Fifth Committee, 33rd plenary meeting - General Assembly, Second part of the resumed 80th session

I Call to order the 33rd meeting of the fifth committee at the second part of our resumed ATS session.
Distinguished delegates, we turn our attention to action on draft resolutions on the issues that were before the committee during the second part of its resumed ATS session.
I am pleased to welcome to the committee the Assistant Secretary-General of the Office of Program Planning Finance, and Budget and Controller, Mr.
Chandra Dmanatan.
Owing to the fact that most of the draft proposals before you have only been adopted informally in the last few days, I should like to inform delegations that the majority of resolutions as well as the decision before the committee today are provisional versions and subject to editorial review and quality control.
They will be issued in the six official languages as quickly as possible.
Taking fully into account the various resolutions of the General Assembly on multilingualism, I thank all delegations for their flexibility to proceed exceptionally with these documents in English only to facilitate the conclusion of the work of the committee at the second part of its resumed ATS session.
I thank you for your cooperation.
I first invite the committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 133, entitled Financial Reports and audited Financial Statements and Reports of the Board of Auditors.
The attention of the committee is drawn to draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 33, entitled Financial Reports and audited Financial Statements and Reports of the Board of Auditors submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Indonesia, Mr.
Evan Norsad.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 33 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no further as I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item.
I now invite the committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 134 entitled Review of the efficiency of the Administrative and Financial Functioning of the United Nations.
The committee's attention is first drawn to draft resolution slash slash 80 L entitled Credit Return Methodology submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Switzerland, Mr.
Oliver Humble.
Before proceeding to the adoption of the draft resolution, I invite the controller to make a few remarks.
Mr.
Ramanatan, you have the floor.
Good afternoon, Madam Chair, Distinguished delegates.
I can confirm that the reference to the relevant parts of a slash A slash 367 in paragraph one of the draft resolution relates only to paragraphs 33 to 40 in relation to the return of credits.
And similarly, the reference to the relevant parts of slash 80 slash seven slash 29, that is the AABQ report.
In paragraph two relates only to paragraph 27 of the AABQ report.
Thank you.
I thank Mr.
Ramanatan for his statement.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.
Madam Chair, we would like to note that the General Assembly repeatedly adopted decisions which are geared towards improving the financial situations of the situation of the United Nations, specifically resolutions 73 slash 307 and 76 slash 272, which adopted measures to improve the liquidity situation of the organization, including management of the cash balances of peacekeeping operations, through a single pool, the working capital fund, is means being increased and other measures were adopted.
The Russian Federation at the time, voiced their concern in connection to the fact that the measures are not helping to address the root cause, namely the problem with the refusal of certain states, their refusal fulfill to make their financial contributions.
These are issues which are liable to further exacerbate the situation.
As we have all seen, this is precisely what is taking place.
Our warnings are coming to pass.
None of these measures in and of themselves are helping to help improve the situation.
If member states continue to fail to comply with their financial obligations, making their payments in time on full and without any conditions whatsoever.
We wish to emphasize the fact that the text of the resolution, which was agreed upon, which we are adopting, explicitly sets out this very important premise.
Moreover, it's important that the text also points to instances when member states themselves are not in a position to make payments owing to external financial constraints.
The Russian Federation believes that the term external financial constraints encompasses the repercussions of unilateral coercive measures, including the obstacles that they erect to the fulfillment of international banking transactions and payments and transfers in the fulfillment by states of their financial obligations.
As we have seen our interpretation aligns with that of the United Nations Secretariat.
We highly value the consensus that was arrived at the committee, vis-à-vis the recognition of the existence of this problem, which has arisen as a result of the imposition of UCMs and the need to take these circumstances into account when adopting a new method new methods for the return of cash of credits that are unused.
However, the limitations of work of the banking financial sector, encompasses a host of, developing states and these states should not be compelled to shoulder the burden of these additional negative repercussions in the fulfillment of their financial obligations to their organization naturally.
As a matter of principle at the Fifth Committee, the discussion on the whole on this subject is long overdue to adopt bolder decisions, which ultimately should help to protect the United Nations from illegitimate sanctions.
We view this draft resolution as an important step towards a more equitable and objective, taking into account of the circumstances implementing financial procedures of the organization.
Thank you for your attention.
If there are no further comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 50 as a whole without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? Okay.
I next invite the committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 148 entitled Administrative and Budgetary Aspects of the financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping operations.
Under this agenda item, the committee will consider a total of five draft resolutions.
The committee will next consider draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 49, entitled Tennal Review of the rates and Standards for reimbursement to member states for contingent on equipment, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Cameroon, Mr.
Jebertranina.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A C five slash 80 slash L 49 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? I see no further requests for the floor.
So we have concluded our consideration of this question.
The committee will next consider draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 46, entitled rates of reimbursement to Troop and Police contributing countries submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Guinea, miss Mason Cabsale.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 46 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this question.
