Excellencies, dear Ambassadors, and Co-Chairs,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. 

First, let me thank you, Co-Chairs, for convening this timely meeting and for your innovative approach in presenting the Elements Paper to guide our discussions ahead of the formal consultations on the draft resolution of the Ad Hoc Working Group. You can count on the full support of the European Union and its Member States in your endeavours to achieve concrete and forward-looking results in the revitalization of the Work of the General Assembly.

We agree on a more concise approach in the new resolution, reflecting our shared understanding that resolutions adopted in previous sessions remain valid and continue to underpin our common efforts. We reaffirm our strong and ongoing commitment to their full and effective implementation.

The European Union remains a steadfast supporter of the revitalization of the Work of the General Assembly. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to an effective, transparent, inclusive, and accountable United Nations, with a strong and empowered General Assembly at its core. This is essential for a multilateral system that delivers for all. In this regard, we also recognize and support the Secretary General’s reform initiative UN80.

On the Role and Authority of the General Assembly, the EU welcomes the reaffirmation of the Assembly’s central role as the chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. We strongly support efforts to enhance the Assembly’s contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security, in complementarity with the Security Council to which the Charter confers a primary responsibility in this respect. We note the positive impact of the Veto Initiative (resolution 76/262), which has contributed to strengthening accountability and transparency within the UN system. The EU also welcomes the call to further institutionalize dialogue between the General Assembly and the Security Council, and reiterates its support for the continued implementation of the “Uniting for Peace” resolution 377A(V) when conditions are met. We also underscore the importance of the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinions in lending assistance in the consideration of any legal question of international law confronting the General Assembly.

On Working Methods, we welcome the steps proposed to streamline the Assembly’s agenda, avoid duplication, and enhance efficiency — particularly through the “one gavel” approach and greater use of digital tools. We appreciate the emphasis on gender-neutral language in the Rules of Procedure and support efforts to improve inclusivity, sustainability, and transparency in all UN processes, including cost-effectiveness and efficiency in the drafting and implementation of resolutions. The EU also supports the biennial format of the Working Group, the quadrennial examination of the resolution on revitalization and the renewed focus on actionable, high-impact outcomes. Accessibility of both digital and physical platforms must remain a consideration.

On the Selection and Appointment of the Secretary-General, we reiterate our support for the transparency and inclusivity of the process, including by clarifying modalities of presentation and withdrawal of candidatures, accurate selection criteria, public vision statements, interactive dialogues, webcasting and civil society representation. The EU strongly endorses the call to increase the representation of women at the highest levels of the UN system. We regret that in 80 years no woman has held the post of Secretary-General and call on Member States to nominate women candidates.

On Strengthening the Office of the President of the General Assembly, the EU commends the proposed measures to enhance accountability, transparency and institutional memory, and wishes to acknowledge the member states’ role in convening of annual retreats and transition workshops. We call for a reflection on the persistent gender imbalance in the role of PGA over the past 80 years since the first session of the General Assembly. It is crucial to explore concrete measures to address this disparity, including through considering a rotation between men and women as one possible solution. We support the creation of a compendium of practices and a strengthened handover process – including support for the Plan of action for multilingualism set up by the President of the 79^th session of the GA.

Co-Chairs, distinguished colleagues,

The European Union stands ready to work with all Member States to ensure that this process leads to meaningful outcomes. A revitalized General Assembly is essential to a stronger, more effective United Nations—one that is equipped to deliver for present and future generations.

I thank you.