Mr. Chair,

1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China at the closing of main part of the 77th session of the Fifth Committee.

2. We consider that this day is an important historical event, in which this committee considered items of paramount importance, which shall have profound impact on the way this organization functions; and we believe that its effects will be observed for decades.

3. We celebrate the fact that the Fifth Committee displayed full confidence in the Secretary General’s reform agenda in reviewing the budgetary cycle. The amount of deliberations that have been put into consideration has been very thorough. We can safely state that the direction, we have adopted today on budgetary structure of the United Nations, is deeply thought out by the Committee.

4. We have been able to conclude, besides other agenda items, the Programme Planning, Construction Projects, Subventions, and most importantly, the Programme Budget for 2023 itself. We feel that the last, however, couldn’t receive the proper time and attention it demanded due to the Committee’s diversion towards the Annual Budget Reform. We further realize the possibility of fostering agreements that could have been favorable to every one of us here. Nevertheless, in the spirit of concluding the agenda item and based on our commitment to engage constructively, we had to let go of many important items in the budget for 2023.

Mr. Chair,

5. We acknowledge the Board of Auditors as well as the Office of Internal Oversight Services for their invaluable contribution to the work of the Organization.

Mr. Chair,

6. The Committee would not have been able to conclude this session without the strong guidance of you and your bureau; the tireless and impeccable work of the Fifth Committee Secretariat and all others who supported and facilitated our work. We thank our negotiating partners and all the facilitators for their constructive efforts towards achieving a successful outcome.

7. As my delegation will be concluding our role of Chair of the G77 & China soon, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my every colleague of my group for their valuable support and guidance throughout the session. My special gratitude goes to the upcoming Chair of G77 and China, Cuba, for their very valuable support and persistent approach of finding solutions throughout the course of negotiations. I wish them sincere wishes for their constituency in the upcoming year.

8. As always, the Group stands ready to work with all colleagues to build a more accountable, effective, and fit-for-purpose United Nations that works for the interests of all Member States in bettering the lives of people.We look forward to continuing working alongside you all in order to advance our Organization. Happy New Year to all!

I thank you, Mr. Chair.