The attention of the committee is first drawn to draft resolution slash slash 80 slash 46 45, sorry, 45, entitled Support Account for Peacekeeping operations submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Austria, miss Risoff.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 45 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this question.
I next invite the committee to consider draft resolution A slash slash 80 slash L 47, entitled Financing of the United Nations Regional Service Center in Inna Uganda, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Canada, Mr.
Michael Lloyd Astone.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution slash slash 80 slash L 47 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see, no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this question.
The committee will next consider draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 48, entitled, Financing of the United Nations Logistics Base Brnisi Italy, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Canada, Mr.
Michael Lloyd Este.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 48 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this question.
Before taking up the agenda items on the individual peacekeeping missions, I would like to convey my deep appreciation to the representative of Norway, Mr.
Tobjn Svenik, who facilitated discussion on all peacekeeping operation.
I I invite the committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 149 entitled Financing of the United Nations Interim Security Force for IBAE.
The attention of the committee is drawn to draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 34, entitled Financing of the United Nations Interim Security Force for IBIE submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Switzerland, Mr.
Lois Cera.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 34 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item.
I next invite the committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 150, entitled Financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic.
The attention of the committee is drawn to draft resolution A slash slash 80 slash L 35, entitled Financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, submitted on the basis of informal consultations, coordinated by the representative of Israel, miss Odwsinsky.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A slash slash 80 slash L 35 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item.
I next invite the committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 151? Yeah, 151, entitled Financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.
The attention of the committee is drawn to draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 36 entitled, Financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Paraguay, miss Vivian Sanabria.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A slash five slash 80 slash L 36 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item.
I now invite the committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 152, entitled Financing of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The attention of the committee is drawn to draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 37, entitled Financing of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Bulgaria, Sisulana fova and Gova.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 37 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item.
I next invite the committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 154, entitled Financing of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.
The attention of the committee is drawn to draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 38 entitled Financing of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.
Submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Liberia, this is Vancy Marcella Williams.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 38 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see, no request for the floor.
We have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item.
I next invite the committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 155, entitled Financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali.
The attention of the committee is drawn to draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 39, entitled financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Georgia, Mr.
Josef Georgi Gani.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution eight C five slash 80 slash L 39 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor.
We have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item.
I next invite the committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 156 entitled, Financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping force in the Middle East.
Under sub item A, entitled United Nations Disenngagement Observer Force.
The committee has before it a draft resolution contained in document A slash C five slash 80 slash L 40, entitled, Financing of the United Nations Disenngagement Observer Force, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of the Bahamas, Mr.
Obafemi Travis McKenzie.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
First, let me start by actually thanking you for all the efforts that you have put into getting us this far and thank all the colleagues from the fifth committee who have worked tiressly.
My expert was texting me at unsociable hours, which makes me only think of how late all of you have stayed to achieve this results.
Colleagues, most of you have noticed that Syria has been unusually active on this item, and that is because we are facing an unusual time.
All of us here at the UN, the PRs and experts alike call for the UN to be an organization that adapts and deals with peace and security matters in a timely fashion.
For 50 years, the situation of Andov was uneventful.
Odov did its task in an effective manner.
There were no debates about its budget or any situation linked to it.
Unfortunately, when the Syrian people decided to liberate themselves and actually get rid of that part of the Syrian border of non state actors that were a threat to the wider region, including Israel, Israel decided to move into the peacekeeping force area where Andov operates.
These areas for colleagues unfamiliar, have Syrian civilians in them.
They have Syrian towns, they have Syrian mothers, they have Syrian schools, they have Syrian hospitals.
Since the presence there, Odof in their own words, have faced an unusual reality.
The detention of Israeli by the IDF of Syrian citizens, the use of pesticides required Oof to engage very effective with the community.
The last time and these pictures are very easily Googleable was two days ago where most of our countries issued statements were of another incursion that Odaf helped facilitate.
Odaf is actually doing real meaningful work on the ground and that requires resources, resources that unfortunately we all have to pay from our national budgets, from our contributions due to this situation.
I'm also taking to the floor to hopefully say that next year, I wouldn't have to come here again and that my colleague would not have to be as active as it is, because this situation we find ourselves in, you find yourself in is something that only happened 15 months ago.
It's not something that was there for the 50 years.
We are doing our part politically.
We are engaging through the United States with active mediation with Israel to try to end this effort, but until then, we will have to do everything we can and we owe it to the Syrian people, the Syrian civilians there, that the presence of the UN, which is incredibly important to them, remains funded until we resolve this issue.
Once more, thank you to all of you who've worked so hard and hopefully I wouldn't have to see you next year again.
Thank you.
If there are no further comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 40 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this sub item.
