1 we have now come to the end of our organization work and we'll begin our first substantive item for the morning. I would like to pause for a few moments to enable changes, but I see Ms. Maria Casta and my colleagues from Secretariat so I think we can Resume Agenda Item 134Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations Cost Recovery. I invite the Committee to resume its Constitution consideration of Agenda item, in particular the question of cost recovery. In this connection, I invite the Deputy Controller and Director, Finance Division, Office of Program Planning, Finance and Budget, Ms. Maria Costa, to introduce the Report of the Secretary General on Cost Recovery in the United Nations Secretariat contained in document A80 369. Ms. Costa, you have the floor. UN Secretariat · Deputy Controller · Maria Costa [53:49]: Thank you very much. Distinguished Chair, distinguished Delegates, Regarding Agenda Item 134, I'm pleased to introduce the Report of the Secretary General on Cost Recovery in the United Nations Secretariat as contained in document A80 369. The report before you is prepared pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 79245. The present report provides details of the evolution of cost cost recovery as well as the challenges of service providers. It also provides the status of the fund balances of service providers and updates on oversight and legislative recommendations. As you are aware, the Cost Recovery Framework is a fundamental financial management mechanism vital to supporting the Organisation's diverse activities and services. Its primary purpose is straightforward to ensure that the Organisation full fully recovers the cost of services provided outside the scope of assessed budgets, in line with the principle of avoiding cost subsidies. While cost recovery has been in place in the Secretariat for many years, its volume and scope has increased and evolved over time as the United nations system adapts to the unprecedented funding challenges of recent years. The growth in shared services initiatives is bound to increase the demand demand for and the complexities of cost sharing and cost recovery mechanisms. Cost recovery remains a fundamental financial management mechanism critical to the Organisation's diverse operations. I wish to reiterate that the inherent complexity of cost recovery necessitates centralized continuous oversight and a sustained level of dedicated resourcing. I wish to also remind the Committee that the proactive initiative of the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget after the rollout of Imoja have brought much transparency to cost recovery operations and the heightened interest of the Board of Auditors, the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions and this Committee. We have made significant progress and continue to strengthen the regime systematically. However, the current capacity of the Office must be maintained in given the growing demand in a rapidly changing financial and operational environment, including the pressure our cost recovery clients face from liquidity constraints in assessed budgets. We see this as a growing risk for the proper oversight of our office over the complex cost recovery operations globally. The General assembly may wish to take note of the present report. Thank you, Distinguished Chair, for your attention. Speaker 35 [56:26]: I thank Madam Kassa for her instruction. I now invite the Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and budgetary questions, Mr. Carlo Jacobici, to introduce the related report of the Committee contained in document A at 475. Mr. Jacobici, you have the floor. ACABQ · Vice-Chair · Carlo Jacobici [56:46]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Distinguished delegates, I am pleased to present the Advisory Committee's report on cost recovery in the United Nations Secretariat. The Committee notes the progress achieved in strengthening the cost recovery framework. We welcome the establishment of a standardized methodology, harmonized taxonomies for rate cards, centralized approval processes and a global service catalog. Continued efforts are encouraged to ensure consistent implementation across entities based on comparable services, realistic cost rates and enhanced performance monitoring. The Committee also observes that ongoing consolidation of services and shared arrangements may alter the cost recovery landscape. We look forward to more information on the impact of the UN 80 initiative and system wide harmonization efforts in future reports. The Advisory Committee underscores the need for a stronger cost tracing framework linking rate cards and annual cost plans to actual expenditures. Clear connections between service volumes, staffing inputs and costs supported by improved workload indicators are essential for accurate monitoring. The Committee considers that lessons from from cost recovery practices, particularly the alignment of activities, resources and outputs, could inform broader efforts to strengthen results based management and accountability on facility and property services. The Committee stresses the need for clarity in rent rate determination, maintenance, cost allocation and a methodology for calculating specific expendable rental income. The Committee expects comprehensive details in the next budget submission, including how major maintenance and capital investments affect rent rates. Mr. Chair, the advisory Committee reiterates that accumulation of surplus from cost recovery services merits timely analysis of its causes and of appropriateness of fee rates and determination of historic surplus amounts, returnable to Member States. The Committee trusts that the review of the remaining balances will be concluded expeditiously and that updated information will be provided to the General assembly at the time of consideration of the present report. Transparency remains critical. The Committee is of the view that the Administration should provide complete and consistent information on cost structure, recovery amounts related to assessed and non assessed contributions, and differentiate voluntary contributions, cost recovery and program support costs in future budget submissions. In conclusion, the Advisory Committee recommends that the SMB request the Secretary General to continue presenting comprehensive cost recovery information in future performance reports and to provide an update at the 83rd session. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 5th Committee · Chair [1:00:02]: I thank Mr. Jakubci for his introduction. The floor is now open for any delegation who wishes to make a statement. