Namibia says the success of the UN80 reform process hinges on member states meeting their financial obligations and that efficiency measures do not undermine programmes that support developing countries.

Its permanent representative to the UN, Penda Naanda, addressed an informal plenary meeting convened by the president of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, this week.

He said the UN80 process offers a pathway to deliver the vision set out in the Pact for the Future adopted in 2024.

"We call on all Member States to ensure that they fulfil their financial obligations to the UN, in full and on time, to ensure that the United Nations becomes stronger, fairer, and more responsive to the challenges of the 21st century."

Ambassador Naanda also voiced Namibia's support for efforts to streamline UN operations and reduce duplication.

However, he says while savings and administrative reforms are necessary, review must not come at the expense of mandates that serve developing countries.

Namibia further supports the calls by the UN Secretary-General to protect the Resident Coordinator System, the Peacebuilding Fund and programmes benefiting Africa, Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.

"We support a systematic review of mandates to ensure they remain fit for purpose, coherent, and implementable, and in this regard, Namibia supports the ongoing Member State-driven process, led by our two colleagues from Jamaica and Norway, and we will continue to contribute constructively in the ongoing discussions. Third, on Workstream 3: Structural and Programmatic Realignment A. In considering staff reductions and relocations, equitable geographical representation between regions must be a guiding principle. There must be adherence to the principle of balance between male and female staff in considering staff reductions and relocations; elimination or reduction of posts should not unduly fall on junior posts. A. Any realignment should bring the UN closer to the field, closer to people, and closer to the realities of the Global South."

The discussions form part of ongoing consultations with UN member states under the UN80 Initiative.