Fifth Committee

STATEMENT BY MR TAN FANG QUN, DELEGATE, PERMANENT MISSION OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 129: PROGRAMME BUDGET: BIENNIUM 2010 - 2011 - INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY AND UMOJA / ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING, 29 NOVEMBER 2010

Mr Chairman

1. Thank you for giving me the floor. I would like to express my delegation's appreciation to Assistant Secretary General, Controllor, Mr Jun Yamazaki, for introducing the report of the Secretary-General, A/65/491, on the status of implementation of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) strategy for the UN Secretariat; A/65/389, on the second progress report on the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP); and A/65/308, on the third progress report on the adoption of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) by the UN. In addition, I would also like to thank the Chair of the ACABQ, Ms Susan McLurg, for introducing the Committee's reports, A/65/576 and A/65/577.

ICT Structural Review

2. Singapore fully appreciates the benefits that can be derived from a modern, effective and integrated ICT system, particularly for an Organisation as large and as complex as the UN. Therefore, Singapore supports the efforts of the Secretary-General to rationalise the current highly fragmented ICT environment within the UN, and to leverage on ICT in order to improve the Organisation's effectiveness and efficiency in its service delivery and in the discharge of its mandates.

3. The structural review that took stock of the ICT capacities across the Organisation has given Member States our first comprehensive look at where the Organisation stands in this important area, employing approximately 4,200 personnel and spending US$770 million annually. The review was also useful in identifying where shortcomings lie in the current situation. We appreciate the Secretary-General's efforts in proposing solutions to address these problems in a comprehensive manner. In this connection, Singapore understands the rationale behind the four proposals - (i) for globalised service desks; (ii) the streamlining of data centers; (iii) the rationalisation of ICT organisation in the UN; and (iv) the strengthening of the Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT).

4. That said, as we enter into our deliberations on this issue, it is important that as we keep one eye on the long-term strategic needs of the Organisation. We should also strive to ensure that the best route is chosen to bring us to the intended destination. Ambition is important to achieve the many goals laid out in the ICT strategy, but Singapore is firmly convinced that it is also important to carefully scrutinise and prioritise the proposals on the table to ensure that those that can deliver the best outcomes are selected and provided with necessary resources.

Enterprise Resource Planning

Mr Chairman,

5. On the ERP, Singapore notes that considerable progress had been made towards realising the Umoja vision of a high-quality and cost-effective delivery of services in support of the evolving mandates of the UN Secretariat anywhere in the world. In particular, we are pleased to note that the final part of the design phase is now underway, and that Umoja is projected to deliver within the timeframe projected in the first progress report, A/64/380. It is imperative that we ride this momentum and put in place the necessary mechanisms and personnel required to push ahead with this initiative and realise the benefits as soon as possible.

6. However, while we focus on process change, we should not ignore the human element. As with any changes, there will be resistance to the new systems and uneasiness among staff members on the new processes. All UN staff must have the same shared vision, and there must also be active long-term buy-in from all stakeholders. In addition, it is important to take note of ACABQ's views that the "sustained commitment of the Secretary-General, the Management Committee and the Project Steering Committee" will be required in creating the conditions that will facilitate Organisation-wide adaptation to change and improved methods of work. Therefore, it is clear that success will hinge on strong leadership to generate support and cooperation from all levels in the Organisation.

International Public Sector Accounting Standards

Mr Chairman,

7. Singapore would also like to welcome the report of the Secretary-General on the UN's adoption of IPSAS as we see this as a step towards improving governance, accountability and transparency in the UN system. It is essential that there is a consistent application of a rigorous set of accounting standards and we support the proposed strategy of a progressive incorporation of IPSAS requirements into the UN system's existing accounting standards and information systems. This is a balanced and practical approach and we share the ACABQ's sentiments that this could "facilitate a smooth transition to IPSAS and also clarify IPSAS-related requirements for the enterprise resource planning system". That said, given that IPSAS adoption is dependent to some degree on the progress made towards the implementation of Umoja, it is important to ensure that there continues to be close coordination and alignment of activities between the two projects so that their objectives remain on track and are implemented within the set timelines.

Conclusion

Mr Chairman,

8. In conclusion, Singapore appreciates the fact that important progress had been made in putting in place a new and more efficient ICT framework and system for the UN. That said, more work still needs to be done to place the Organisation in a stronger position to harness the benefits arising from the various initiatives. In this connection, Singapore looks forward to contributing positively to the coming deliberations on these issues. Thank you.

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