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of the group of 77 and China. Uruguay · G77 + China [1:00:19]: Thank you, Chair. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 in China under Agenda Item 1. 134 Review of the Efficiency of the Administrative and Financial Functioning of the UN on Cost Recovery the Group thanks the Deputy Controller Director of the finance division, Ms. Maria Costa for the introduction of the Secretary General's report, as well as the Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and budgetary questions, Mr. Carlos Giacobucci, for presenting the related report. The Group welcomes the efforts undertaken by the Secretary General to enhance transition transparency and strengthen the overall governance of cost recovery arrangements across the Secretariat. We appreciate the progress made in improving reporting practices, consolidating information and advancing system wide tools that contribute to better oversight and financial management. In this regard, we note the observations of the Advisory Committee on the continued development of regulatory frameworks, including the issuance of the Cost Recovery Policy and guidelines in 2021, updated in April 2025, aimed at reinforcing accountability and coherence across entities. At the same time, the Group shares the view of the Advisory Committee that further work is required to enhance comparability over time monitoring and methodological clarity. We underline in particular the importance of strengthening the cost tracing framework and ensuring a clearer link between resources, workload indicators and service delivery expenditure consistent with the principles of full cost recovery and transparency. We also note the Advisory Committee's emphasis on the need for more detailed and consistent reporting on cumulative fund balances, including greater transparency regarding the use of cost recovery balances for capital planning and long term debt investments, the classification of spendable and non spendable revenue and the application of standardized rate cards which remain essential to prevent cross subsidiation and ensure equitable treatment across funding sources. The Group further notes the observations of the Advisory Committee related to the review of the remaining balances of accumulated surpluses, the absence of policy options for the allocation or utilization of of generated interest revenue as requested by the General assembly and the need for more comprehensive and harmonized reporting on cost recovery activities, including clearer identification between assessed and non assessed funding streams. In this regard, we request ESG to accelerate the review and clean up cumulative funds balances and to return the eligible remaining surplus to Member States States in a timely manner. We further believe the General assembly should remain seized of this agenda item in its future sessions and we encourage the Secretariat to provide clearer, forward looking analysis and policy oriented options to support informed decision making by Member States. Last but not least, the Group notes that the General assembly noted the findings of the Board of Auditors regarding Congress recovery resources in its resolution 80231 and encourages the Secretary General to implement these recommendations in a timely manner. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, the Group of 77 in China reiterates the importance of maintaining transparent, predictable and equitable cost recovery practices that fully reflect the guidance of the General Assembly. The Group remains ready to engage constructively with all partners during this resume session to further strengthen governance, accountability and oversight in this important matter. I thank you. 5th Committee · Chair [1:04:02]: I thank the Distinguished Delegate of Uruguay on behalf of group of 77 and China. If there are no further comments. The Committee has thus concluded its general discussion on this question. Informal consultations on the repose just introduced will be coordinated by Mrs. Yuliana Zigova Angelova of Bulgaria on behalf of the Bureau, I thank Madame Angelova for coordinating this agenda item. I invite the Committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 136 entitled Program Budget for 2026 in particular, the question of the Omoja Enterprise Resource Planning System. In this connection, I invite the Deputy Controller and Director, Finance Division, Office of Program Planning, Finance and Budget, Ms. Maria Costa to introduce the report of the Secretary General on the progress on the functioning and development of the Umoja system contained in document A80417. Ms. Costa, you have the floor. UN Secretariat · Deputy Controller · Maria Costa [1:05:04]: Thank you. Chair Distinguished Chair Distinguished delegates, I'm pleased to be here to introduce the annual progress report on the functioning and development of the Emoja Enterprise Resource Planning System Report A80417. I would like to highlight key progress made since we last reported to you. Building on The Emoja Enhancement Package 8 Upgrade the upgrade of the Emoja UX 2.0 Emoja Mobile Platform delivered a refreshed modern interface and expanded functionality paired with fast intuitive employee and manager self service applications accessible anytime, anywhere and on any device. Standard maintenance from the vendor for the current EMOJA version ends in 2027 with extended support ending in 2030. The upgrade to the next gen ERP is underway and will be supported by the vendor at least until 2040. This will be one of the Secretariat's most significant system upgrades with scale and complexity comparable to the original IMOJA implementation. The Cost Recovery Dashboard was deployed in July 2025, strengthening transparency and accountability and cost management. The Liquidity Management Dashboard was deployed in April 2025 to support the organization in managing liquidity and it's being enhanced on an ongoing basis. The transition from IMOJA BI to EMOJA analytics was completed in 2024, providing the Secretariat with a modern platform for faster processing, enhanced visualization and AI driven insights. This milestone reflects four years of change management and training to strengthen data driven decision making under the NextGen analytics initiative. Proofs of concepts are underway to enable natural language interaction with Umoja Analytics. Work is progressing to embed these capabilities along with enhanced functionality into the Member States portal, including the Secretariat Workforce and Uniform Capabilities support portals. In addition, work is underway to migrate the Contributions portal to the EMOJA Analytics Technology Port platform. Immoja