Chair: Item 4 has various sub items closely linked – as with established practice they are opened together and interventions should state which sub item they are referring to. We must address the nominations of two FINGOV vice chairs from the Group of African States and the Group of Asia Pacific States, nominated during extended bureau meetings in January. Can the commission endorse these joint nominations? I see no objection. It is so decided.

Principal Administrative Officer of UNODC: As we go through challenging times our work remains as important as ever. We continue our implementation of strategy as our thematic and geo focus continues to expand. Our technical delivery is rapid and maximises use of resources. We developed resources for South East Europe and Western Asia including specific roadmaps for key countries. We continue to focus on sound budget management and our work is overseen by Executive Director of UNODC.

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Let me turn to Agenda item D. We continue to focus on gender parity in our staff base. We have established gender parity, but sustaining this requires ongoing dedication. We are also aiming to advance this equitable geographical representation and we seek a wide and diverse pool of applicants. This constitutes the cornerstone of geographic diversity efforts. It remains top priority to ensure a healthy workforce and healthy work environment and we encourage managers to have a victim centered approach to any form of improper conduct.

FINGOV: Informal consultations and other consultations held in 2024 on implementation of consolidated budget. I would now share the key outcomes of meetings early this year. The working group held a dialogue with the Executive Director of the UNODC on 11 February. In previous years the format focused on meaningful exchange on strategic matters and financial matters of the office. The discussion focused on 4 thematic areas – the focus on the 2030 agenda, work of the UNODC on thematic and regional pillars, operational aspects of the UNODC, and cooperation and partnerships with other stakeholders. I thank Member States for engagement and participation. I appreciate the Executive Director for her dynamic engagement and providing comprehensive responses to questions and concerns. FINGOV dialogue remains invaluable on key aspects of office work and we should continue to foster dialogue. We held the first meeting of the year to reach agreements. All items under consideration were grouped into operational or programmatic segments. Under the operational segment we adopted a program of work and discussed office involvement in implementing UN management and system governmental reform. Included in this was the liquidity crisis and matters of human resource management. Updates were provided on preventing terrorism, gender mainstreaming, youth empowerment. We commend the remarkable dedication of the UNODC team and tireless efforts are instrumental in advancing collective mission. The team works in difficult contexts deserves appreciation. Many delegations participated actively in this meeting. Special thanks to the dedicated team at the secretariat for preparing and facilitating FINGOV meetings to ensure productivity and impact. We will conduct an ad hoc meeting in April and a regular meeting in June. We will also convene a meeting to reflect on the previous meeting and prepare for the next session. Can remain mechanism for strengthening dialogue and trust MS will remain actively engaged in framework moving forward.

Pakistan: We commend consistent efforts of the esteemed commission on supporting Member States to address the world drug problem. We appreciate the Executive Directors report highlighting contributions of UNODC to fulfill the mandate. We recognise commendable work of the working group to strengthen transparency and financial sustainability. Despite financial constraints we remain steadfast against illicit drugs and related crimes. As a neighbour of a major producing country we are a frontline state and critical to global anti narcotic efforts. Despite efforts of the UNODC and other relevant organisations we worry about alarming figures related to deaths and drug use worldwide. Human life is disproportionate to material losses. The programme portfolio for UNODC Western and Central Asia represents a small proportion of the overall budget. Despite our achievements our country’s programmes remain significantly underfunded. We must ensure equitable resource distribution and expand programmes focusing on youth and gender. We stand ready to cooperate with the international community to tackle the world drug problem.

South Africa: We reaffirm our commitment to shared responsibility and recognize the vital role of the UNODC, and must ensure adequate resources and support for the commission to fulfil its mandate. We commend the work of the working group towards achieving the overall strategy. We acknowledge liquidity challenges of the UN and UNODC, and associated funding limitations. While we appreciate efforts to manage limitations they should not limit technical assistance especially for developing countries. While acknowledging the increase of the donor base. To mitigate financial constraints we underscore the need for advanced cooperation, interagency cooperation and sustain UNODCs core work. We recognize efforts to foster these efforts across agencies. Such approaches are crucial to ensure effective approach without duplicating efforts and resources. We request adequate and flexible resources to fully implement the mandate. We compliment UNODC for commitment to transparency in line with the reform process and valuable efforts to gender and geographic representation.

Japan Welcomes the launch of discussion of the UNODC strategic plan. Japan believes in a  comprehensive strategy. Priorities: growing threat of synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals, criminals orgs are exploiting cyber technology, complicating law enforcement effort. Increasing use of maritime routes demand stronger monitoring and control mechanisms. There is a need for enhanced cyber response capabilities such as AI driven smuggling route analysis and enhanced cybersecurity. Securing funding requires public and parliamentary support in donor countries. UNODC must inform outreach efforts and clearly demonstrate how it impacts donor countries. The cost-effectiveness given drug economies.. Diversity in recruitment – we respect it should be based on merit, but concerned about insufficient regional balance. Diverse talent from outside the UN system should be evaluated. Not rely on English Proficiency or UNODC expertise but address multidisciplinary problem-solving capabilities.

Republic of Korea High budget execution in 2024, appreciates efforts of UNODC to increase efficiency through new partnerships. Regarding governance, commending FINGOV to ensure transparency in budget administration. Gender strategy results are commendable.

Chair: You have been so disciplined you get 5 minutes extra lunch time. Real chair will be back after lunch.