President,

I thank the heads of the agencies for their detailed briefings and commend the Secretary-General and the heads of the agencies for their efforts in advancing the UN80 Initiative. China aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. I wish to make three points:

First, safeguarding core development mandates. Mandates are the fundamental basis for entities to carry out their work and reflect important long-standing consensus among Member States. Reform should safeguard the core functions and comparative advantages of each entity and ensure that their existing mandates are fully preserved, so as to enhance delivery on the ground and strengthen coordination and synergy among entities, and better support the Global South in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Second, strengthening the evidence base. Comprehensive, objective and impartial assessments are essential for Member States to make prudent decisions. China takes note of the terms of reference for the independent assessment jointly submitted by UNDP and UNOPS and looks forward to the two entities further improving the terms of reference in light of views from all parties and expediting the follow-up work. China welcomes the analysis submitted by UNFPA and UN Women on the proposed merger and alternative reform options, and encourages the two entities to further engage with Member States with a view to building consensus.

Third, building broad consensus among Member States. Institutional reform bears on the long-term development of the United Nations development system. The reform process should uphold the principles of transparency and inclusiveness and ensure that the concerns and questions of all parties are fully addressed. Reform should be Member State-led, and any reform proposal should be fully discussed by Member States and based on consensus. The governance and oversight role of the Executive Board should also be fully exercised.

President,

The UN80 Initiative presents an important opportunity to enhance the quality and efficiency of the United Nations development system. Development entities should seize the opportunity of reform to streamline operational processes, reduce administrative costs, strengthen their presence on the ground, and allocate more resources toward the field. China stands ready to continue its constructive participation in relevant discussions and work with all other parties to advance the reform in a prudent and steady manner, so as to further strengthen the development pillar of the United Nations.

I thank you, President.