was also enhanced to support the large scale liquidation of mnusma, enabling timely execution of complex processes such as staff separations, inventory and property management and related financial activities. These capabilities will continue to support rapid implementation of contingency measures. Thanks to the investments made by Member States in emoja, the Secretariat was able to consolidate payroll and Executive offices as part of the UN 80 initiative, resulting in significant organizational efficiencies. Distinguished Chair and Distinguished Delegates with the implementation of MOJA AI and Robotic Process automation, the Organization will automate a broad range of transactional activities to reduce manual effort, improve accuracy and consistency and enable staff to focus on high value work. These improvements will strengthen service delivery, optimize resource utilisation and support agile data driven decision making across the Secretariat. The Secretariat is also co leading unity efforts to offer enterprise resource planning as a service supporting system, wide harmonisation of ERP solutions and lowering the barriers to access for smaller agencies. Given its scale, breadth and depth of functionalities, umoja, one of the largest enterprise resource planning implementers within the United nations systems, is uniquely positioned to extend this capability to other United Nation entities. Thank you for your support of the EMOJA system throughout the years which has made these innovations and improvements possible and we look forward to your continued support. We are ready to respond to any questions and comments during the course of the Committee's informal discussions. Thank you, Distinguished Chair. Speaker 41 [1:09:12]: I thank Madam Deputy Comptroller for her introduction. I now invite the Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and budgetary questions, Mr. Carlo Jacobsi, to introduce the related report of the Committee contained in the document a stroke 18, stroke 7, addendum 26. Mr. Jakubci, you have the floor. Please. ACABQ · Vice-Chair · Carlo Jacobici [1:09:34]: Thank you, Mr. Chair, distinguished chair, Distinguished delegates, I am pleased to introduce the Advisory Committee's report on the Enterprise Resource Planning System homoja. The Committee notes that the format of the Secretary General's annual progress report has undergone notable adjustments and that the report omits in information either previously provided or approved for inclusion by the assembly, namely on the strategy and long term strategic plan for Umoja production, support the Umoja governance model, benefits realizations, lessons learned, system wide ERP interoperability and the related discounts, as well as an annex on the recommendations of oversight bodies. The Committee expresses its concern that these elements have not been reflected and trusts that the progress report will be revised accordingly going forward. The Committee was informed that the ongoing upgrade to next gen ERP was one of the Secretariat's most significant system upgrades to date, with a scale and complexity comparable to the original HOMMOJA implementation. The Committee notes the system wide implications of the next gen ERP upgrade and the need for it to be interoperable from the outset so as to proactively encourage the wider adoption of umoja. The Committee trusts a detailed status update will be provided to the General assembly on this important next step in the development of Umoja. With regard to continuous improvements, the Advisory Committee notes the further integration of the budget for formulation and the performance management models and reiterates its recommendation endorsed by the General assembly in its Resolution 79, 258, that the Secretary General devote the necessary resources and capacities to developing business requirements for the development of an ICT budget class, for the tracking of ICT related expenditure and the tracking of budget implementation by activity and mandate. The Advisory Committee makes further observations and recommendations regarding training of users at offices away from headquarters and the regional commissions, as well as on outreach and system wide ERP interoperability. Turning now to the total cost of ownership of Umoja, the Committee notes that the current projection of the cost to 2030 is at 1500, a decrease of 1.7 million compared with the previous progress report. In view of the recent reduction in users of the HOMOJA system and the closure of entities, the Committee recommends that the Secretary General include in his next report a scalability framework which will take into account such fluctuations and any corresponding headcount, related action items and business support costs of the Umoja system. The Committee also recalls its view that the financing model for Umoja should be kept under continuous review based on the financial situation of the organization and should also reflect the impact of the closure of entities and any scalable costs. The Committee trusts that an updated proposal of the Secretary General will be provided in in his next progress report. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 5th Committee · Chair [1:13:01]: I thank Mr. Jakub Chief for his introduction. The floor is now open for any delegation who wishes to make a statement. I give the floor to the Distinguished Delegate of Uruguay on behalf of group of 77 and China. Uruguay · G77 + China [1:13:15]: Thank you, Chair. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the group of 77 in China under agenda item 13036 on progress on the functioning and development of the Umoja system. The Group wishes to thank the Deputy Controller Director of the finance division, Ms. Maria Costa for the introduction of the Secretary General's report, as well as the Vice Chair of the ACAVQ, Mr. Carlo Jacobucci, for presenting the related report. The Group reiterates its long standing recognition of Umoja as a key element of administrative reform and modern organization within the Organization, contributing to the streamlining of processes, enhanced transparency and data driven management across functional areas including human resources, finance, supply chain and strategic planning. The Group takes note of the progress reported under the three pillars of Umoja including system upgrades, the advancement of Umoja analytics and continuous improvement initiatives. We recognize the modernization achieved through the SAP enhancement upgrade, strengthen disaster recovery architecture and improvements in analytics platforms and enterprise dashboards. At the same time, consistent with the guidance of the General assembly