President,

I thank Administrator De Croo for his presentation. China aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

I wish to share three points:

First, China attaches great importance to UNDP's pivotal role in the UN development system. As a cornerstone of the UN development system, UNDP's contributions and proven results in poverty reduction and sustainable development are there for all to see. At this juncture, the international community expects UNDP to implement its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan more effectively, strengthen internal management and accountability, and better respond to the development needs and national priorities of programme countries.

Second, innovating and diversifying partnerships is an urgent imperative. The sharp decline in UNDP's core resources has caused serious concern among all parties. China calls upon developed countries to honor their ODA commitments. We encourage UNDP to innovate and expand diversified partnerships to mobilize additional development resources. China's Global Development Initiative and extensive South-South cooperation efforts have unique strengths in promoting poverty reduction, capacity-building and knowledge sharing. We hope UNDP will continue to enhance its support in these areas.

Third, we encourage UNDP to continue engaging constructively in the UN80 process. Reform should aim not only at cost-efficiency, but also at safeguarding mandates, ensuring continuity of programme delivery, and preserving in-country implementation capacity. China supports the direction of the Secretary-General's UN80 Initiative. However, the current assessment of the proposed UNDP–UNOPS merger is still insufficient to inform a member state decision. The establishment of a new entity would entail greater uncertainty regarding mandates, which calls for particular prudence. We hope the two organizations will promptly present joint reform options to provide a sound basis for member state decision-making. At the same time, coordination at the regional and country levels should be strengthened — the role of Resident Coordinators must be reinforced, but a "one-size-fits-all" approach must be avoided.

UNDP is an important partner of China's reform and opening-up and in the implementation of SDGs. China stands ready to further strengthen its partnership with UNDP and work hand in hand to advance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.