Under sub item B, entitled United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, the committee has before it a draft resolution contained in document A C five slash 80 slash L 32 slash revision one, entitled Financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, submitted by the representative of Uruguay on behalf of the states that are members of the group of 77 and China.
I give the floor to the representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group 77 and China to introduce the draft resolution.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I have the honor to introduce draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash oh 32 slash prep one, entitled Financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon on behalf of the Group of 77 in China.
The group would like to thank the Secretary-General for his reports on the financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon as containing document A slash 80 slash 634, and the Chair of the Advisory Committee on administrative and Budgetary s for the related report containing document A slash 80 slash six oh four slash ad addendum 12.
Madam Chair.
In response to General Assembly Resolution 79 slash three oh eight, the Secretary-General states in his report that Israel has not paid the amount of $1,117,005 due as accounts receivable for UNIFIL resulting from the tragic incident in Kana on April 18, 1996.
The Secretary-General further explains that he has not received any response to the 31 letters addressed on this matter, the most recent dated December 30, 2025.
The Group of 77 in China stresses once again that the amount due from the incident in Kana on April 18, 1996, should be paid by Israel and requests the Secretary-General to report on this matter to the General Assembly at its 81st session.
In this regard, the Group of 77 in China is the sponsor of preambular paragraph four and operative paragraphs 4, five, and 18 of the draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 32 slash revision one, entitled Financing of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.
Madam Chair, I would like to reiterate the appreciation of the Group of 77 in China to the Secretary-General for his efforts in this regard and to the United Nations Interim force in Lebanon for its sacrifices and positive contribution to restoring peace and security in the region.
I thank you.
We shall now proceed to consider the draft resolution.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.
Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor.
My delegation would like to introduce the following oral amendment to draft resolution a slash C dot slash 80 slash dot 32 slash rev one, the deletion of preambular paragraph four and operative paragraphs 4, five, and 18.
We urge member states to join Israel in supporting this amendment.
Should a recorded vote be requested on our oral amendment, my delegation calls on all member states to vote in favor of the deletion of these paragraphs.
In the event that our amendment is not adopted, my delegation requests that the action on the draft resolution as a whole be taken by a recorded vote.
We would like to remind everyone in the committee that this is a technical committee and any attempts to insert political agendas into an otherwise non political discussion undermines the very credibility of this committee.
Thank you.
Thank you.
The Representative of Israel has proposed an oral amendment to draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash 32 slash Revision one to delete the preamble of paragraph four and operative paragraphs 4, five, and 18.
I give the floor to the representative of Uruguay on behalf of the group of 77 and China.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I request a recorded vote on the oral amendment proposed by the representative of Israel.
A recorded vote has been requested on the oral amendment proposed by the representative of Israel.
In accordance with Rule 130 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the committee shall first take a decision on the proposed amendments submitted by the representative of Israel.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement in explanation of vote before the vote? Before we begin the voting process, I should like to remind members that pursuant to Rule 128 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, no representative shall interrupt the voting except on a point of order on the actual conduct of the voting.
I now put to the vote the oral amendment as submitted by the Representative of Israel to the draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 32 slash Revision one.
Those in favor, please press two.
Those against press three, and abstentions, press four.
Those in favor, please press two.
Those against press three, and abstentions press four.
I now give the floor to the secretary of the committee.
Will delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the board? The voting has been completed, the machine is locked.
The result of the vote is as follows in favor five, against 83, abstentions 53.
The oral amendment submitted by the representative of Israel is not adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement in explanation of vote after the vote? I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Use of General Assembly funding resolutions to pursue claims against a member state is not appropriate.
We have historically opposed General Assembly resolutions on this item because they required a member state to pay for costs stemming from the an incident of 1996.
These resolutions were not consensus resolutions.
Since shortly after the founding of the United Nations, the procedure which has been followed is that the Secretary-General presents and pursues the settlement of the organization's claims against the state or states.
Using a funding resolution to legislate a settlement is inappropriate.
It also politicizes the work of the General Assembly, and Lord knows we don't need more politics around here.
It politicizes the work of the General Assembly's fifth Committee and should be avoided both now and in the future.
I thank you.
The recorded vote has been requested by the Representative of Israel on draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 32 slash Revision one as a whole.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement in explanation of vote before the vote? We shall now proceed to take a decision on the draft resolution.
Before we begin the voting process, I should like to remind delegations that pursuant to Rule 128 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, no representative shall interrupt the voting except on a point of order on the actual conduct of the voting.
I now put to the vote the draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 32 slash Revision one as a whole.
Those in favor, please press two.
Those against press three, and abstentions press four.
Those in favor, please press two.
Those against press three, an abstention, press four.
I now give the floor to the secretary of the committee.
Will delegations confirm that their votes are correctly reflected on the board? The voting has been completed, the machine is locked.
The results of the vote is as follows, in favor 139, against, four, abstention one.
