STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS BY MS DIANA LEE, COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF SINGAPORE, ON AGENDA ITEM 134: SHIFTING THE MANAGEMENT PARADIGM OF THE UNITED NATIONS, 31 MAY 2018

Thank you, Mr. Chairman,

1.         I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the ten Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), on agenda item 134: Shifting the management paradigm of the United Nations.

2.         ASEAN aligns itself with the statement delivered by Egypt on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. We thank Ms. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, Chef de Cabinet, as well as Mr. Carlos Ruiz-Massieu, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for introducing their respective reports on this agenda item.

Mr. Chairman,

3.         ASEAN thanks the Secretary-General for his continued commitment to a transparent, inclusive, and Member State-driven process. This is of key importance to our group.

4.         ASEAN also takes this opportunity to thank the ACABQ for its thorough consideration of the important issues before us. In our view, the ACABQ report is a good basis for our deliberations on this agenda item, especially in regard to the Advisory Committee's comments on critical areas such as ICT, procurement, and human resources. We would have liked to also see reports on Accountability, ICT, and the Global Service Delivery Model presented during this session, so that the Committee could have undertaken a holistic and thorough examination of all inter-related issues. However, we understand that more time is needed by the Advisory Committee, and in ASEAN's view, prudence takes precedence over haste.

Mr. Chairman,

5.         ASEAN welcomes efforts to make the United Nations more effective and efficient. We note that the Secretary-General's proposed reforms for the development system, peace and security, and management are focused on increasing the Organisation's impact on the ground. Implemented correctly, these reforms can strengthen our collective response to the needs and concerns of Member States, with better outcomes and greater accountability. We reiterate that reform must continue to be focused on outcomes, especially in the quality of services rendered to Member States. We are therefore pleased that the Secretary-General has put an emphasis on streamlining processes and reducing unnecessary bureaucracy. This is long overdue, and we should support efforts towards making the Organisation more coherent and sensible. At the same time, ASEAN will also pay particular attention to the role of oversight bodies in the proposed new structures, and whether their views have been taken on board, including the Office of Internal Oversight Services, the Board of Auditors, and the Joint Inspection Unit.

6.         In addition, ASEAN is encouraged that the Secretary-General has elaborated on his intention to promote a culture change in the Organisation. This is central to driving reform, and we are pleased that the Secretary-General's report touches on 360-degree evaluations for managers and leaders, which we hope to hear more about during informal consultations. We will also expect concrete efforts and measurable progress in ensuring equitable geographical distribution across the United Nations, including at senior levels.

7.         Finally, ASEAN once again highlights that reform is a process that we undertake together. Member States must also do our part to enable the Secretary-General's reforms, including paying our assessed contributions in full, on time, and without conditions, in accordance with our established legal and financial obligations under the Charter of the United Nations.

Mr. Chairman,

8.         ASEAN will participate fully in the coming informal consultations. We look forward to a fruitful and constructive discussion with all stakeholders as we embark on the next phase of our journey together.

I thank you, Mr Chairman.

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