President,

I thank the Executive Directors for their briefings. As the UN80 Initiative continues to advance in greater depth and detail, relevant discussions have become increasingly substantive. Member States are closely following the direction, approach and practical impact of institutional reform. Regarding the potential UNFPA/UN Women merger assessment discussions, China wishes to share four points:

First, safeguarding core mandates. UNFPA and UN Women each have important mandates and play important roles in sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, women empowerment, and population and development. Reform should ensure that the normative and operational mandates of the two entities are fully preserved. On this basis, efforts can be made to enhance coordination and efficiency, give full play to their comparative advantages, and jointly support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Second, strengthening the evidence base. China commends UNFPA and UN Women for the work they have carried out on the potential merger assessment. At present, Member States still have considerable concerns over the cost-benefit analysis, mandate protection and field impact of the potential merger. The two entities should provide more complete and accurate information and publish the analysis of alternative options as soon as possible, so as to provide a basis for Member States to conduct full study and prudent discussion, and to facilitate the identification of reform options and pathways.

Third, focusing on field delivery. Whether reform measures can gain support depends, in essence, on whether they can help improve system-wide effectiveness, strengthen field delivery, and better support the priorities of Member States. Reform measures should be effectively aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks and country programmes, avoid affecting the continuity of existing programmes or increasing transition costs, and ensure that the dividends of reform truly benefit programme countries and the most vulnerable groups.

Fourth, upholding Member State leadership. Institutional merger is wide-ranging and far-reaching in its implications. The relevant process should continue to uphold the principles of transparency and inclusiveness, fully consider views of all parties, and ensure that the decision-making process remains Member State-led. The Executive Board should effectively play its governance and oversight role, prudently assess reform proposals, ensure that the concerns of Member States are effectively addressed, and make sure that the direction of reform is in line with broad consensus.

China stands ready to continue fulfilling its responsibilities as a member of the Executive Board and, together with other Member States, constructively participate in the follow-up discussions, so as to steadily advance reform on the basis of extensive consultation, broad consensus and prudent assessment.

I thank you, President.