STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS BY JOSEPH TEO, DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS ON AGENDA ITEM 136: IMPROVING THE FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS, FIFTH COMMITTEE, 22 OCTOBER 2015

1        Thank you Mr Chairman. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on agenda item 136: Improving the Financial Situation of the United Nations.  ASEAN aligns itself with the statement just made by the distinguished representative of South Africa on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2        I thank Mr Yukio Takasu, Under-Secretary-General for Management, for his comprehensive presentation last week and for his update this morning. ASEAN has taken note of the Secretariat’s assessment that the UN’s financial indicators for 2015 are generally sound and positive. As of 22 October 2015, 134 Member States, including the 10 Member States of ASEAN, have fully paid their regular budget assessments. More Member States have paid their regular budget assessments in full than in October last year. ASEAN commends all Member States that have made a concerted effort to meet their financial obligations to the UN in full, on time and without conditions. In particular, ASEAN commends the 24 Member States that have fully paid all of their due assessments as of 15 October 2015.

3        At the same time, ASEAN is deeply concerned that even though more Member States are paying their regular budget assessments in full, the amount that remains unpaid is higher than a year ago. As highlighted by USG Takasu last week, the regular budget already has a negative cash flow position and will have even more severe problems, unless sufficient contributions are received soon. ASEAN calls on Member States with unpaid assessments to meet their obligations as soon as possible, in full and without conditions. We stress that the failure of Member States to fulfil their financial obligations compromises the effectiveness of the UN in implementing its mandates.

4                 We also note that the Secretariat still owes outstanding payments to member states contributing troops, police and equipment to UN peacekeeping missions. ASEAN appreciates the efforts of the Secretariat to reduce the quantum of the payments owed thus far and urges the Secretariat to expedite the payment of the remaining dues to member states.

Mr Chairman,

5          The UN is faced today with the heavy responsibility of responding to ever growing challenges that impact us all, from violent extremism to global climate change. The UN needs adequate resources to fulfil the mandates it is entrusted with to address these important issues. At the same time, we encourage the UN to continue to strengthen its internal processes and become a truly results-oriented organisation that is transparent and accountable to its Member States. As we mark 70 years of the United Nations, ASEAN stands ready to work constructively with the Secretariat and other Member States to build a stronger UN that does, in fact, better the entire world.

6      I thank you, Mr Chairman.