Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 134: programme budget for the biennium 2016-2017: Subvention to the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research.

At the outset, the Group would like to thank Ms. Bettina Tucci Bartsiotas, Assistant Secretary-General, Controller, for introducing the note by the Secretary-General on the request for a subvention to the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research resulting from the recommendations of the Board of Trustees of the Institute on the work programme of the Institute for 2016-2017, as contained in document A/70/349, as well as Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for introducing its related report contained in document A/70/7/Add.9.

Mr. Chairman,

The Group of 77 and China supports the proposed subvention of $584,600, before recosting, as recommended by the Board of Trustees on the work programme of the Institute for 2016-2017. The Group notes that the request for a subvention is presented in accordance with part IV, paragraph 2, of resolution 60/248.

The Group supports the recommendation of the Advisory Committee that the implementation of the subvention is in line with the established procedures for recosting.

In conclusion, the Group reaffirms its commitment to a constructive deliberation on this important agenda item, in particular to ensure the future financial sustainability of the Institute so as to guarantee effective and efficient mandate delivery.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.