The draft resolution contained in document A slash C five slash 80 slash L 32 slash Revision one as a whole is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cyprus on behalf of the European Union.
Madam Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the member states of the European Union.
The candidate countries, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia, Herzegvina and Georgia, as well as Monaco align themselves with this statement.
The member states of the European Union are concerned about the recurring trend of resorting to votes on the agenda item pertaining to the financing of the United Nations interim force in Lebanon.
The fifth committee is the main committee of the General Assembly entrusted with responsibility for administrative and budgetary matters.
As such, it is not the appropriate forum for political discussions.
We abstained on the oral amendment presented by Israel to draft resolution a slash C five slash 80 slash L 32 slash reg one.
The broader political aspects of the events to which the draft resolution refers, including the incident in Cana, were extensively debated in the General Assembly in April 1996, resulting in resolution 50 slash 22 C of 25th April 1996.
At that time, the member states of the European Union made that position clear in a plenary statement and in the voting procedure on that specific resolution.
The Fifth Committee duty is to ensure that mandate entrusted by the UN Security Council or any other legislative bodies can be fully executed and to that end, are adequately resourced.
In full compliance with the Fifth Committee mandate and responsibility, the member states of the European Union have voted in favor of the resolution as a whole since it appropriates the resources that are crucial for UNIFIL to fulfill its important mandate.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
The State of Israel reiterates the importance of preserving the integrity and mandate of the Fifth Committee as a technical and non political body.
This committee was established to ensure the sound, equitable and responsible administration of the UN's budgetary and administrative matters.
It must not be exploited as a platform to advance vindictive political agendas.
When this committee is politicized, it undermines not only the legitimacy of its decisions, but the credibility of the United Nations itself.
My delegation is deeply concerned by the continued misuse of this agenda item to target Israel through bias condemnations that disregard the United Nations own financial rules and procedures, in particular, Financial Regulation 6.5 and Financial Rule 106.7, which established the framework for addressing losses of United Nations assets.
Israel's position on this issue is well known and has not changed.
We completely and utterly reject this false attempt to politicize and undermine the functioning of this committee.
Let us be clear.
No member state should be singled out or unjustly vilified for political gain.
These actions violate the principle of equal treatment of member states and amount to a double standard that has no place in this committee.
Such a biased approach does not make our work more responsible or credible.
It undermines the very integrity and impartiality on which this committee depends.
Israel remains committed to supporting the United Nations and to upholding the principles of accountability, transparency, and fair treatment of all member states.
Thank you.
As I see no further requests for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this sub item.
I next invite the committee to resume its consideration of agenda Item 157 entitled Financing of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
The attention of the committee is drawn to draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 41, entitled Financing of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Belgium, Mr.
Vincent Milei.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 41 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item.
I next invite the committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 158, entitled Financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara.
The attention of the committee is drawn to draft resolution slash slash 80 slash L 42, entitled Financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Panama, Mr.
Travis L Taliaferro Velazquez.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 42 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item.
I now invite the committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 159 entitled, Financing of the Activities arising from Security Council Resolution 18 63 2009.
The attention of the committee is drawn to draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 43, entitled Financing of the Activities arising from Security Council Resolution 18 63 2009, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Australia, Girard Joy Duncan.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 43 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see in our request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item.
I now invite the committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 177 entitled Financing of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti.
The attention of the committee is drawn to draft resolution A slash C five slash slash L 44 entitled, Financing of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of the Republic of Moldova, miss Corina.
Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A slash C five slash 80 slash L 44 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft resolution is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see, no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item.
Distinguished delegates in the context of agenda item 148, administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peacekeeping operations.
I wish to draw the attention of the committee to the note by the Secretary-General contained in document A slash C five slash 80 slash 19, which in accordance with established prorating procedures in resolution 50 slash 221 B of seven June 1996, indicates demands to be apportioned in respect of each peacekeeping mission, including prorated shares of the support account, the United Nations Logistics space at Brinisi, Italy, and the Regional Service Center in Antaba Uganda.
Under the same agenda item, the committee also has before it a note by the Secretary-General contained in document A C five slash 80 slash 20 on the approved resources for peacekeeping operations for the period from first July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
Are there any comments May I take it that the committee wishes to take note of the information provided by the Secretariat and documents a slash slash 80 slash 19 and a slash slash 80 slash 20.
I hear no objection.
It is so decided.
We have thus concluded consideration of Agenda Item 148.
I now invite the committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 134 entitled Review of the efficiency of the Administrative and Financial functioning of the United Nations.
The attention of the committee is drawn to draft decision contained in document A slash C five slash 80 slash L 51 entitled Questions deferred for future Consideration.
Are there any comments on the draft decision? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft decision A slash C five slash 80 slash L 51 without a vote? I hear no objection.
The draft decision is adopted.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft decision? As I see our request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item.