and the positions previously expressed by the Group, we share the concern highlighted by the Advisory Committee regarding the absence of a comprehensive strategic outlook for UMO Umoja. In the current progress report, the Group reiterates that a clear long term vision, including investments, governance arrangements and expected benefits remains essential to ensure that Umoja continues to support administrative reform in a coherent and sustainable manner. With respect to the next gen ERP upgrade, the Group notes that this initiative represents a major phase in the evolution of Umoja in line with the recommendations of the acabq. We look forward to receiving more detailed information on governance structures, costing models, timelines and system wide interoperability considerations. The Group stresses that technological modernization must remain aligned with the priorities of Member States and contribute directly to improved efficiency and accountability in mandate delivery. The Group also underlines the importance of safeguarding the integrity, security and institutional ownership of Umoja as the Organization expands its reliance on enterprise digital platforms and analytics tools. Cybersecurity, protection of organizational data and the preservation of intellectual property rights remain essential considerations on UMOJA analytics and member state portals. The Group welcomes continued progress in improving transparency and access to information. At the same time, we emphasize the need for adequate training and outreach to ensure equitable access and effective utilization of these tools across the Secretariat and by stakeholders. The Group notes with concern the observations of the ACABQ regarding the omission of previously requested information in the progress report, including updates on interoperability across enterprise resource planning systems, governance arrangements, recommendations of oversight bodies and lessons learned. We expect future reports to fully reflect the guidance provided by the General assembly and oversight bodies regarding the financing model and total cost of ownership. The Group reiterates its long standing emphasis on cost discipline, transparency and measurable benefits realization, while noting that the projected total cost, cost of own of ownership remains broadly stable. We underline the importance of ensuring that umotia's resource requirements remain scalable and responsive to evolving organizational realities, including structural changes associated with the UNAID initiative. Mr. Chair, the Group and the Group of 77 in China reiterates that UMOJA must continue to evolve as a strategic tool that strengthens administrative reform, enhances transparency and supports effective mandate implementation. The Group remains ready to engage constructively in the forthcoming discussions with a view to ensuring that UMOSHA delivers tangible value to the Organization while remaining fully aligned with the guidance of the appropriate oversight bodies and the decisions of Member States. I thank you. 5th Committee · Chair [1:17:37]: I thank the distinguished Delegate of Uruguay on behalf of Guru of 77 and China. If there are no further comments. The Committee has thus concluded its general discussion and discussion. Informal consultations and the reports just introduced will be coordinated by Mr. Yusp Giorgioloni of Georgia. The Bureau thanked Mr. Giorgioliani for coordinating this agenda item. I would like to pause for a few moments to enable changes to the sitting at the podium so that we may be begin the next item on our agenda. I invite the Committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 135 entitled Program Budget for 2025, in particular the question of Information and Communications Technology strategy. In this connection, I invite the Assistant Secretary General, Office of Information and Communications Technology and Chief Information Technology Officer Mr. Bernardo Mariano Jr. To introduce the report of the Secretary General on the status of implementation of the Information and Communications Strategy Technology Strategy for the United nations contained in document a stroke at 500. Mr. Mariano Jr. You have the floor please. OICT · ASG OICT · Bernardo Mariano Jr. [1:19:29]: Thank you, Chair. Good morning, distinguished delegates, and it's my pleasure to introduce this report A80558 which is the status of implementation of the Information and Communication Technology Strategy covering the period of January 2025 to June 2025. It is the first annual report, if you recall distinguished delegates. The Strategy was approved in the resume session of 2025. So we had very short period to start preparing the report. And the report covers the half a period. And you'll see in the report that will also request your approval to have that report. The next report in 2027 instead of in the GA 81st session to the to have it in GA 82nd session. But I wanted to first start by thanking the Committee for all the support you've been giving. It's been four and a half years that I am in this role. There's a great progress. I would say most of the progress and the big wins and the progress is thanks to the recommendations from the Committee that has allowed us to move forward with some of the critical areas. I will list some of those critical areas from governance. For instance, since 2021 when I joined, we had only two entities with ICT government governance at the entity level. Now we have 24 of them. Meaning that 24 entities are able to discuss, prioritize the IT investments and not just follow whoever screams louder, whoever has money closer to implement the initiatives at entity level. We did strengthen that governance and we still continue to do that. On fragmentation, We also see great improvements there. Data center consolidation and your support to establishment of Digital Hub is also very key value creation. We have single vendors that charge different prices to the user UN so two of them came forward to create a uniform pricing. But we didn't stop there. We now were going to nine of them at UN level to strengthen, to make sure that the price is there. So all to say that the two requests that I would have for the Committee is really to support the the reporting for next year, but also strengthen the consolidation that already started as well as Digital Hubs. Thank you. 5th Committee · Chair [1:23:00]: I thank Mr. Mariano Dunio for his introduction. I now invite the Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee on Advisory on Administrative and budgetary questions, Mr. Carlo Jacobci, to introduce the related reports of the Committee contained in document A80, 626. Please. Thank