Madam Chair,

1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on the Progress on the renovation of the North Building at the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean in Santiago "ECLAC", and the Renovation of Africa Hall at the Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa "ECA" at the main part of the 79th Session of the General Assembly.

2. The Group wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to the Governments of Ethiopia and Chile, the host countries of ECA and ECLAC for their continued support in facilitating the implementation of the relevant construction projects. The Group reiterates the importance of close cooperation between the Organization and these host countries, and we trust that the Secretary-General will continue to take steps to engage the local Governments to ensure the success of the project.

3. Regarding ECLAC, the Group takes note of the sixth progress report on the construction project for the renovation of the North Building at ECLAC in Santiago which is expected to be the first "net-zero" building within the United Nations system.

4. The Group welcomes the advances in the construction phase, with a projected substantial completion of the project by the end of 2024. We note that no additional funding is required for the completion of the remaining project stages and that the project team will be continued for a limited duration in 2025 to ensure the smooth implementation of the handover and commissioning activities.

Madam Chair,

5. Turning to ECA, the Group notes with appreciation the contributions of the Government of Ethiopia including the donation of land to be used by the visitor's center of the Africa Hall. The completion of this center is critical in preserving and restoring the historical and cultural values of African history. The Group also appreciates the Governments of Mali, Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland and Italy for their financial and in-kind contributions and pledges. We look forward to additional voluntary contributions to support the project from other Member States.

6. The Group welcomes that the inauguration of the Africa Hall is scheduled to take place from 21 to 24 October 2024. This is a milestone which cements the fact that the Africa Hall will continue to be a symbol of hope and aspirations of the African people and a showcase to exhibit how far they have come in their uphill struggle to overcome their challenges and the magnificent cultures and heritage they have managed to conserve.

7. Finally, the Group notes that no outstanding major contractual requirements are foreseen over and beyond those in the close-out phase and minimum resources will be required for the project management team to be continued until September 2025, and in supporting the dedicated project team during the rectification of defects and close out.

I thank you.