Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 134: proposed programme budget for the biennium 2016-2017, in particular the Revised Estimates for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Revised Estimates for Financing for Development.

Just over one month ago, our Heads of State and Government gathered together in New York at the Summit for the adoption of the post-2015 development agenda. At that historic occasion, the world united in the adoption of a universal, integrated and transformative vision for a better world, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

We all noted during the Summit that the true test of the global commitment to action would be in the implementation of the Agenda.

In his remarks, the Secretary-General stated, and I quote:

The 2030 Agenda compels us to look beyond national boundaries and short-term interests and act in solidarity for the long-term.

We can no longer afford to think and work in silos.

Institutions will have to become fit for purpose, a grand new purpose.

The United Nations system is strongly committed to supporting Member States in this great new endeavour. (End quote)

The Agenda clearly identifies the need for a strengthened global partnership for delivering on this ambitious agenda, not only for Member States, but also the United Nations. Indeed paragraph 46 underlines the "the important role and comparative advantage of an adequately resourced, relevant, coherent, efficient and effective UN system in supporting the achievement of the SDGs and sustainable development." Paragraph 62 also emphasises that the Addis Ababa Action Agenda supports and complements the 2030 Agenda's means of implementation.

Mr. Chairman,

The target date for implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is 1 January 2016. The Group is therefore concerned at the delay in preparing the revised estimates for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as for Financing for Development.

Let us be clear, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has been developed over a three year period and builds on the unfinished business of the MDGs, while the Addis Ababa Action Plan builds on the previous conference outcomes. The Group expects that the Secretariat has over the course of the year, analysed, planned and budgeted how the UN System can support this ambitious agenda and mainstream it across all pillars of the UN as part of the revitalised global partnership.

Mr. Chairman,

The Group, therefore, strongly urges the Secretary-General to present the revised estimates for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and for the Addis Ababa Action Plan to the General Assembly as a matter of priority.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.