you. Mr. ACABQ · Vice-Chair · Carlo Jacobici [1:23:21]: Chair, distinguished chair, distinguished delegates, I am pleased to present the Advisory Committee's report on the status of the implementation of the Information and Communications Technology ICT Strategy. The Advisory Committee acknowledges the breadth of activities undertaken by the Secretariat in advancing the implementation of the ICT Strategy across its five strategic technology areas. The Committee also notes the activities reported in the multi year implementation plan and roadmap contained in Annex 1 to the report of the Secretary General. While the Plan provides an overview of ongoing and planned ICT projects and initiatives, the Committee is of the view that the information does not demonstrate progress against the previously endorsed results, frameworks and performance indicators. The Committee therefore emphasizes the need for future progress reports to provide continuity with previously endorsed frameworks and agreed indicators, as well as the requests of the General assembly in resolutions 78, 243 and 79. 258B. The Secretary General highlights in his report that the ICT Strategy is a critical enabler of the mandates of the organization. In this regard, the Advisory Committee notes that the Strategy has substantial linkages to the objectives of the UN 80 initiative and trusts that future progress reports on the ICT Strategy will include a dedicated sector section outlining how ICT contributes to the objectives of the organization under the UN 80 initiative. Distinguished Chair Distinguished Delegates I turn now to the Committee's observations on the specific developments across the strategic technology areas. First, in relation to enterprise infrastructure and systems, the Advisory Committee notes initiatives related to data center consolidation and and the development of digital hubs. The Committee reiterates its earlier recommendations regarding the importance of a holistic approach to such consolidation. Second, in the area of data and information, the Committee notes the ongoing efforts in vulnerability management and trusts that, given the evolving risk landscape, measures to mitigate ICT security risks will continue to be strengthened. Third, with regards to technology innovation, the Committee notes that AI represents a growing strategic investment for the organization and emphasizes the importance of a coherent governance framework for AI, including the policy on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence. The Committee trusts that updated information in this regard will be provided. Fourth, in respect of technology and data ecosystems, the Committee notes the initiative to strengthen system wide coordination in the area of ICT procurement and recalls its comments on the one IT and other system wide ICT initiatives. The Committee therefore trusts that the Secretary General, as Chair of the ceb, will further pursue reduced fragmentation and enhance interoperability on ICT Initiative system. The Advisory Committee makes additional observations and recommendations on issues related to the implementation of the ICT Strategy, including on ICT governance and the ICT Accountability Framework, consolidated ICT expenditure, reporting and budgetary oversight, cost recovery for ICT services and the management of ICT assets, as well as implementation of the related recommendations of of the Board of Auditors. Finally, with respect to reporting arrangements, the Secretary General proposes to submit his second progress report on the implementation of the ICT strategy at the main part of the 82nd session. In view of the reporting adjustments required, the Advisory Committee recommends that the report be submitted instead at the first resumed part of the 81st session. Thank you, Mr. Speaker 49 [1:27:33]: Chair. 5th Committee · Chair [1:27:36]: I thank Mr. Jacobi for his introduction. The floor is now open for any delegation who wishes to make a statement. I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Uruguay on behalf of group of 77 and China. Thank you, Chair. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the group of 77 in China under agenda item 135 on the status of Imperial implementation of the Information and Communications Technology Strategy for the United Nations. Uruguay · G77 + China [1:28:05]: The Group wishes to thank the Assistant Secretary General, Chief Information Technology Officer, Mr. Bernardo Mariano Jr. For the introduction of the report of the Secretary General, as well as the Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and budgetary questions, Mr. Carlo Giacobucci, for presenting the related report. The Group reiterated its long standing view that ICT that the ICT Strategy must serve as a strategic enabler of administrative reform and mandate delivery, strengthening transparency, accountability, efficiency and cost effectiveness across the Secretariat we take note of the progress presented across the five strategic technology areas, including advances in enterprise infrastructure, data governance, innovation initiatives and system wide collaboration. At the same time, we share the concern of the Advisory Committee that the Report does not yet fully demonstrate implementation against previously endorsed results frameworks and performance indicators, which remains essential to enable year on year assessment of progress and comparability. The Group also notes that some requests of the General assembly containing resolutions 78, 243 and 7925 AB remain only partially addressed, including those related to resource estimates, estimates, outreach components and clearer articulation of implementation outcomes. While acknowledging the inclusion of a multi year implementation plan, we consider that further clarity is needed to establish a direct correlation between projects, timelines and the strategic goals and indicators of the ICT Strategy. The Group notes progress in strengthening ICT governance arrangements, including the work of the ICT Steering Committee, Committee and related technical bodies. At the same time, we underlined that the accountability framework remains a central outstanding element of the Strategy. We therefore look forward to its timely completion, including clear definitions of roles, responsibilities and reporting lines, and encourage continued efforts by the Chief Information Technology Officer to ensure coordinated implementation across the Secretariat. The Group also notes the growing importance importance of the ICT strategy as an enabler of efficiencies under the UN80 initiative. In this regard, we believe that strengthening functional reporting arrangements between