Distinguished delegates, we have concluded our consideration of all items before the committee at the ATS session, and I request the Reeer to report directly thereon to the General Assembly.
Distinguished delegates, with the adoption of the draft resolutions before us during the second part of the resumed ATS session, we have concluded our work.
I would also like to once again express my sincere appreciation to all coordinators for their dedication and hard work.
In this connection, I also wish to acknowledge the work carried out by the representative of Singapore, miss Noel Tam, as coordinator in addition to those already mentioned.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the following colleagues who are concluding their diplomatic tours of duty in New York.
Yao Jilang of China, Alam Yang Sar of Saudi Arabia, Hussein Roshti of Egypt, Emilio Flores of Honduras, Petro Natan Valuks of Namibia, Eleanor Pea of France, Marcus Kraft of Germany, Chihiro Tahana of Japan, Lorenz Dan Hartog of the Netherlands, who also served as five Sea Bureau Reporter during UNGA 78, Kathleen Drivers of the United Kingdom, Paul Hanna, and Clay Powell of the United States.
Distinguished delegates, as we conclude the second resume session of the fifth committee, I would like to take a moment not to speak about resolutions or procedures, but about people.
First and foremost, I thank every delegation for their perseverance, professionalism, and willingness to remain engaged, even when the negotiations became exceptionally demanding.
The decisions we have taken were not easy.
They require patience, creativity, countless consultations, and above all, a genuine commitment to finding common ground.
My sincere appreciation also goes to the members of the bureau and the fifth Committee Secretariat, and of course, to my team, Nikki and Dorca, whose advice, support, and good judgment have been invaluable throughout the session.
No chair succeeds alone.
I have been fortunate to rely on colleagues who were always ready to help navigate even the most difficult moments.
I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the Secretariat, to the conference management, interpreters, meeting services, security personnel, and all colleagues working behind the scenes.
Their professionalism, flexibility, and extraordinary dedication made it possible for us to do our work, often under significant pressure and with very little sleep.
Thank you.
When I accepted the honor of chairing the Fifth committee, I thought I had a fairly good idea of what awaited me.
Looking back now, I have to admit that if someone had shown me a preview of these past months, I might have asked a few more questions before saying yes.
But then again, helping to keep the United Nations functioning is a cause that makes even the longest nights worthwhile.
Looking back over the entire 80th session, I believe we have every reason to be proud of what this committee has accomplished together.
We navigated one of the most demanding budgetary agendas in recent memory.
We consider the revised estimate associated with the SGCY 80 initiative, deliver the program budget, and ensure that the organization has the resources needed to move forward while member states continue to shape the future of the United Nations.
During this resume session, we also adopted the peacekeeping budget for the 2026 2027 financial period, ensuring that peace operations have the resources necessary to carry out the mandates entrusted to them.
Perhaps most significantly, after many years of discussion, we reached agreement on amendments to the methodology for the return of credits.
This is far more than a technical adjustment.
It is a historic decision that strengthens the organization's financial resilience and equips it with a practical tool to respond to recurring liquidity challenges.
None of these accomplishments belong to any single delegation or group.
These achievements belong to all of you.
They were possible because all of you choose dialogue over division, compromise over confrontation, and responsibility over convenience.
Our work also reminds us of a simple truth.
No financial regulation, no budgetary innovation, and no procedural solution can ever replace the responsibility of every member state to meet its financial obligations to the United Nations.
The effectiveness and credibility of the UN ultimately depend on the collective commitment of its members.
At the same time, we know that important work remains ahead.
There are reforms that deserve our careful attention, policy questions that require further dialogue, and areas where we did not yet find agreement.
I hope we will return to those discussions with the same spirit of pragmatism and cooperation that enabled us to overcome many obstacles during this session.
Serving as your chair has been one of the greatest professional challenges of my career, but also one of its greatest privileges.
Thank you for your trust, your patience, your constructive spirit, and perhaps most importantly, your sense of humor, even 2:00 in the morning, when it occasionally became the committee's most valuable negotiating tool.
The committee has shown time and again that when member states work together in good faith, even the most complex challenges can be overcome.
At the moment when many question the effectiveness of multilateralism, you have demonstrated that consensus remains possible and the UN can still adopt, reform, and deliver.
I thank you all I The floor is now open for any delegation who wishes to make a statement.
I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Congratulations.
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China this closing meeting of the second part of the resume 80th session of the Fifth committee.
At the outset, the group wishes to express its sincere appreciation to you, Madam Chair, for your steadfast leadership, patience, and tireless efforts in guiding the work of the committee throughout this session.
Group also extends its appreciation to the members of the Bureau, the Secretariat of the FF Committee, the conference services staff, the interpreters, as well as to all facilitators for their continued engagement with member states.
We also wish to recognize the support of the controller, the Secretariat, and the representatives of all advisory bodies for their valuable contributions to the work of the committee.
