Mr. Chair,

1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item148 entitled “United Nations Common System”.

2. The Group wishes to thank Ambassador Larbi Djacta, Chair of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) and Mr. Abdallah Bachar Bong, Chair of the Advisory Committee for Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for introducing their respective reports.

3. We also thank Mr. Chandramouli Ramanathan, Assistant Secretary-General, Controller, for presenting the statement of the Secretary-General on the administrative and financial implications of the decisions and recommendations contained in the report of the ICSC.

Mr. Chair,

4. The Group thanks the Chairman of the International Civil service for presenting the annual report as contained in document A/75/30 and takes note with appreciation of the work of the Commission.

5. The Group reiterates its commitment to a single, unified United Nations common system and reaffirms the crucial role of the ICSC as a cornerstone for the regulation and coordination of the conditions of service of staff in the United Nations Common System. We firmly believe that the staff of the Organization is its most valuable asset. Therefore, establishing and maintaining conditions of service that can attract and retain a highly capable, dynamic and motivated workforce is at the forefront of our priorities.

6. Our group would like to render support to the ICSC and its efforts to sustain a single and unified United Nations common system. The Group also wishes to reaffirm the role of the General Assembly in determining the conditions of service for all staff. We firmly believe that all staff serving under similar conditions should receive fair and equal treatment across the United Nations common system.

7. The Group also recognizes the contributions of multiple working groups and expresses its gratitude to them for the collectively and constructively developed proposals for the Commission’s consideration. The group acknowledges the importance of enhanced consultations with stakeholders in the decision-making process. The Group takes note of the Commission’s decision relating to the post adjustment issues and look forward to a comprehensive and productive discussion in our Committee with a view to making positive progress on this complex matter.

8. We also thank the Commission for its recommendations regarding the base/floor salary scale, the children’s and secondary dependents’ allowances and danger pay.

9. Finally, we thank the Commission for its response to GA resolution 74/255 B in which the Assembly “invites the Commission to carry out a needs assessment for its communication and legal expertise functions within its secretariat and to present proposals in its next report”.

10. The Group looks forward to engaging constructively in the discussion of the ICSC report, and hopes that we can conclude this important agenda in an efficient and timely manner.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.