STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS BY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE BURHAN GAFOOR OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 138: PROPOSED PROGRAMME BUDGET 2027, AT THE MAIN PART OF THE 81st SESSION OF THE FIFTH

Thank you very much, Mr Chair.

                    I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (or ASEAN) on the Proposed Programme Budget for 2027. ASEAN aligns itself with the statement made by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. We thank the Secretary-General for his important remarks at the outset and for introducing his report. We also thank the ACABQ Chair and the CPC Vice Chair for introducing their Committees’ reports.

Mr Chair, 

2                   We are discussing the UN’s budget at a challenging time. Globally, we face disruptions caused by geopolitical contestation, intense conflict and emerging threats. At the same time, the Organisation is undergoing a period of profound renewal and transition.

3                    The budget we approve this year will be implemented by a new Secretary-General next year. We must ensure that he or she has the resources to implement the decisions we adopt and deal with the challenges ahead. ASEAN believes in the importance of a coherent, balanced and fiscally responsible budget. This will allow the UN to be effective and responsive, and above all, to deliver for our people.

4                 During the 80^th session, the General Assembly approved a 15 per cent reduction in financial resources and nearly 20 per cent cut in staffing under constraints. We also approved administrative changes to increase efficiencies and reduce duplication across the Secretariat. This was a remarkable demonstration of political will and reflected our collective interest in reform. It is in this spirit that ASEAN will engage in these budget negotiations.

Mr Chair,

5                      The challenges I’ve highlighted have a disproportionate effect on developing countries. This has become even more acute with the fragmentation of the international development system and shrinking aid budgets. The multilateral system must evolve and adapt to these new pressures. In this context, ASEAN stresses that regional economic commissions such as ESCAP, as well as the Resident Coordinator System, must continue to be adequately funded. These institutions remain important in helping countries meet their development goals. 

6                     At the same time, ASEAN stresses the importance of transparent accounting, and efficient and responsible use of the Organisation’s resources. We echo the ACABQ’s recommendation that the UN80 initiative must go beyond a one-time reform exercise to create a sustained culture of efficiency and cost-effectiveness, disciplined resource management and organisational improvement.

7                      ASEAN notes that the Secretary-General has proposed a 2027 programme budget that is a 4.3 per cent less than the appropriation for 2026. This decrease was driven primarily by reductions in Special Political Missions (SPMs). Despite these reductions, initial estimates to finance SPMs in the proposed budget amount to $422.6 million, which is more than 12 percent of the proposed budget. ASEAN’s views on the issue of funding and backstopping of Special Political Missions are well-known. This discussion in our view remains pertinent against the backdrop of the recently concluded review of the UN’s peacebuilding architecture.

Mr Chair,

8                      ASEAN supports efforts under the UN80 initiative to streamline processes, reduce duplication, and improve efficiency. Financial prudence is not about cutting for the sake of cutting. It is about making better use of limited resources, with a clear focus on implementation, mandate delivery, and impact on the ground. As a regional organisation, ASEAN remains deeply committed to strengthening the UN and multilateral system founded on international law. ASEAN looks forward to constructive negotiations with all delegations.

Thank you.