19 May 2011
STATEMENT BY MR CRAIG LIM, COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 131: IMPROVING THE FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS, FIFTH COMMITTEE, 19 MAY 2011
Mr Chairman/Mdm Chairperson,
1 I would like to thank the Under-Secretary-General for Management, Ms Angela Kane, for her comprehensive and very informative presentation on 12 May 2011 on agenda item 131: Improving the financial situation of the United Nations. We would also like to thank Assistant-Secretary-General and Controller, Mr Jun Yamazaki, for his update this morning. In addition, we would like to express our appreciation to the Contribution and Policy Coordination Service for the assistance it renders not just to Singapore, but to all Member States.
2 My delegation is pleased to learn that at the end of 2010, the financial situation of the United Nations had improved compared to the same period the year before, with cash in hand having increased by US$772 million. We are also encouraged by the fact that more Member States had paid in full, all their assessments to the United Nations this year, compared to 2010 . However, we note that unpaid assessments as of 10 May 2011 had increased by US$366 million and US$477 million for the Regular and Peacekeeping Budgets respectively over the same period in 2010. While Singapore is sympathetic to countries, particularly those in the developing world, that continue to face difficulties owing to global financial pressures, as well as countries who have suffered catastrophic natural disasters and their aftermath, we strongly feel that Member States, especially the major contributors, must do much more to ensure that they honour their financial obligations to the Organisation without pre-condition, and in a predictable and timely manner.
3 This Committee spends so much time and effort to ensure that all the mandates established by us Member States, and in some instances, by a select group of Member States, are provided with adequate resources, but it is always a disappointment to learn that the problem of unpaid assessments continues to plague this Organisation, despite each of its members being fully aware of their commitments. These expressions of disappointment have sadly become routine, but clearly, that does not make it any more acceptable. In this regard, we hope that these Member States will redouble their efforts to fully pay what is owed to the United Nations.
4 That said, just as much as Member States have an obligation to this Organisation, Singapore also believes that a lot more could be done by the Secretariat to ensure that the resources provided by Member States are utilised in the most effective and efficient manner, particularly at a time when belts are still being tightened in so many countries around the world. A lot has been said about the importance of accountability, which for my delegation, is not just an organisational matter, but one that also goes far deeper, into the realm of personal responsibility. Therefore, we will continue to work closely with Member States and the Secretariat to further strengthen accountability in the Organisation, and to ensure the most effective and efficient delivery of results, including from the best use of resources, that are in the best interests of both Member States and the United Nations.
5 Thank you.
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