Your Excellency Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed,

First of all, I wish to thank you for convening today’s meeting to listen to the opinions and suggestions from Member States on the funding model of the RC System and the Funding Compact. China aligns itself to Cuba’s statement on behalf of G77 and China.

China always supports the efforts of the UNDS to continuously improve its effectiveness and efficiency, give full play to its expertise, to help developing countries to meet the pressing challenges in various areas, and accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.

Regarding the funding model of the RC system, China generally supports the exploration of appropriate approach to help the RC system acquire adequate, predictable, and sustainable funding through Member States-driven, transparent, and inclusive consultations. In that process, we believe special attention should be paid to the following aspects:

First, the RC system should strictly implement its development mandate. As part of the UNDS, the RC system must ensure its core mandate is about focusing on development, serving development, and promoting development. It should actively mobilize more development resources, and help developing countries implement key SDGs such as poverty eradication, food security, education, health, and infrastructure construction.

Second, the RC system should uphold the Member States-driven principle and accountability. Resident coordinators should strengthen communication and cooperation with the Governments of the host countries, make sure that their work is in line with the specific conditions and development needs of the host country, and report their work to the Government of the host country in a timely manner to seek guidance. When formulating the management and accountability framework, guidelines, and other important documents for the RC system, the Secretariat should fully consult with Member States, especially developing countries.

Third, the RC system should improve the effectiveness and transparency in fund utilization. The whole UN system, including the RC system, should work to ensure that every penny is well spent and better perform duties to minimize the financial burden on Member States. The Secretariat should provide detailed financial, budgetary, and expenditure data to Member States, which is the basis for Member States to assess the performance of the RC system and discuss its funding model. Developed countries should honor their commitments and shoulder their responsibilities by continuing to provide financial support to the UNDS.

Fourth, the RC system should ensure fair representation. At present, developing countries are still under-represented in the RC system, and regional representation is still very unbalanced. There should be concrete measures to substantially increase the number of resident coordinators from developing countries. This will help the RC system better understand the realities and aspirations of developing countries and provide more targeted support and assistance. We believe that resident coordinators from developing countries have the ability and experience to do their job well.

China will actively participate in the following consultation. We will work with all parties to facilitate the RC system in better implementing its mandate, so as to provide strong support for developing countries in implementing the SDGs.

Thank you.