Mr. Chair,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China under Agenda item 141: Joint Inspection Unit, Review on Cloud Computing.

2. Allow me to thank Ms. Simona Petrova, Director of the Secretariat and Secretary of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination and Mr. Jorge Flores Callejas, Inspector of the Joint Inspection Unit for introducing the related reports.

3. The Group wishes to once again commend the JIU for its ongoing efforts as the sole independent, external oversight body of the United Nations system, mandated to conduct system-wide inspections, evaluations and investigations.

Mr. Chair,

4. The Group takes note of the review conducted by the JIU on managing cloud computing services in the United Nations system. The Group acknowledges that the use of cloud computing has grown considerably in the past decade and that almost all of the United Nations organizations reviewed by the JIU are already using a variety of cloud computing services, such as email, hosting of public websites, recruitment and talent management applications and collaboration tools.

5. We wish to emphasize the point that while cloud computing has many benefits, including cost reduction, simplification, flexibility and agility, it also comes with substantial risks related notably to data confidentiality and to the need to safeguard the privileges and immunities of United Nations organizations. In this regard, the Group supports the Unit’s call for a more balanced approach in facing the potential benefits of the cloud while considering associated specific risks.

6. The Group is carefully examining the recommendations that the JIU has set forth in its report, with regard to maximizing the potential of the United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) in view of strengthening cooperation in the context of more strategic and coordinated use of ICT resources by United Nations organizations. We look forward to learning more about the expected impact of these recommendations during the informal consultations.

7. In conclusion Mr. Chair, the Group of G77 and China would like to assure you of its readiness to engage constructively with a view to concluding this important agenda item in a timely manner.

I thank you.