Mr. Chairman,

         I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

         The Group of 77 and China would like to thank Linda Wong, Chief of Service II, Programme Planning and Budget Division, for introduction of the Secretary General’s report A/62/897 on the financial situation of the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women. We would also like to thank Mr. Rajhat Saha Chariman of the ACABQ for introducing the Committee’s report A/61/924.

Mr.  Chairman,

         The Group of 77 and China would like to reaffirm the General Assembly Resolution A/60/229  which  inter alia decided  to provide its full support to the current efforts to revitalize the institute and in this regard, to provide it with the requisite funds to enable it to carry out its core functions for the biennium 2006-07.  The Group of 77 & China believes lack of implementation of this resolution is the principal factor behind the financial uncertainty faced by the institute.

         The General Assembly taking note of the serious financial situation of the institute had authorized the Secretary General to enter into commitments for the financing of INSTRAW in an amount of up to U.S.$ 190,000.  Regrettably, this Group’s  position on providing sufficient funds to the institute till the end of year 2007 was not accepted , which has forced the Assembly to face this issue once again with in less than two months of its earlier decision.

         The Group of 77 & China  considers that INSTRAW is the only institution of the UN system with a mandate for advance training and research for women and one of the few established in a developing country.  The Group of 77 & China recognizes and appreciates the full support that the host country is providing to the institute.  The Group of 77 & China would also like to express its appreciation to those Member States who have provided it with voluntary contributions.  The Group would like also to acknowledge the participation of INSTRAW in the activities of the other UN entities and mandates such as Peacekeeping. 

         The Group would like to request the donors who have pledged financial assistance to expedite their delivery in order to enable the institute to gain financial stability and pursue its programmatic activities.  While the Group of 77 & China would see further information from INSTRAW’s  Executive Board  on  its budget and status of voluntary contribution, it fully supports authorizing the Secretary General  to enter into commitments in the amount of $ 647,900.  We believe that this is imperative and appropriate to help the institute to continue with its useful role in advancement of women which is one of the key objectives of the United Nations. 

         I thank you Mr. Chairman.