Mr. Chair,

1. The Group welcomes your initiative to seek the views of this Committee on how to improve our working methods.

2. The Group provided inputs on a very informal basis with a view to assisting in the better understanding of the working methods/practices of the Fifth Committee as well as to reconfirming the established practices.

3. The Group recognizes that the Committee's working methods and practices could be improved and reaffirms its commitment in this regard. The Group stresses that the right framework to have a frank discussion on this important issue is the relevant agenda item allocated to the Fifth Committee.

4. The Group holds the indispensable view that the discussions on the working methods of the Committee must be led exclusively by member states. The bureau and the Chair may support the efforts of member states. To this end, the matter deserves the attention, leadership, and commitment of all member states.

5. The work of the Main Committees, including the Fifth Committee, is guided by the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, relevant resolutions and decisions of the General Assembly, and the practice of the Main Committee concerned, including its informal working methods.

Mr. Chair,

6. In terms of ways forward, the Group wishes to highlight the the following:

i) The Group reiterates that the Fifth Committee should make all possible efforts to establish the broadest possible agreement in its decision-making process. This should remain the guiding principle in the work of the Fifth Committee without prejudice to the inherent right of member states to avail themselves of the rights and options as stipulated by the rules of procedure, including the right to table draft resolutions where necessary as a legitimate tool in the decision-making process, in accordance with Article 18 of the Charter of the United Nations.

ii) There is a need for the chair of the Fifth Committee to work with other Committees and bodies to adjust their programme of work to comply with the provisions of decision 34/401 regarding the submission of reports with financial implications to the Committee as late submissions impact the work of this Committee.

iii) The Group greatly appreciates the work of the ACABQ, its technically sound analysis of the information, and well-reasoned recommendations, which provide a basis for the discussion and generation of vital inputs for the work of the Fifth Committee. The Group reaffirms resolution 46/185, recognizing that the working practices of the ACABQ are within its competency and its prerogative.

iv) On the list of agenda items allocated for each session, we urge a review of the list, with a view to their effective consideration, as well as avoiding duplication or overlapping, and in order to distinctly address the items. The Group stresses that the discussion on the Working Methods cannot be used to change the established rules and procedures of the Budgetary Process.

v) The workload of the Committee at each session should be realistic and proportional to the time allotted for its consideration. In this regard, the Secretariat should also make the best effort to avoid the late introduction of reports.

vi) The Group is of the view that the Fifth Committee should strive to conduct its work within working hours of the allocated time in the programme of work. The undesirable practice of spending endless days and nights in negotiations, with the critical stages of the negotiations being extended to the very end of the sessions, should be discouraged and avoided. The Committee also needs to take seriously the "work-life balance" of delegates and officers of the organization.

vii) The Group appreciates the important work of facilitators in leading informal consultations on draft resolutions and encourages providing training opportunities and guidance by the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee to the facilitators on how their roles can be better played with the aim of leading and concluding the negotiations processes in a timely manner.

Mr. Chair,

7. Regarding ICT, the Group acknowledges the important role of information and communication technologies in facilitating the work of the United Nations, including the General Assembly. On the use of virtual meetings, the Group reiterates the need to work on the basis of mandate given by the GA and stresses the importance of proper use and application of such technologies in a manner that ensures the full and equal participation of all Member States without restrictions on the availability of interpretation services in all official languages of the UN.

8. The Group is encouraged and appreciates that the written responses provided to the Advisory Committee by the Secretariat and made available to the General Assembly as supplementary information has started being availed in a single searchable document.

9. The Group recognizes that the Secretariat plays an important role in the conduct of the Committee's work. However, the Secretariat must abide by the mandates of the General Assembly. The Fifth Committee has, on many occasions, had to revisit issues due to the lack of implementation by the Secretariat of decisions that were reached after long negotiations. The Secretariat must also remain neutral in all circumstances.

10. Lastly, the Group wishes to extend its gratitude to the work of the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee, led by Mr. Lionell Berride, in facilitating the work of their Committee, day and night, and we are indebted to them.

I thank you.