Statement by the delegation of Ukraine
at the informal meeting of the UN General Assembly plenary
to hear an update on the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative

(24 June 2025)

Mr. President,

Ukraine aligns itself with the statements delivered by the European Union and Canada and would like to add the following points.

We fully recognize the financial and operational constraints facing the Organization and the urgent need to enhance efficiencies across the UN system. However, we wish to underscore a fundamental principle: efficiency must not come at the expense of effectiveness, especially when human lives are at stake.

Mandates within the Peace and Security, Development (both in the Secretariat and in the UN system), Humanitarian and Human Rights clusters remain essential and must be preserved as a top priority. For millions of people around the world, including in Ukraine, the life-saving work of the UN provides a vital lifeline in times of wars of aggression and other pressing challenges. Reforms must guarantee that these critical mandates continue to be fully implemented, with predictable funding and protection from cost-driven erosion.

We encourage further efforts to ensure that any restructuring is carefully assessed for its long-term system-wide impact and that Member States are provided with transparent, timely and comprehensive information to guide decision-making.

Let me conclude with two questions:

1. Has the Secretariat assessed the financial implications of the reduction in posts, particularly the potential termination packages that must be provided to departing staff? How does the UN ensure that such immediate costs do not outweigh the projected savings in the short and medium term?

2. When assessed contributions from Member States in arrears are subsequently paid, as they are ultimately required to be paid, has the Secretariat considered the operational risks and potential inefficiencies of needing to rehire similar personnel or reinstate relocated staff, potentially causing disruption and additional costs without achieving sustainable long-term savings?

I thank you.