EU Statement – UN General Assembly 5th Committee: Working Methods

Madame Chair,

The European Union and its Member States appreciate your dedication to improving the working methods of the Fifth Committee — a key factor in the effectiveness of our work. Just as the Fifth Committee is the backbone of the Organization, the working methods are the foundation upon which it rests. They determine whether our work is efficient, transparent, and truly inclusive.

This discussion is not optional; it is a clear mandate. Operative paragraph 25 of resolution 79/327 requests each Main Committee to review its working methods and submit concrete proposals to the General Committee on how to make its work more efficient and effective. In this context, and in the broader framework of UN80, the Fifth Committee should lead by example — demonstrating how we can modernize, rationalize, and enhance our processes to better serve the Organization.

We regret that this important exchange is not reflected in the programme of work. This lack of visibility affects transparency and limits participation, particularly for delegations with fewer resources to follow the Committee’s daily proceedings. We would appreciate clarification on this matter.

Madame Chair,

Allow me to structure our reflection on the working methods of the Fifth Committee around three key principles: transparency, inclusivity, and rationalization of work — all underpinned by our continued commitment to consensus.

Transparency

We welcome document A/C.5/80/INF/1 on the organization of the work of the Fifth Committee, which enhances transparency and provides an overview of our working methods.

However, experience shows that many informal-informal meetings, weekend consultations, and late-night discussions are not reflected in the programme of work. This does not reflect the reality of the Committee’s operation. All meetings involving facilitators should be duly reflected in the programme of work, as was standard practice in the past.

We underline the importance of the Fifth Committee Secretariat’s presence in these meetings. Visibility strengthens accountability and supports effective work. 

Inclusivity

The European Union and its Member States emphasize the importance of preserving work–life balance for delegates and staff — not only as a principle, but as essential for effective participation. Work outside regular hours, on weekends, or overnight should remain the exception, not the norm. December holds special significance for many delegations, and we should carefully assess the need for meetings during a time traditionally devoted to family and personal observance. These practices exclude many delegations from the negotiation process and ultimately weaken both inclusivity and trust.

Timely receipt of documentation in all six official languages is crucial. Delays constrain meaningful engagement and affect inclusivity and transparency. Exceptions should be strictly limited to unforeseen circumstances. Reports should be ready at the start of each session, and the inclusion of items in the programme of work without the corresponding reports issued should be exceptional, not routine.

Rationalization of Work

Improving efficiency requires realistic planning and rationalized workloads. 

First, we should aim for achievable timelines and avoid systematic extensions. We suggest shortening the first resumed session by one week and, if necessary, extending the second resumed session by one week, in a cost-neutral manner and in the spirit of rational planning.

Second, we encourage biennial or triennial consideration of certain technical or procedural items. This would free time for substantive discussion, enhance oversight, and align with revitalization efforts under resolution 79/327 and UN80 reform.

Third, technology should be strategically used to support our work. We welcome the use of e-deleGATE, e-submit, and Umoja, and encourage the Secretariat to expand usability and provide structured, searchable information. Supplementary data should be automatically available in workable formats to facilitate analysis. Consolidating supplemental information into a single digital document at the end of the session could also simplify reference and avoid redundant requests. Finally, we should continue to explore ways to streamline documentation, reports should be concise, analytical, and aligned with the Committee’s needs.

Consensus and Cooperation

We reaffirm our commitment to consensus, the cornerstone of the Fifth Committee. The Committee has consistently reached agreement on complex technical issues, yet the increasing number of agenda items concluded with “no action,” deferral, or skeletal outcomes is concerning.

We value the ACABQ’s efforts to improve coordination and information exchange. We thank the ACABQ for flexibility in releasing analyses in advance, enabling better preparation by delegations. 

Madame Chair,

Improving our working methods should not be a one-off exercise but a continuous commitment — a process through which we make this Committee more efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all Member States.

Let me also recall the importance we attach to the field trip. We greatly value the close exchange between our Bureau and the Secretariat in identifying suitable destinations — considering budgetary, security, and logistical factors — and in broadening the scope of field destinations to reflect the Organization’s work more fully.

The European Union and its Member States stand ready to work constructively with all groups and delegations to make the Fifth Committee the Committee that leads by example.

I thank you, Madame Chair.