the ICT Chiefs of the of United Nations Entities and the OICT could add a significant value. We further encourage the inclusion of clearer information on efficiency gains and improved Monday delivery in future reports. With respect to ICT budget management, the Group welcomes improvements in the review coverage of ICT budget proposals and REITERATES the importance of consolidated reporting on ICT expenditures to enhance transparency, promote consistency across entities and enable informed decision making by Member States. We encourage the Secretariat to continue its efforts to achieve greater coherence, strategic alignment, cost efficiency and effectiveness in the use of ICT resources, as well as to avoid the fragmentation of ICT expenditures. The Group also encourages continued efforts to broaden vendor outreach and diversification, including to suppliers from developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The Group welcomes ongoing work to strengthen enterprise data governance and recognizes the growing importance of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. In this regard, we underscored the need for coherent governance frameworks that balance innovation with responsible risk management, data protection and cybersecurity safeguards while upholding the fundamental rights and values of the UN and encourage continued investments in awareness raising, training and technical measures to mitigate risk. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, the Group of 77 in China reiterates that the ICT strategy must continue to evolve as a strategic tool that enhances transparency, accountability, efficiency and cost effectiveness while supporting effective mandate delivery. The Group remains ready to engage constructively during this resumed session with a view to ensuring that the strategy fully reflects the guidance of the General assembly and delivers tangible results for the organization. I think 5th Committee · Chair [1:32:24]: I thank the Distinguished Delegate of Uruguay for their statement on behalf of group of 77 and China. I now give the floor to the distinguished Delegate of Bahamas. Please, you have the floor. Bahamas [1:32:40]: Thank you Chair for giving me the floor. The Commonwealth of the Bahamas aligns itself with a statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group's in China and wishes to offer the following remarks in its national capacity. The Bahamas recognizes that the Information and Communications Technology Strategy represents a critical administrative enabler of mandate delivery across the United Nations. We take note of the progress reported across the five strategic technology areas and acknowledge the Secretariat's efforts to strengthen enterprise infrastructure, data governance and innovation systems. At the same time, we share the concerns reflected by the Advisory Committee regarding the need for clearer articulation of implementation outcomes, strengthen accountability frameworks and enhance comparability of performance indicators. Over time, as digital systems increasingly underpin financial management, human resource processes and program execution, the transparency to Member States becomes even more essential. The Bahamas underscores that technological modernization must revise, reinforce, not dilute intergovernmental oversight. In this regard, we stress the importance of a comprehensive reporting on ICT expenditures, efficiency gains and measurable improvements in mandate delivery. Clear alignment between strategic goals, performance indicators and resource utilization remains critical for informed decision making by Member States. We further note the growing relevance of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and emphasize the importance of responsible governance frameworks that balance innovation with cybersecurity, data protection and risk management safeguards. Digital transformation within the Secretary must reflect the same principles of responsibility, transparency and trust that guide international discussions on peaceful and secure use of ICTs. Finally, the Bahamas reiterates that equitable access to digital systems and capacity building remains important to ensure that all Member states, including small and developing states, are able to fully engage with and benefit from the organization's Organization's digital transformation. We remain committed to constructive to constructive engagement with all colleagues during this resume session. I thank you Chair I thank the Distinguished Delegate of the Bahamas for their statement. 5th Committee · Chair [1:34:55]: If there are no further comments, the Committee has thus concluded its general discussion on this question question, Informal consultations and the reports just introduced will be coordinated by Ms. Aileen Maria scolen of Ireland. On behalf of Bureau, I thank Ms. Scolion for coordinating this agenda item. I would like to pause for a few moments to enable changes to the sitting at the podium so that we may begin the next item on our agenda. Speaker 55 [1:35:26]: It's. 5th Committee · Chair [1:35:56]: I invite the Committee to begin its consideration of agenda item 143 entitled Joint Inspection Unit in accordance with the decisions with the decision of the General assembly contained in resolution 61 260, the Fifth Committee considers the annual reports and the program of work of the Joint Inspection Inspection Unit at the first part of its resume session. In this regard, it is with pleasure that I invite the Inspector and Chairperson of the joint inspection unit, Mr. Conrad Cecil Honte, to introduce the Annual report of the Joint inspection unit for 2025 and its program of work for 2026 contained in document a stroke 80 stroke 34. Mr. Hunter, you have the follow up. Please. JIU · Chair · Conrad Cecil Honte [1:36:48]: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues, I have the honor to introduce the report of the Joint inspection unit for 2025 and the program of work for 2026 as contained in document A80.34 during the 2025 period, the unit undertook undertook a demanding work plan that led to the issuance of six reports, five addressing issues of a system wide nature and one focusing on management and administration within a single organization. Each report was supported by an expanded version providing in depth findings and analysis. Strengthening internal performance remained a central objective throughout the year. For us. In 2025, considerable attention was actually paid and given to the implementing the recommendations arising from the 2022 Self Assessment Exercise with 73% of those recommendations implemented by the close of 2025. In parallel, the