STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS BY COUNSELLOR (POLITICAL) FELICIA CHUA, PERMANENT MISSION OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 144: HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, AT THE FIRST PART OF THE 79TH RESUMED SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, NEW YORK, 24 FEBRUARY 2025

Mdm 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 144: Human Resources Management. ASEAN aligns itself with the statement delivered by Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2 ASEAN thanks the Secretariat and Advisory Committee for Administrative and Budgetary Questions for introducing their respective reports. We would also like to congratulate you, Mdm Chair, and your Bureau on the timely completion of the work of the Fifth Committee at the main session. Under your leadership, we hope to find consensus on a human resources resolution and the other administrative and budgetary issues that are being considered this session. 

Mdm Chair,

3 Both the Secretary-General, through his ongoing reforms for the United Nations, and Member States, through our ambitions in the Pact for the Future, are committed to transforming the Organisation so that it is future-ready and fit for purpose. To make progress on these ambitions, the human resources policies of the United Nations must evolve so that members of the Secretariat are equipped to support the rapidly growing demands of the Organisation today. ASEAN wishes to highlight three points in this regard:

4 First, the composition of the Organisation’s staff should be an accurate reflection and representation of the Organisation’s international character. We note the Secretary-General’s report on the composition of staff, which acknowledged the “uneven progress” towards reducing the number of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States from 2019 to 2023. While we note the slight improvement in terms of increase in number of staff from developing countries at the D-1 level and above, more work is still needed in all staff levels. ASEAN will continue to pay attention to the composition of the United Nations’ staff, to ensure that the Organisation remains multinational, and is able to benefit fully from a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. We also hope to find consensus on the proposed restructure of the UN Secretariat internship programme and the movement of staff from General Service category to the Professional and Field Service categories.

5 Second, the human resources policies and the liquidity situation of the United Nations are inextricably linked. We note with concern from the Secretary-General’s report that temporary hiring restrictions imposed as a result of the dismal liquidity situation of the UN have constrained efforts to fill geographical posts that could have gone to un- and under-represented countries. Further, training and development of staff are key to ensuring that we are able to build the United Nations that we need to respond to the challenges of today. Secretariat staff are the backbone of the Organisation. While we are cognisant of the UN’s ongoing liquidity challenges, we hope that their training is not compromised to achieve short-term savings, including training locations which should not be limited to the UN Headquarters, as this would be detrimental to the UN’s ability to deliver on its mandates in the long-term. 

6 Third, ASEAN would like to stress that flexible working arrangements at the United Nations should be aimed at improving the overall productivity and efficiency of the Organisation. Flexible working arrangements are therefore not an entitlement and should be subject to review in line with the situation and needs on the ground. Ultimately, exigencies of service should always take precedence to ensure that the UN Secretariat remains responsive to Member States and that its work remains effective and efficient.  

7 Mdm Chair, in closing, ASEAN will continue to work closely and constructively with all delegations towards the successful conclusion of this session. I assure you of our full support. 

Thank you.

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