STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS BY MR AARON MAK, DELEGATE OF THE PERMANENT MISSION OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 138: PROPOSED PROGRAMME BUDGET FOR 2027 CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT:

Thank you, 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 138 in relation to the completion of the projects at the regional economic commissions, particularly for the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, or ESCAP. ASEAN aligns itself with the Statement made by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2.              ASEAN thanks the Secretary-General and the ACABQ for their reports.

Chair,

3.              As the United Nations’ largest regional commission, ESCAP has promoted regional cooperation and development for almost eight decades. It brings together 52 members and nine associate members to address shared challenges and advance common development objectives. This role is especially important as around sixty per cent of ESCAP’s membership comprises countries in special situations, alongside emerging and middle-income economies. ASEAN supports ESCAP’s efforts to advance sustainable and inclusive development across its membership. We also support an equitable allocation of resources that takes account of the Asia-Pacific’s needs and priorities. Global progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals depends on ensuring that our region is not left behind. ASEAN remains fully supportive of ESCAP’s work and thanks the host Government of Thailand for its continued support to the Commission.

4.              ASEAN commends ESCAP for its foresight in strengthening the seismic resilience of its premises. The value of this investment became clear when the retrofitted buildings withstood the earthquake of 28 March 2025. This experience demonstrates a simple but important point: preventive investments can safeguard personnel while ensuring continuity of operations. With construction activities substantially completed, the practical priority is now to secure an orderly close-out and preserve the long-term value of the project. ASEAN therefore looks forward to the successful conclusion of the 24-month defects liability period in June 2027.

5.              The experience gained from this project should also benefit the wider United Nations system. ASEAN encourages the Secretariat to draw lessons that can strengthen the delivery of future United Nations construction projects. The ESCAP experience demonstrates the value of clear project objectives, effective stakeholder engagement and sufficient flexibility to respond to unforeseen circumstances. Sound risk management is equally important. Emerging challenges should be addressed before they result in unnecessary costs or delays. Value for money also depends on how projects are designed and implemented. Local expertise, clear project requirements, and transparent and competitive procurement can contribute to practical and cost-effective solutions. These lessons should inform future capital projects. The transition from construction to operations deserves similar attention. ASEAN welcomes ESCAP’s efforts to transfer knowledge and responsibilities to its facilities team. These lessons should not remain confined to Bangkok. As the Committee considers the completion of the projects at ECA, ECLAC and ESCAP together, ASEAN encourages the Secretariat to systematically capture and share good practices across United Nations capital projects.

6.              ASEAN also welcomes the efficiencies achieved through the more effective use of the ESCAP premises. The retrofit has enabled additional United Nations entities to be accommodated within the building, generating additional income under Income Section 2 while supporting the wider use of common premises. This is a useful example of how capital investments can continue to generate value after construction is completed.

7.              Our objective should therefore be clear: to bring the ESCAP project to a successful close, preserve the benefits of the investment, and ensure that the lessons learned strengthen the management of future United Nations construction projects. ASEAN will continue to contribute constructively to the Committee’s deliberations on these projects.

8.              Thank you.