23 Oct 2009
STATEMENT BY MR LOY HUI CHIEN, FIRST SECRETARY, PERMANENT MISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 134: IMPROVING THE FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS, FIFTH COMMITTEE, 23 OCTOBER 2009
1 Thank you, Mr Chairman. At the outset, my delegation thanks Ms Angela Kane, Under-Secretary-General for Management, for her comprehensive presentation to the Fifth Committee on 16 October. My delegation associates itself with the statement by Sudan on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, as well as the statement by Philippines on behalf of ASEAN.
Mr Chairman,
2 Ms Kane's presentation last Friday provided sobering and timely insight into the financial situation facing the United Nations. All too often, Member States readily affirm the importance of ensuring a strong and dependable funding base for the UN, in order to ensure that the Organisation remains capable of implementing its mandated activities. And yet, the UN still operates under financial conditions that are less than stellar. Today, the UN's financial picture remains mixed. While there has been an improvement in the peacekeeping budgets, my delegation notes that, as of 16 October, the levels of unpaid assessments have increased for the Regular Budget, the Tribunals, and the Capital Master Plan as compared to 2008. In particular, the amounts outstanding for the Regular Budget total some $830 million. My delegation also notes that the number of Member States meeting their obligations in full across all categories of payments is lower than one year ago.
Mr Chairman,
3 My delegation once again emphasizes that the financial difficulties of the UN are entirely avoidable. We understand that some Member States face genuine difficulties in meeting their financial obligations, in part due to the current financial and economic crisis. But those countries do not account for a large proportion of the budget. The real reason behind this situation is well-known: late and non-payment by the major contributors. In other words, we would go a long way in putting the UN on a sound financial footing if the major contributors would exercise responsible leadership by paying in full, on time and without conditions. My delegation recalls the recent commitments by one of the major contributors to settle its outstanding bills. We look forward to concrete action to fully honour those commitments.
Mr Chairman,
4 While full and timely payment by Member States is indeed important, it cannot be overstated that the UN's financial situation is also dependent on how well it manages its resources. Member States have every right to demand the efficient and effective use of those limited resources. The Secretariat must be accountable and deliver results. My delegation continues to support concrete and serious efforts aimed at strengthening oversight and accountability in the Organisation, and we look forward to contributing positively to the discussions in the Fifth Committee on these matters at present and future sessions.
Mr Chairman,
5 To conclude, Singapore urges Member States to honour their assessed contributions in full, on time and without conditions. At this critical juncture in world affairs, when the UN is being tasked with growing responsibilities amidst scarce resources, we must ask ourselves: do we want a strong and effective United Nations, or one that remains hobbled by chronic, self-inflicted financial weakness? I thank you, Mr Chairman.
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