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STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS BY DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE KAREN ONG OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 140: IMPROVING THE FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE MAIN PART OF THE

19 October 2026

81ST SESSION OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, NEW YORK, 19 OCTOBER 2026

Thank you very much, Mr Chair.

                    I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, on agenda item 140, Improving the Financial Situation of the UN. ASEAN aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Group of 77 and China.

2                   ASEAN thanks USG Catherine Pollard and Controller Chandru Ramanathan for their updates on the financial situation of the Organisation on 7 and 9 October 2026 respectively. We are encouraged that the Organisation's financial outlook has improved compared to earlier projections. Collections have strengthened considerably in recent months, with regular budget collections reaching their highest level at this point in the year in the last eight years, and the year-end collection forecast revised upwards to 95.6 per cent. Nevertheless, the liquidity situation remains fragile, particularly for peacekeeping operations. We also acknowledge the positive impact of the General Assembly's decision to revise the credit-return methodology on a trial basis, which has helped provide greater financial stability and breathing space for the Organisation. However, this is not a permanent solution – it has helped to stave off the Organisation’s financial collapse for now.

3                     First, liquidity is essential for effective mandate delivery. The financial health of the Organisation depends not only on the payment of assessed contributions, but also on the timely and predictable flow of those resources throughout the year. Delays in payment create liquidity pressures that affect planning, implementation and mandate delivery. Without adequate liquidity, the Secretariat is forced to operate under constraints that can delay activities and impede programme delivery. Liquidity is therefore not simply a financial issue. It has a direct impact on the UN's ability to implement mandates entrusted by Member States.

4                      Second, predictability is essential for sound financial management. We agree with the Secretariat on the importance of predictable cash flows. Predictable cash flows allow the Organisation to plan expenditures responsibly, allocate resources efficiently and manage costs more effectively. By contrast, uncertain payment patterns complicate workforce planning, procurement and operational decision-making. As the Controller has highlighted, uncertainty persisted for much of the year and affected the timely release of allotments and programme implementation. Greater predictability would enable the Organisation to focus on delivery rather than managing cash constraints.

5                    Third, timely payment remains the most effective and sustainable solution to the UN's financial challenges. While liquidity management measures are useful, they cannot substitute for timely payment of assessed contributions. While the regular budget outlook has improved, the situation for peacekeeping remains concerning. As of 30 September 2026, unpaid assessments for active peacekeeping missions stood at approximately US$3.4 billion, equivalent to almost 70 per cent of assessments for 2026/2027. The Controller has also projected a probable peacekeeping cash shortfall of approximately US$445 million during the current fiscal period. Timely payment is a charter obligation. It is a collective responsibility arising from our shared commitment to the Organisation and the mandates we have approved. ASEAN calls on all Member States to pay their assessed contributions in full, on time and without conditions.

6                   ASEAN recognises that some Member States face legitimate constraints that affect their ability to make payments on schedule. We nevertheless appreciate the efforts of those Member States that strive to honour their obligations despite these difficulties.

Mr Chair,

7                   ASEAN remains committed to meeting our financial obligations. We call on all Member States to do likewise. Ensuring adequate liquidity, timely payments and greater predictability of resources is indispensable if the UN is to remain effective, credible and fit for purpose.

Thank you.