Co-Chairs,

China aligns itself with the statement by Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China. We congratulate the Permanent Representatives of Jamaica and New Zealand on assuming the role of Co-Chairs of the Working Group. Thank you for outlining the working plans for all of us.

The reform we are talking about comes at a pivotal moment, when the world is facing mounting global challenges and the United Nations is grappling with a deepening liquidity crisis. This reform offers the UN an opportunity for self-renewal by enhancing its governance capacity and better adapting to the evolving circumstances. 

Here, drawing on China’s own experience in governance, as well as that from other countries, we would like to share five suggestions.

First, we must remain true to the founding mission. At a time when multilateralism and the UN are under severe strain, it is more important than ever to recall the spirit that brought nations together 80 years ago. 

China believes that the reform must revitalize the UN’s authority and vitality, safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, enable the Organization to keep pace with the times, and ensure that it will continue to play a central role in international affairs and make greater contributions to world peace and development.

Second, we must strive for real results with higher efficiency. China believes that the reform should focus on improving the quality and efficiency of the UN’s work, as well as the agility, responsiveness, and resilience of this Organization. In this process, wasteful spending, redundant formalities, and excessive bureaucracy must be avoided. 

As Member States, we are all familiar with the burden of too many meetings and too many documents, and I believe there is a broad consensus on the need for change. The Working Group may start from this aspect to deliver visible improvements at an early date.

Third, we must stay action-oriented. This Working Group was established by the GA to improve the creation, delivery, and review of mandates by identifying principles and follow-up actions. As essential as they are, principles alone are not enough. They must be matched with concrete, actionable measures. Only then, can the reform be truly implemented with tangible results. 

Therefore, we believe that when discussing relevant principles, the Working Group should also design supporting implementation measures. This will ensure that the UN takes real steps and delivers real outcomes, thereby winning the future through real achievements.

Fourth, we must strengthen research and analysis. The mandates of the Secretariat come out of nearly 4,000 resolutions and other sources. The sheer scale and complexity make it very difficult for Member States to see all the details.

We believe that the Secretariat can do more. It should build on the Secretary-General’s reports and recommendations, summarize past lessons, and put forward practical proposals for the Working Group. At the same time, the Co-Chairs should heed the views of the broad UN membership to foster cooperation, build consensus, and seek solidarity through consultation, so that the work of this Group can stand the test of history.

Fifth, we must take a balanced approach to the three pillars. The GA resolution makes it clear that the reform should ensure effective and efficient mandate delivery across all three pillars of the United Nations. 

On development, the reform must fully consider the significant needs of the developing world. We must bear in mind that two-thirds of the SDGs are lagging behind. To address this painful reality requires genuine efforts to prioritize development in terms of mechanisms and resources. 

On peace and security, as some mandates originate from the Security Council, the Working Group should strengthen communication and coordination with the Council. 

And on human rights, we must make sure that the reform will foster solidarity and cooperation among Member States, not division and confrontation.

These are the five suggestions that China wishes to share. Let me conclude by reaffirming that China will continue to work together with all Member States and the Secretariat to improve the work of the United Nations, and to steer the global governance system toward a more just and equitable direction.

Thank you.