Madam Chair, the group is pleased that despite the complexity of the negotiations, the committee was able to conclude a number of important agenda items by consensus.
In particular, we welcome the adoption of the landmark decision establishing a revised mechanism for the return of credits, alongside the approval of the peacekeeping budgets, the review of reimbursement rates for troop and police contributing countries, the recommendations of the 2026 working group on contingent on equipment, and the support account.
Together, these outcomes strengthen the financial sustainability and operational effectiveness of the organization and reflect the committee's ability to deliver meaningful results through dialogue flexibility and constructive engagement.
The group also notes that several agenda items were concluded through skeletal resolutions.
While these outcomes allow the committee to preserve continuity in essential areas, they should not become the preferred method of addressing substantive policy questions that require meaningful intergovernmental guidance.
At the same time, while the committee was unable to conclude substantive outcomes on several other important issues, the successful conclusion of negotiations under the agenda item concerning the review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations stands as a defining achievement of this session.
Madam Chair, the adoption of a revised mechanism for the return of credit represents a landmark decision for this organization.
It demonstrates that in the face of unprecedented financial challenges, member states can come together to develop pragmatic balanced innovative solutions to respond to the organizations pressing operational needs while preserving the integrity of the financial regulations and rules.
This agreement establishes a new methodology for the categorization and return of budgetary credits, introducing a coherent framework applicable across the regular budget, peacekeeping budgets, and international tribunals.
By distinguishing between different categories of credits and ensuring the automatic return only of credit supported by available liquidity, the methodology strikes a careful balance between the rights of member states and the financial needs of the organization.
In doing so, it reinforces sound financial management and reflects our shared determination to safeguard the effective implementation of the mandates entrusted to the United Nations.
As a matter of fact, transparency and consistency in the recording of arrears by fiscal year remains a cornerstone of this new methodology.
The application of this mechanism shall in no way diminish the responsibility of member states associated with outstanding assess contributions.
On the contrary, it reinforces the fundamental principle that all member states must fulfill their financial obligations under the Charter of the United Nations by paying their assessed contributions in full on time, and without conditions, thereby safeguarding the organization's financial integrity and long term sustainability.
Throughout these negotiations, the group engaged constructively with all partners, demonstrating a genuine willingness to bridge differences.
Guided by clear principles and a spirit of compromise, member states were ultimately able to converge on a balanced solution that addresses the concerns of all parties while responding to the urgency of the current liquidity situation.
More broadly, today's agreement sends a powerful message that multilateralism continues to deliver meaningful results when member states demonstrate political will, good faith, and as commitment to strengthening this organization.
At a time when confidence in the international system is increasingly being tested, this committee has shown that consensus remains possible even on the most complex and politically sensitive issues.
Madam Chair, throughout this session, the group has conducted itself in a spirit of openness, flexibility, and responsibility.
As long as your wife serve as chair of the group, it will continue to uphold this approach, honoring the group's unwavering commitment to multilateralism and to this organization, which stands at the heart of the multilateral system and remains indispensable to addressing the complex global challenges of our time, including those faced by developing countries.
I thank you, Madam.
Thank you and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union.
Madam Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states, the candidate countries Norma Sedonia, Montenegro, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzevina and Georgia, and Efta country, Iceland, as well as Armenia, Andorra, and Monaco align themselves with this statement.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank you, Madam Chair, as well as the members of the Bureau and All of the coordinators for your leadership and guidance throughout this very difficult session.
We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to the Fifth committee team, as well as all members of the Secretariat, both at headquarters and in the field for their unwavering commitment and their assiduous efforts, particularly within the context of ongoing constraints.
The second resume session has been dedicated to seeing to it that United Nations peacekeeping operations have the resources necessary to deliver upon the mandates entrusted to them by member states.
We therefore welcome the adoption of a the peacekeeping budget for 2026 to 2027 financial period, which provides the necessary framework for our missions to deliver effectively and mandates under increasingly complex environments, English.
Their implementation depends on all member states meeting their financial obligations in full, on time, and without conditions.
The payment of assessed contributions, it's a legal obligation and as serve responsibility towards the organization and the international community it serves.
No credits methodology can substitute for this fundamental responsibility.
Still, the discussions during this session have demonstrated our determination to strengthen the organization's resilience in the face of recuring liquidity challenges.
The dedication, expertise, and constructive engagement shown in developing this proposal reflect a common commitment to safeguarding the organization's ability to fulfill its responsibilities.
We express our sincerest appreciation for these efforts and warmly welcome the adoption of the resolution.
It stands as a milestone in the ability of member states to for consensus even in challenging times.
We hope that this achievement will continue to inspire confidence in multilateralism and reaffirms the values of cooperation, solidarity, and collective action in which the European Union and its member states firmly believe.
This outcome should not allow us to lose sight of our collective responsibility to examine carefully and constructively the proposed revisions to the FRR and the PPBME.
