Co-Chairs,

China aligns itself with the statement delivered by Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

At present, the three workstreams of the UN80 Initiative are becoming increasingly interconnected. From an overall perspective of UN80 Initiative, and in light of the topic today on mandate creation, China believes that it is essential to properly handle four key relationships:

First, the relationship between streamlining and delivering.

The goal of the UN80 Initiative is not to make the UN smaller, but to make it leaner, more agile, more resilient, and better able to provide high-quality, efficient, and direct support and services to Member States. While eliminating redundancy and overlap, the UN should also increase investment in key areas based on the needs of Member States, particularly developing countries, and promote balanced progress across its three pillars. 

Similarly, the purpose of mandate reform is not to reduce mandates. We should not blindly cut mandate texts, reports, or meetings simply for the sake of streamlining. What we should focus on is the results that such reform would deliver. We must conduct in-depth analysis and make targeted efforts, so as to maximize resource effectiveness and expand the UN's overall impact.

Second, the relationship between Member States and the Secretariat.

Mandate creation is both the prerogative and responsibility of Member States. Mandate reform requires Member States to shoulder their primary responsibility and exercise due diligence from the outset. At the same time, the Secretariat should strengthen its support. To do that, Secretariat staff should be well-versed in their respective areas and related fields, and provide comprehensive assistance to Member States. 

It is also important for various departments and entities within the Secretariat to break down barriers and enhance coordination, and strengthen their communication with Member States, including during the early stage of work. 

While artificial intelligence can serve as a supplementing tool, the Secretariat must ensure robust security safeguards, verification, and oversight. The development of online mandate registry should be pursued with due consideration of cost-effectiveness.

Third, the relationship between mandate creation and mandate implementation.

Mandates can only have impact when effectively carried out, and their implementation is directly affected by their creation. Like fastening the first button on a shirt, Member States must ensure that things are properly done from the very start of mandate creation. 

When creating mandates, it is imperative to focus on core issues, so that implementation efforts can be well-targeted and resources not diluted. 

During mandate creation, providing previous implementation and available financial resources can help Member States better get the general picture and make informed decisions, and thus create favorable conditions for effective implementation of mandates.

Fourth, the relationship between reform and continuity.

While the UN80 Initiative should address longstanding institutional challenges by fighting formalism and bureaucracy and practicing frugality, it is also crucial to maintain the stability and continuity of the UN's work and preserve the core values of UN including multilingualism, so as to instill renewed confidence and momentum in multilateralism through concrete actions and results.

Co-Chairs,

China stands ready to work with all Member States and the Secretariat to continue our constructive role in improving the work of the United Nations and in advancing global governance toward a more just and equitable direction.

Thank you.