STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS BY H.E. BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 138: PROPOSED PROGRAMME BUDGET 2023, AT THE MAIN PART OF THE 77TH SESSION OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, NEW YORK, 12 OCTOBER 2022

Thank you, Mr Chair.

1              I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on agenda item 138: Proposed Programme Budget for 2023. ASEAN aligns itself with the statement delivered by Pakistan on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2              ASEAN thanks the Secretary-General for introducing the proposed programme budget for 2023. We also thank Mr Abdallah Bachar Bong, Chair of the ACABQ, for introducing the report of the ACABQ. As this is the first time I am taking the floor in the Fifth Committee, please allow me to congratulate you, Mr Chairman, and the members of your Bureau, on your election.

Mr Chair,

3              We are discussing the budget of the United Nations against the backdrop of deepening global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, climate change, and an extended pandemic. These challenges impact all countries, but their impact is especially felt by developing countries. They also pose a real and growing obstacle to our aim to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

4              The United Nations provides an important platform for small and developing states to voice our needs, concerns, and priorities. But for the Organisation to do more, we need to ensure that budgeting is realistic and results-oriented. It is not right to make demands of the Organisation, while pursuing arbitrary cuts to the proposed budget, or withholding or threatening to withhold contributions to the Organisation. We need adequate resources to ensure a stronger and more effective United Nations that can give voice to the unheard, uphold international peace and security, and promote prosperity for all.

5              At the same time, ASEAN stresses the importance of the efficient and responsible utilisation of the Organisation’s resources as well as full transparency and accountability to Member States. ASEAN appreciates the continued efforts of the Secretary-General to improve the presentation of the programme budget. However, we note the ACABQ’s observation that some of the proposals in the current proposed programme budget appear similar to those for 2022, and might not reflect the real needs for 2023. We encourage the Secretariat to ensure that resources are clearly linked to a results-based budget framework and reflect existing mandates, in order for us to be sure that we meet the current needs and priorities of member states. We look forward to continued efforts by the Secretariat to refine the presentation of deliverables in future budget submissions.

Mr Chair,

6              The estimates to finance Special Political Missions in the proposed budget amount to over US$767 million. This accounts for over 23 percent of the proposed budget for 2023. We have put off having a serious discussion for several years now on the funding arrangements for Special Political Missions vis-à-vis other development priorities. This discussion is pertinent in view of the ongoing reform of the UN’s peace and security architecture. We hope for a robust discussion on the funding and backstopping of Special Political Missions at this session.

Mr Chair,

7              ASEAN will take an active interest in the forthcoming discussions. We look forward to constructive and productive dialogue with all stakeholders.

8              I thank you.

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