Following five years during which the committee was enabled to provide guidance on the support account, we have now achieved a substantive resolution.
We hope that this say constructive approach will also be applied to the United Nations Global Service Center and the Regional Service Centers.
This critical peacekeeping support function are indispensable to improving the effectiveness of the field missions.
They merit throughout substantive consideration rather than procedural deadlock or routine approval.
At the same time, the absence of agreement on cross cutting policy guidance for the peacekeeping operation has limited our ability to respond to the b needs in the field.
We are particularly disappointed that the consensus could not be reached on the resolution addressing sexual exploitation and abuse.
The first ever system we review by the AIU offered a rare occasion to recognize that such abuse is not confined to peacekeeping mission and most importantly, to assure victims, overwhelming women and children that we can rise above our negotiating positions to a no lesser split and set path to reform.
We deeply regret that the committee was unable to allow additional time to continue efforts towards an agreed outcome.
We continue to stress that preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse is a responsibility served by the entire UN system and one that should unite member states.
Senora President, Madam Chair, beyond the outcome of this session, we should reflect on our working methods.
Delaying substantive engagement until the very end of the process does not facilitate consensus.
This should be built upon dialogue and compromise, not through endurance.
Long breakout sessions followed by negotiations concentrated at the very end of the process under increasing fatigue are not conducive to balanced and well informed decisions.
If we expect efficiency from the organization, we must first demonstrate it in our work to ourselves.
Madam Chair, Distinguished colleagues, since this is the end of the work of the Fifth committee, we would like to take this opportunity to salute you and the members of the Borough.
We congratulate you for your tireless efforts to guide our work during a time that will be recalled as that of revised estimates, efficiency measures, and successful negotiations on the change to the credit return methodology.
I like to offer a special word of appreciation to the colleagues who will be leaving the committee.
Some of you having confirmed more than fellow delegates.
You have been trusted partners, valued friends, and if I may say so many times, my partners in crime throughout these negotiations.
Working alongside you has been both a privilege and a pleasure.
You will be greatly missed both professionally and personally.
We wish you every success and happiness in your future endeavors, and we have no doubt that you will continue to make a positive difference wherever your path might lead.
I thank you, Madam Chair.
I thank you and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada on behalf of Gantz.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I have the honor to speak on behalf of Australia, New Zealand, and my own country, Canada.
CAN strongly welcomes the Fifth committee's decision to modify the methodology for calculating credits to be returned to member states as a significant step towards resolving the Secretariat's long running liquidity challenges.
This significant reform helps to implement the practical proposition that the UN not be required to return funds that were never collected.
In practice, this will improve the organization's ability to deliver the work that we member states request of it.
However, this measure alone cannot solve the underlying cause of the organization's liquidity crisis.
CanS continues to echo the Secretary-General call for all member states to pay their assessed contributions in full, on time, and without conditions.
We will also continue to advocate for complementary measures to promote long term financial sustainability and to modernize the financial regulations and rules.
Madam Chair, CAS also welcomes the adoption of the 2026 2027 peacekeeping budgets.
We appreciate that the agreed budgets reflect efforts to reduce duplication, strengthen coordination, and identify efficiencies while maintaining a clear focus on the effectiveness and impact of peacekeeping operations in an increasingly complex environment.
In particular, we welcome the first full year budget for the United Nations Support Office in Haiti.
This funding is critical to the operationalization of the mandate, including ensuring that all support provided by USO is delivered in full compliance with the human rights due diligence policy.
We are also pleased that the committee reached consensus on the support account budget this year.
This agreement will help ensure the effective backstopping of UN peacekeeping operations, including for the critical startup phase of UNSO and enable the continued provision of strategic, operational and technical assistance to the field and to peacekeepers.
To conclude, K thanks member states for their constructive engagement this session to achieve historic outcomes that strengthen the organization's financial sustainability and enhance the effectiveness and impact of UN operations.
We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the Bureau and in particular to you, Madam Chair, to Nikki, and to your team for your outstanding work in chairing this committee.
The past year has been unlike any other for the United Nations and especially for the work of the Fifth Committee.
Thank you for your consistent engagement, your outreach, and your patience.
The committee would not have achieved the results it did without your leadership.
Chandre, thanks to you as well for your unwavering support during the session, and I think it's time to break out the champagne.
Thank you.
Thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Singapore on behalf of Asean.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Asean.
Asean aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the group of 77 in China.
As the Fifth Committee concludes its work for the 80th session of the General Assembly, Asean would like to express its sincere appreciation for your able stewardship of this committee for all parts of the 80th session.
We also thank Controller Chand and the Bureau Members and the Fifth Committee Secretariat for their unwavering support.
The negotiations at this second resume session have been especially challenging.
As Asean highlighted at the start of this session, over the past year, the capacity of peacekeeping missions to operate safely and effectively has been severely impacted by the liquidity situation of this organization.