Unit continued to track progress under the revised 2020-2029 strategic framework following its Midpoint review which was conducted in 2024. Sustained engagement with executive heads and senior management has remained central to strengthening the Unit's visibility and impact. Throughout 2025, the unit held meetings with leadership of across participating organizations who reaffirm their commitment to cooperation and to advancing implementations of the JIU recommendations. Dialogue with members also remain active throughout the briefings and consultation with the Unit's report, helping us to raise awareness of its work. Unit also maintained collaboration with other oversight mechanisms across the system, reinforcing the joint effort to promote accountability. Among the notable advances achieved in 2025 was the development of a new recommendation tracking system. This updated platform will significantly improve the monitoring of the acceptance and implementation of JIU recommendations, thereby reinforcing transparency and supporting clearer accountability for follow up actions. Looking at the year ahead, the Unit program of work for 2026 includes six new system wide review covering 1 practices and mechanism for adapting to challenges in financing 2 the implementation of three lines model and 3 shared services services, AMRC funding in mandate implementation and finally digital transformation and then six I should say acceptance of the implementation and outcomes of JIU recommendations, which in essence is more of an internal undertaking. Review by US outreach activities will certainly intensify in 2026 as the JIU, as many of you may have heard, celebrates its 60th anniversary of the establishment and the 50th anniversary of its statute. Building on the Communications Strategy which was adopted in 2025, the unit will certainly broaden its engagement to increase the visibility and impact of its work and to strengthen interaction with the Member States, participating organization and even other stakeholders. Outreach will focus on refining our communications tool products to make the Unit's finding more accessible and relevant to a wider audience, ensuring that its recommendations effectively reach decision makers. Which in essence are you, madam? Mr. Chair. I'm sorry, distinguished delegates, I would remise not to express concern about potential impact of funding constraints on accountability and oversight functions across the system. At a time of financial austerity, the importance of strong, independent and effective oversight mechanism becomes even more pronounced. Safeguarding these functions is certainly critical not only for sound management, but for maintaining the confidence and trust of the Member States in the work of the Organization of the United Nations System. I take this opportunity to thank the Member States for supporting the Joint Inspection Unit for the attention they have given to our work. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I thank Mr. Junta for his introduction and his kind words. I now invite the Senior Program Management Officer of the United Nations System, Chief Executive board for coordination, Ms. Federica Pietracci, to introduce the Note by the Secretary General on the Report of the Joint inspection unit for 2025 contained in document A80.608. Ms. Pietracci, you have the floor. Please go ahead. CEB · Senior Programme Management Officer · Federica Pietracci [1:42:21]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Good morning, distinguished delegates. I'm pleased to introduce on behalf of the Secretary General, in his capacity as Chair of the United Nations System Chief Executive Board for Coordination, ceb, the Note of the Report of the Joint Inspection Unit for 2025 pursuant paragraph 17 of the General Assembly Resolution 65, 270, as contained in document A80, in accordance with the Statute of the Unit, the Secretary General, in his capacity as Chair of the Board and through the Board Secretariat, supports the work of the Unit mainly with respect of the preparation of reports that concern more than one organization. Throughout 2025, the secretariat of the CEB and the unit worked collaboratively to ensure the timely preparation of the Note by the Secretary General containing responses to reports addressing system wide concerns. The Secretariats also continue to engage in a dialogue to ensure a smooth report preparation process as the Unit maintains its focus on issues of a system wide nature. In the course of the reporting year, the Secretary General, in consultation with members of the CEB and in accordance with procedures as set out in Chapter Article 3 of the statute of the Unit, reviewed The qualifications of two inspectors respectively proposed for reappointment and appointment by 2026. The Secretary General remains committed to maintaining a close working relationship with the Unit and encourages all organizations to respond in a timely manner and in a spirit of cooperation to its requests. Thank you. 5th Committee · Chair [1:44:17]: I thank Ms. Pietracci for her introduction. The floor is now open for any delegation who wishes to make a statement. I see. Uruguay, on behalf of group of 77 and China. You have the floor, Sir. Uruguay · G77 + China [1:44:30]: I thank you. Chair. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the G77 in China under agenda item 146, report of the joint inspection unit for 2025 and program of work for 2026. Allow me to thank the Chair of the joint Inspection Unit, Mr. Conrad Cecil Hunt, and the Secretariat of the UN System Chief Executive Board for Coordination, Senior program management officer, Ms. Federica Pietracci, for introducing their respective reports and the note by the Secretary General. The Group wishes to reaffirm its long stand sending support to the important work of the JIU as the sole independent and external oversight body of the un, mandated to conduct inspections, evaluations and investigations system wide. The Group recognizes the efforts of the Unit in delivering on its program of work in 2025 and reiterates the importance of ensuring that the Unit's outputs remain focused, relevant and timely and that the recommendations continue to provide practical and implementable guidance that strengthens accountability, improves managerial effectiveness and enhances efficiency across the UN system. The Group also takes note of the statistics provided on the acceptance and implementation of recommendations. While recognizing that on average a significant share of recommendations are accepted by participating organizations, the Group stresses that acceptance must translate translate into concrete and