STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA DURING THE FORTY-SEVENTH RESUMED SESSION OF THE
PREPARATORY COMMISSION, DELIVERED BY H.E. AMBASSADOR REZA NAJAFI, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Vienna, 2 March 2017
Madam Chairperson,
1. At the outset, the Group of 77 and China would like to congratulate you, Ambassador Paulina Maria FRANCESCHI NAVARRO, Permanent Representative of Panama on your assumption as the Chair of the Preparatory Commission this year. The Group is confident that under your able leadership, wisdom and guidance, the work of the Preparatory Commission will reach a productive outcome.
2. On agenda item 3, the Group would like to thank the Executive Secretary, Dr Lassina Zerbo, for steering the process of the appointment of Directors at the PTS in an inclusive and transparent manner. The Group welcomes and supports both appointments of Ms Margarete Barbosa SOBRAL from Brazil as the Director of the Human Resources and Mr. Patrick GRENARD from France as the Director of the Division of Administration for a period of two years from 13 March 2017 to 12 March 2019.
3. The Group takes this opportunity to continue encouraging the Executive Secretary in his efforts to significantly improve the gender balance and the equitable geographical distribution within the organization and at all levels of responsibilities.
4. Finally, the Group takes this opportunity to assure you of its full support and cooperation.
