Mr. Chairman,

1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on Agenda Item 132: Programme Budget Implications of Draft Resolution A/C/69/L.55 on the establishment of the United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize.

2. The Group would like to thank Mr. Johannes Huisman, Director of the Programme Planning and Budget Division, for introducing the statement on A/C/69/L.55 in accordance with Rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. The Group also wishes to thank Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for his introduction of the related report.

Mr. Chairman,

3. The Group of 77 and China consider the establishment of the United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize as a symbol of recognition by the International Community to the extraordinary life and legacy of this man who contributed to the promotion of the purposes of the United Nations.

4. We also believe that bestowing this prize every five years give us the opportunity to pay tribute to those who, like this great figure of history, are committed to the service of the people, as well as in service of human values and democracy.

Mr. Chairman,

5. While the Group recognizes the need for adequate preparation for the first award of the prize, the Group concurs with the conclusions of the Advisory Committee that scheduling of the award ceremony in September 2015, rather than on Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July, is inconsistent with the proposed statute of the United Nations Rolihlaha Mandela Prize and would have additional financial implications.

6. The Group further notes the additional requirements in the amount of $101,600 of which $4000 has been identified for absorption within the approved appropriation for the department of public information under the programme budget for the biennium 2014-2015.

Mr. Chairman,

7. The Group of G77 and China call for all mandates approved by intergovernmental bodies of the United Nations to be provided with adequate resources from the regular budget for their implementation.

8. In conclusion, I wish to assure you of the readiness of the Group of 77 and China to engage constructively on the negotiations on this very important agenda item.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.