Permanent Mission of India
New York
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Secretary-General’s UN80 Progress Report

Statement by Ambassador Yojna Patel, Deputy Permanent Representative
26 May 2026

Madam President,

India aligns with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of G77 & China.

We express our appreciation to Secretary General for his briefing on the UN80 Initiative and for presenting the well-drafted Second Progress Report.

We welcome the efforts under the UN80 Initiative to strengthen the UN system’s capacity to support countries, maximize impact, and optimize efficiencies and effectiveness. It is, however, important that all reforms are undertaken in accordance with established rules and procedures. 

Madam President,

India would like to offer the following reflections:

i) We acknowledge significant progress under workstreams 1 and 2. For workstream 1, we encourage the continuation of ongoing efforts, including the expansion of Common Administrative Platforms. Regarding staff relocation, we would like to see staff relocated to lower-cost locations, preferably duty stations closer to beneficiary countries in the Global South. This will ensure effective and efficient coordination with member states and produce greater impact. 

ii) On workstream 2, we welcome the adoption of General Assembly resolution 80/251 on mandate creation, implementation, and review. We reaffirm our support for the Co-chairs of the Ad Hoc Working Group in advancing this agenda item, including the development of criteria and modalities to assess whether mandates are achieving their intended results.

iii) While the progress in workstreams 1 and 2 is encouraging, the proposals in workstream 3, particularly those related to the development pillar, require careful examination grounded in adequate data and analysis and based on thorough assessment. Further, any potential merger proposal should clearly establish how the merger will strengthen the UN’s capacity to support member states, particularly in meeting their development needs and priorities.

iv) The question on the UN system’s activities on the environment is important. The established mandate of UNFCCC must be fully respected in this regard. We look forward to the SG’s information brief on the matter.

v) Finally, we have noted SG’s six priorities identified in the Progress report to move the UN80 initiative from reform design to delivery. Decisions on proposals affecting the development pillar, such as potential mergers or the reconfiguration of the regional and country-level architecture, should not be rushed. Member states should be provided with adequate information, including cost-benefit analysis to make informed decisions. In this regard, we look forward to receiving SG’s reports and briefs on various proposals under UN80.

India reaffirms its commitment to continue its constructive engagement on the UN80 Initiative.

I thank you, Madam President.