AFRICAN GROUP STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. MOHAMED DABO AT THE TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL CHAMBER ON THE 1ST MEETING OF THE INFORMAL AD HOC WORKING GROUP ON THE MANDATE IMPLEMENTATION REVIEW

  Delivered by H.E. Mohamed Dabo

Permanent Representative of Guinea to the United Nations

16th September 2025

Excellencies,

I am honoured to deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group during the First meeting of the Informal Ad Hoc Working Group on the Mandate Implementation Review.

At the outset, we wish to congratulate Her Excellency Ambassador Carolyn Schwalger from New Zealand and His Excellency Brian Wallace from Jamaica on their recent appointments as co-chairs. We are confident in your leadership and abilities to steer our collective efforts with utmost transparency and inclusivity, adhering to established intergovernmental norms and procedures that underpin this process.

Aligning with the statement from the Permanent Representative of Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, the African Group wishes to make a few additional remarks:

We recognize the urgent need to streamline mandates to alleviate unnecessary administrative burdens on the UN. The effectiveness of any reforms must enhance the organization’s responsiveness to the diverse priorities and pressing needs of Member States and the populations we serve.

While we collectively recognize the importance to enhancing mandate implementation and streamlining outputs, it is imperative that the core mandates across all three pillars of the UN, particularly the Development pillar, are preserved. The Working Group should remain open and receptive to a broader array of ideas beyond those outlined in the Secretary-General’s report.

Moreover, it is crucial to adopt a realistic and focused approach when establishing meaningful and achievable targets. While ambition is important, it must align with existing realities to avoid repeating past failures in achieving intended outcomes. The Working Group should not duplicate the work of existing bodies; rather, it should leverage those forums to address specific aspects, thereby allowing the Working Group to concentrate on its core objectives.

Furthermore, while the Secretariat plays a vital role in advancing efficiencies, intergovernmental organs must safeguard the integrity of mandates as outlined by the UN Secretary General. Reform efforts should proceed with full authority and oversight from Member States, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.

Our discussions must be guided by foundational principles. Establishing realistic and achievable timeframes is essential for interactive and constructive dialogues. This will enable meaningful deliberation without the pressure of rushed timelines. It is vital for the Working Group to be cognizant of the fact that many member states will be actively engaged in the work of various committees and other processes, which may hinder their ability to follow multiple discussions simultaneously.

A Member States-driven approach will enhance the quality of our discussions, fostering creativity and innovation in addressing pressing issues. We must cultivate a culture of consensus in decision-making, promoting collaboration and valuing diverse viewpoints.

To effectively organize the agenda of the Working Group, we propose a phased and structured approach that allows for an in-depth examination of key issues. Allocating adequate time for each phase is crucial for meaningful engagement.

Additionally, the agenda should reflect the priorities of all Member States while retaining the flexibility to adapt to evolving needs. Implementing regular review points will facilitate the assessment of our progress and recalibrate discussions, ensuring a steadfast commitment to consensus and collaboration.

In conclusion, the African Group is committed to actively and constructively participating in the discussions of the informal ad hoc Working Group on the Mandate Implementation Review.

Thank you for your attention.