Permanent Mission of India
New York
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 Informal meeting of the plenary to hear a briefing by the Secretary-General on the UN80 Initiative- Workstream 3

Statement by Ambassador Yojna Patel, Charge d'Affaires
15 October 2025

Madam President,

We express our appreciation to the Secretary General for his efforts in presenting the first progress report on Workstream 3, “Shifting Paradigms: United to Deliver.”

My delegation aligns with the statement delivered by Iraq, on behalf of Group of 77 and China. Allow me to make additional remarks in my national capacity.

The UN80 should not be reduced to finding cost efficiencies only.  It is an opportunity to reflect on UN’s past achievements and challenges, and prepare it for the next 80 years. It is an opportunity to reform its structures, restore its credibility, and deliver where it matters the most.   Coming at a pivotal moment, UN80 must be utilized as a catalyst to revitalize UN’s principal organs, including reforms of the Security Council by initiating text-based negotiations to restore its ebbing credibility and prepare it to deliver more effectively on its foundational role of maintaining international peace and security.

Madam President,

We have noted various proposals contained in SG’s report, including establishing a working group on Regional Reset, reconfiguring country teams, establishing a Human Rights Group, creating centres of excellence, merging sections and entities, and creating joint knowledge hubs. We would appreciate more information on these proposals, including a cost-benefit analysis and how they will reduce duplication and proliferation of mechanisms across UN pillars.

Madam President,

A leaner, cost-efficient, and transparent UN system is strongly desirable. We encourage a leaner footprint at headquarters and more support for member states in the field. 

We note that many UN entities, including specialized agencies, have overlapping mandates, functions and fragmented governance. It is essential to recognize that the institutional knowledge and expertise of specialized agencies and entities, which are vital to countries in the Global South, including LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS, should be strengthened rather than diminished under the UN80 process. For member states to take informed decisions on possible mergers, consolidations, and realignments of UN agencies, funds, and programmes, we encourage the Secretariat to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the benefits of each proposal and share its findings with member states at the earliest.

In conclusion, Madam President, we look forward to receiving additional information on various proposals, including way forward on proposed working group on regional reset and affirm our commitment to engage constructively in this process.

I thank you.