Iraq’s Permanent Representative to UN Chairs Group of 77 and China Session to Discuss UN 80 Initiative with Attendance of Secretary General

The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations, Dr. Abbas Kadhom Obaid, in his capacity as Chair of the Group of 77 and China, headed a meeting at ambassador level, as the Group hosted the UN Secretary-General and his team for an interactive dialogue on the “UN 80” Initiative, as part of the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Organization.

The initiative aims to propose structural reforms that contribute to enhancing the United Nations’ efficiency and ability to respond to today’s challenges, ensuring its effective performance in various fields.

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Obaid expressed the Group’s gratitude to the Secretary-General for accepting the invitation, appreciating his commitment and continued support for the issues of the countries of the South, describing him as a “strategic partner and true advocate” for developing countries. As well Dr. Obaid indicated the Group’s keenness to hear the Secretary-General’s vision regarding the initiative and its future dimensions.

On his part, the Secretary-General explained that the “UN 80” initiative is independent of the financial crises and austerity measures facing the organization, and its primary goal is to reduce duplication of tasks and enhance coordination and integration among the organization’s various components, in order to improve performance in light of the current global situation.

The Secretary-General affirmed the importance of building mutual trust with Member States, noting that the approximately 20% reduction in posts is not intended to weaken the development pillar or harm developing countries, but rather is being implemented with due consideration for preserving the resident coordinator system, development and peacebuilding programs, and ensuring a balance between the three pillars of the United Nations: development, human rights, and peace and security.

Additionally, the Secretary-General explained that these reforms will be discussed from a general budget perspective, in close coordination with the Fifth Committee and the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Financial Questions, underlining that transparency and inclusiveness will be the foundation upon which the reform process is based, calling on Member States to review the mandates of some of the organization’s entities to facilitate the reform process.

Representatives of the member states of the Group of 77 and China expressed their thanks to the Group’s Chair, Dr. Abbas Kadhom Obaid, for organizing this meeting. They welcomed the Secretary-General’s participation and affirmed their support and solidarity with the initiative.

At the same time, several countries expressed concern regarding the need to maintain geographical and gender balance during downsizing processes. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that the restructuring of agencies, programs, and funds does not affect the Organization’s ability to implement its mandates, particularly with regard to supporting developing countries in achieving their development goals.

At the end of the meeting, the Secretary-General reiterated his commitment to strengthening the partnership with the Group, announcing his intention to establish a permanent communication mechanism with the Group of 77 and China and its members, which will contribute to enhancing dialogue and joint coordination.