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Statement by Ambassador DAI Bing at the Second Resumed Session of the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly on Agenda Item 143: Improving the Financial Situation of the United Nations

2021-05-14 05:39

Mr. Chair,

The Chinese delegation thanks Ms. Catherine Pollard, Under-Secretary-General of DMSPC, for the presentation on the financial situation of the Organization, and Mr. Chandramouli Ramanathan, Assistant-Secretary-General and Controller, for the presentation on the management of liquidity situation. China associates itself with the statement made by the delegate of Guinea on behalf of "the Group of 77 and China" and wishes to make the following comments and recommendations.

Finance serves as the foundation of and an important element underpinning the UN governance. A sound financial situation is not only the material basis for the UN to perform its duties and functions, but also an important guarantee for the implementation of UN reform initiatives. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the restoration of China’s lawful rights in the UN. As the largest developing country, a permanent member of the Security Council, and the second largest contributor to UN regular budget and peacekeeping assessments, China has always been a strong supporter for the work of the UN. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and rising financial constraints at home, China has paid in full all the contributions and various assessments at this stage, taking concrete actions to practice multilateralism and uphold the UN-centered international system. China commends those Member States who have fully paid their contributions and assessments.

The global economy has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The UN are facing a liquidity crisis and worrisome financial situation. According to the Secretariat, as of 30 April, the total unpaid assessments under the regular budget and peacekeeping budget amount to 1.427 billion and 2.485 billion US dollars respectively, seriously affecting the UN’s work and the implementation of its mandates. This leads to increasing delays in reimbursement to the TCC/PCCs that exacerbate the financial burden on these countries. One member state owes the UN regular budget more than one billion US dollars and peacekeeping budget more than 1.6 billion US dollars, accounting for 70% and 66% of the total arrears. My delegation expresses deep concern over this situation and calls upon this member state to respond to the Secretary-General’s repeated appeals for timely payment, and take the lead by expeditiously settling its dues.

At the same time, due to the ever more challenging, complex and dangerous environment facing peacekeeping operations, it is all the more urgent to improve the safety and security of peacekeepers. China has initiated the launch of the Group of Friends on the Safety and Security of UN Peacekeepers, and supports to take concrete measures to enhance the safety and security of peacekeepers. Improving the safety and security of peacekeepers necessitates safeguards from medical, training and equipment perspectives, which require the supply of resources from the Secretariat. The Secretariat should also implement comprehensive budget performance management, strengthen internal control, accountability and budget discipline so that every penny by taxpayers of member states is well-managed and well-spent.

China will work with other member states and take a constructive part in the consultations on various agenda items to ensure all the work is completed as scheduled. China will continue to support the UN and its specialized agencies for the UN to play a bigger role in promoting world peace and security.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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