1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and would like to thank Mr. Chandramouli Ramanathan, Assistant Secretary-General, Controller and Mr. Abdallah Bachar Bong, Chair of the ACABQ for introducing their respective reports.

2. The group recognizes that the present report is being submitted pursuant to General Assembly’s endorsement of ACABQ’s recommendations for the need to have comprehensive information on spending globally across the Secretariat, including ICT capital expenditures and comprehensive action to deal with cyber security.

3. We noted that on average, the annual ICT spending between 2017 and 2021 has been $773 million; with major components as 28% costs related to posts and 24% costs related to contractual services. We also note that non-assessed sources financed the ICT strategy to amount of $129.4 million. However, we still feel that these figures don’t completely capture ICT expenditure across the organization and would look forward to have a more comprehensive data in the upcoming reports.

4. With regards to valuation of IT equipment, we note a gross value of $886.7 million and a net value of $246.2 million equipment across the organization. The group see’s merit in reviewing the life cycle of assets in order to establish benchmarks for different asset classes in different locations, depending on operating environments or conditions, and to align the useful and operational life of assets. The Group trusts that an update will be provided in the next revised ICT strategy report.

5. We noted that the majority of the contractual personnel were provided by UNOPS whereas the main departments that used these service providers were the Office of Information and Communications Technology (47%) and the Department of Peace Operations (30%).

6. With regards to the Cyber security, the group notes that following a comprehensive assessment, the exact technology architecture and portfolio for the cyber security Programme covering from 2024-2028 will be determined in 2023; which will address this issue holistically and provide with an implementation road map to the General Assembly at its seventy-eighth session.

7. We note and appreciate the application of lesson learnt in other construction projects in designing the IT infrastructure of ECLAC, ESCWA, ECA, UN office at Geneva and UN Office at Nairobi to ensure stronger connectivity and backups in operations. We encourage the Secretary General to continue his efforts in this regards.

8. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China stands ready to continue to engage constructively during the informal deliberations of this agenda item.

I thank you.