measurable implementation and that follow up actions should be reflected in clear outcomes and improved performance. In addition, the Group notes the reporting of acceptance and implementation by intended impact category which can support better understanding of where recommendations are generating tangible value, including in areas such as enhanced efficiency, strength in control and compliance and dissemination of good practices. Nonetheless, the Group remains concerned at the average rate of acceptance and implementation of recommendations by some organizations and believes that the pertinence of these recommendations requires sustained improvement in institutional follow up to ensure that the Unit's findings and recommendations reach key decision makers across the United nations system, especially since the share of recommendations that have not been implemented for over 1010 years is significant and requires attention from management and from the legislative organs and governing bodies. The Group welcomes significant progress in modernizing the Unit's recommendation tracking arrangements, including through the development in collaboration with the Office of Information and Communications Technology of a new SharePoint based system now rolled out to participating organizations. These improvements respond to long standing calls for a reliable web based tracking tool and we look forward to its formal launch in early 2026. The group underlines the importance of continuing to implement the recommendations stemming from the Unit's self assessment exercise. We note the intention to complete implementation of remaining recommendations, including those that strengthen norms and standards and internal procedures, and we encourage the Unit to continue these efforts in a transparent and results oriented manner. The Group also wishes to reiterate the importance of enhancing coordination to align work plans, avoid overlaps or duplication of work and maximize synergies between the Board of Auditors, the Office of Internal Oversight Services and the Joint Inspection Unit while respecting the distinct mandates of each oversight entity regarding the program of work for 2026. The group appreciates the breadth of staff, top of topics selected, including six new system wide reviews and the continuation of carryover projects. We note that the Program addresses issues of relevance to Member States such as financing challenges, shared services, earmarked funding and digital transformation, as well as a system wide review of the three lines model which is linked to the UN80 initiative and evolving operating models that underscore the need for strengthened risk management, management and internal control. The Group notes with Concern that equitable geographical representation remains an outstanding issue within the un. We encourage the Unit to formulate recommendations aimed at addressing unrepresentation and underrepresentation, based on a comprehensive review of the issue across participating organizations of the UN system. The Group encourages the Inspector and their teams to finalize all reviews within the calendar year while upholding the quality of work and calls on all stakeholders to support the Unit's work, including through timely provision of information and sustained cooperation by participating organizations. The Group further calls on Member States to facilitate the work of the Unit and its Inspectors where necessary, by providing consular support and travel related assistance to enable them to carry out their mandates effectively and without impediment. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, the Group of 77 in China would like to assure you of its readiness to engage constructively in the upcoming discussions. I thank you. I thank Distinguished Delegate of Uruguay on behalf of group of 77 and China. 5th Committee · Chair [1:49:42]: And now I give the floor to the Distinguished Delegate of the Russian Federation. Go ahead, please. Russian Federation [1:49:51]: Distinguished Mr. Chairman, we'd like to thank the JIU for presenting the Annual Report and its ongoing work on strengthening external independent oversight within the UN system. We deem the JIU as an important instrument of Member States to increase the effectiveness, accountability and productivity of the UN system. We have carefully studied the outcome of the work in 2025 and the plan for 2026. We note that during the reporting period the JIU published six reports which broadly is in line with its long term productivity trend. We particularly note what was published as a continuation of the review of budgeting the review of the policies and practices for determining the rates of programme support costs in organisations, participating organizations of the jiu. We are very much looking forward to what has been drafted continuing on from this topic, namely the review of the policies and practices. Of the UN system organizations in adapting to challenges in financing respective analysis. We welcome the consistently high level of recommendations adopted by the JIU and also the significant amount of them subsequently implemented. We are satisfied that the self assessment process is nearing completion. We hope that it will be completed successfully soon and that this will free up the Inspectors for work on the reports. As we've seen from the Annual report, the initial 2025 plan of work included a significant number of reviews. However, only a part of them were completed. Furthermore, a number of drafts were postponed for a later time. In this context, it would seem useful to continue efforts to optimize internal processes in order to ensure appropriate resource balance within existing mandates. We welcome the decision of Member States of the International Organization for Migration to accede to the JIU statute as of 2027. Once again, this confirms how needed the JRU's recommendations are. We expect that an increase in the workload for the JIU will be offset by the relevant contributions by the IOM to its financing. In conclusion, we hope that you will commemorate the anniversary, the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the JIU by achieving due professional and product professional results. Thank you. I thank the distinguished delegate of the Russian Federation. And if there are no further comments, the committee that has asked concluded its general discussion on this question. 5th Committee · Chair [1:52:53]: Informal consultations of the report just introduced will be coordinated by Mr. Obafemi Tarawees Mackenzie of the Bahamas. On behalf of the Bureau, I thank Mr. McKenzie for coordinating this agenda item. The meeting is adjourned.