Mr President, Mr Under-Secretary-General, distinguished colleagues, I deliver this statement on behalf of the EU and its member states.

The Candidate Countries Türkiye, North Macedonia*, Montenegro^*, Serbia^*, Albania^*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina^* and Georgia as well as Andorra and Monaco align themselves with this statement.

Thank you, Mr President, for convening us today for this important briefing. We also thank the Secretary-General for his continued leadership and the Under-Secretary-General for the update.

Today’s overlapping global crises are putting multilateralism under severe pressure. Geopolitical tensions, conflict, climate change and inequality are on the rise. We have a shared responsibility to address these challenges together, through effective multilateral solutions. The SDGs, the 2030 Agenda, the Pact for the Future and the FfD4 negotations are testimonials to our joint commitments and to what multilateralism can deliver.

The UN remains the most important global political forum for multilateral action, both in operational and normative terms. Now allow me to highlight three key elements as we move forward with the UN80 reform process:

First, this reform process must be inclusive and provide for innovative solutions. In doing so, the EU fully supports the UN’s firm leadership, with the active and constructive involvement of UN Member States. We are actively engaging with the UN leadership and Members to ensure the UN80 initiative delivers a positive impact. We encourage the UNSG to present bold and courageous proposals for a stronger, more agile, efficient and accountable UN, adjusted to the financial realities. These efforts must continue to primarily support those most in need and those affected by crises, disasters, and conflicts while preserving the integrity and balance of the three UN pillars on an equal basis. As we review, restructure and revitalise, we have an opportunity to act and address identified weaknesses and to work towards a rejuvenated organization. We must improve the capacity of the UN to support sustainable development and fight against poverty as well as strengthen human rights. Furthermore it is important to include gender equality, multilingualism and geographical distribution in accordance with article 101 of the United Nations Charter. This is not just a matter of fairness – it’s a matter of credibility and commitment to universal values.

Second, as we proceed with this reform, we must look at ongoing and past reform efforts and genuinely learn from them. An estimated 3,600 unique mandates for the Secretariat alone pose unnecessary burden on our organisation. Learning from past experiences, the membership needs to focus on our common goals. To help achieve this objective, the Secretariat needs to provide clear, data-driven analysis, overview and assessment of mandates’ implementation, including on possible new working methods; and together, we need to ensure coherence between UN80 and ongoing reform strands such as the Humanitarian Reset and acceleration of UN development system reform gains. UN80 should strengthen the UN’s resilience and ability for effective mandate implementation, while we underline that the core normative mandates should be protected. 

Third, we must recognise the role we all have in bringing about the required change, as we ourselves lead the change. Over the past weeks, we have heard various proposals and ideas. Now is the time for  the next steps, by drawing on the expertise and experience of UN various entities; leveraging the data and oversight capacities of the 5C, ACABQ, UN Board of Auditors, JIU and the Systemwide Evaluation Office (SWEO); and strengthening coordination and collaboration at country-level through the Resident Coordinator system and UN country teams in a cost-effective manner. Meaningful involvement of civil society organisations is also crucial to ensure a successful, inclusive and equitable outcome. At the same time, bold and evidence-based decisions with significant efficiency potential have to be taken. The goal is to enhance transparency and accountability, address fragmentation and explore opportunities for greater synergies and effectiveness in implementation. Only with a result-oriented approach and impact country level will we be able to ensure the enduring viability of a resilient UN, capable of delivering for all.

In this context, allow me to also follow-up on three points:

First, we understand that one of the proposals under consideration in the context of UN80 involves a reduction in UN posts. In this regard, we note that there has been limited discussion on reduction of overall staff costs — measures that could help preserve critical functions, ensure continuity, and maintain the Organisation’s delivery capacity. At the same time, we encourage transparent discussions on the review of the administration and management process of the Secretariat. Have such options been explored by the Secretariat, and could they be part of the proposals moving forward?

Second, the Secretary-General has repeatedly underlined the importance of a balanced approach across the UN’s three pillars. We fully support this. However, we would welcome greater clarity on how this balance will be concretely ensured throughout the reform process, particularly as structural and budgetary changes are proposed. How does the Secretariat intend to operationalise this balanced approach?

Third, while the budgetary impact of many of the cost cutting measures on the table is obvious, we are wondering how the secretariat is assessing the impact on mandate delivery of these proposals. UN80 is not just a cost-cutting exercise. The cutbacks cannot be only about the numbers – there is a need for a substantive impact-analysis in each case to ensure that the key mandates and functions are preserved. It is an exercise to make the UN more resilient and to strengthen mandate delivery – not just in reaction to the challenges we face today, but also providing for a sustainable trajectory for the UN in years to come. Will the UN80 proposals include a comprehensive assessment of these implications to ensure an adjusted but effective mandate delivery?

Colleagues, 

Allow me to conclude with the following: Some of us may feel uncertainty about what reform could bring. The EU recognizes and respects these concerns. However, while change can be challenging, it also opens the door to new opportunities. If we work together, in a transparent and constructive manner, reform can bring positive change; it is up to us to turn it into a thoughtful, intentional process, based on our joint, system-wide vision, highlighting our shared commitment to a stronger, more effective UN for all.

In this regard, we look forward to the Secretary-General ensuring timely communication and inclusive engagement with the UN membership as this process moves forward.

The EU and its member states will remain unwavering in their commitment to the UN. You can count on us to continue to be active, present and reliable. We look forward to transform the upcoming proposals into practice.

Thank you.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.