President, 

The General Assembly is the most representative organ established under the UN Charter. Its effectiveness bears directly on the vital interests of all member states, as well as on the authority and status of the United Nations itself. At a time when the UN faces both internal and external challenges, the GA should keep pace with the times, respond to the calls of member states, and lead by example through its own reform, so as to faithfully fulfill its key responsibilities under the Charter. 

In recent years, thanks to joint efforts of all member states, the revitalization of the work of the GA has seen positive progress. In particular, tangible results have been achieved in improving its working method, which deserve our recognition. China welcomes the establishment of the Working Group on Strengthening and Revitalizing the Work of the General Assembly during the current UNGA session, and calls on all parties to earnestly implement GA Resolution 79/327.

Regarding the strengthening and revitalizing the work of the GA, China wishes to propose three points. 

First, we must uphold the right direction. As a symbol of multilateralism and international solidarity, the GA must firmly safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, adhere to sovereign equality, and advocate dialogue and cooperation. The Assembly should fully leverage its function as a deliberative and policy-making organ, advance in a balanced manner the three pillars of peace, development, and human rights, and pay more attention to major issues of common concerns to member states, particularly those affecting the vital interests of the Global South, thereby contributing to the building of a fairer and more equitable global governance system. 

Second, we must respect the mandates of the Charter. The GA, the Security Council, and ECOSOC have clearly defined mandates under the Charter. Each should perform its own functions rather than usurping others' duties, act in coordination rather than competition, and work in synergy rather than at cross purposes. The GA and its main committees already cover all major areas of the UN's work and deal with a wide range of global challenges. Their tasks are already considerable. The Assembly should therefore focus on delivering tangible outcomes within its existing mandates by taking concrete actions and achieving real results in order to restore its authority and vitality.

Third, we must enhance both quality and efficiency. In recent years, the GA's agenda has continued to expand, with nearly 180 items considered each year, along with countless meetings and consultations and innumerable reports and documents, all of which have long overburdened member states and the Secretariat. Against the backdrop of the UN80 Initiative, the entire UN system is advocating streamlining, downsizing, efficiency, and optimization. Last year, the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Revitalization of the General Assembly made active explorations in reducing the number of meetings and documents. China supports the GA in continuing these efforts to avoid formalism, bureaucratism and excessive paperwork and meetings so as to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness through concrete actions. 

President, 

The selection of a new Secretary-General will be one of the top priorities for the Security Council and the GA in the coming year. The UN Charter, GA resolutions, and Security Council documents all contain clear provisions regarding the selection procedure. Following these provisions and based on real experience, member states have developed a set of proven practices that should be upheld. Any deliberate attempt to break with these practices, create divisions, or stoke institutional competition would only hinder the selection process, contravene the collective interests of member states and the UN as a whole, and reflect an irresponsible attitude toward history. All member states should strengthen solidarity around the same goals, safeguard effective institutional arrangements, and foster an enabling political atmosphere. China stands ready to work with all parties through thorough deliberation and repeated consultations to select a new Secretary-General who can serve the common interests of the broad UN membership. We would also be pleased to see female candidates presented by member states.

Thank you, President.