This is deeply concerning to Asean since seven out of ten Asean member states are troop and police contributing countries.
Azan is therefore pleased to note that the committee was able to conclude many key agenda items by consensus, including the approval of peacekeeping budgets, updating the reimbursement rates for troop and police contributing countries, and endorsing the 2026 Contingent owned equipment Working Group Report.
In particular, we commend all Fifth committee experts for their tireless efforts in reaching consensus on a revised methodology for the return of credits, which reflects our collective commitment to the financial resilience and continued effectiveness of the United Nations.
At a time when the multilateral system is being severely tested, this decision is proof that the spirit of effective multilateralism remains alive and well.
Nonetheless, ASN continues to stress that the root cause of the organization's chronic liquidity problem can only be addressed if all member states who have the capacity to pay their assessed contributions do so consistently, in full, on time, and without conditions as set out in the UN charter.
Asean underscores that the revised methodology does not absolve member states of this responsibility.
We call on all member states who have the capacity to do so, including those member states in arrears, to fulfill their financial obligations to the organization.
Once again, Asean reiterates its longstanding commitment to working constructively with all partners in the Fifth committee to ensure that this organization can continue to deliver results for all our peoples.
Thank you.
Thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Dibouti on behalf of the African group.
Madam Chair, the African group align itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 in China.
I wish to add the following remarks.
The group welcome the conclusion of the work of the Fifth committee on the adoption of the peacekeeping budget for 26 27 Financial Period.
Peacekeeping remains one of the most visible expression of the UN in actions.
The decision taken during this session are therefore particularly important, given the increasingly complex and challenging environment in which peacekeeping operations are required to deliver the mandate.
The African group reiterated that mission must be provided with a quite predictable and realistic resources with the safety and security of peacekeeper remaining a central priority.
In this regard, the groups pay tribute to the women and men serving under the UN flag, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of international peace and security.
We also recognize the invaluable contribution of troop and police contributing countries and emphasize the importance of sustained and close consultation between the Secretary-General and those countries on all matters affecting peacekeeping operation.
The group further welcome the decision concerning the reimbursement of troop and police contributing countries, including the establishment of a single updated rate of reimbursement for contingent personnel, as well as a trianal review of the rates and standard of reimbursement for contingent owner equipment.
This decision constitutes an important acknowledgment of the responsibility and sacrifice borne by contributing countries.
Madam Chair, the African groups note that the budget of most peacekeeping mission were approved broadly in line with the recommendation of the ACABQ with adjustment reflecting the specific operational circumstances and mandate requirement in each mission.
With respect to UNMISS, the groups note the compromise reached by the committee resulting in an appropriation of $80 million below the level recommended by the advisory committee.
This decision was taken against the background of significant change to the mission mandate shortly before the beginning of the committee's consideration.
The group trust that the resources approved will be instrumental in safeguarding effective mandate implementation and protection of civilian.
Regarding Monisco, the committee approved an appropriation of $2 million above the level recommended by the advisory committee.
The group considered this adjustment necessary to support the mission in fulfilling its responsibility, including those related to the implementation of a permanent cease fire in accordance with Security Council resolution 20 808.
The group also welcomed the adoption of the first budget for the UN Support Office in Haiti.
By providing the office with this resource framework, the committee has discharged an important responsibility and helped establish the condition required for the office to operationalize and sustain its mandate.
Beyond the immediate delivery or mandate, peacekeeping operations should make every effort to leave a positive and sustainable legacy in host countries, including through quick impact project, programmatic activities, capacity building, and the progressive nationalization of appropriate function.
The group also encouraged stronger cooperation between UN peacekeeping operation and relevant regional and submision organization, particularly those in host region.
Madam Chair, the agreement reached on the revised framework for the categorization of return of credit represents a significant achievement for the organization.
It established a core methodology applicable across regular budget, peace keepeing budget, and the international tribunals.
At a time of exceptional financial pressure, members demonstrated the capacity to reach a practical, equitable, and forward looking compromise that respond to urgent operational requirements while fully preserving the equity of the financial regulation and rules.
At the same time, this new mechanism must in no way diminish or call into question the responsibility of every member state as established under the charter of the UN to pay its assess contribution in full on time and without condition.
While the adoption of the budget is important, the African group regrets that the committee was once again unable to agree on a comprehensive cross cutting policy resolution.
The group also note that several agenda item were concluded through skeletal resolution.
While such an approach may occasionally be required to facilitate agreement, it should not become the norms, nor should it replace substantive policy guidance by the GA.
The group further recalls the concern it expressed at the outset of this session regarding the timeline allocated for the consideration of report.
The formal allocation of one month for the second resume session has once again proved unrealistic, as demonstrated by the fact that the committee is concluding its work one month later.
This matter should be addressed seriously in the planning of future session in order to preserve the quality, inclusiveness, and sustainability of the committee's deliberation.
Madam Chair, allow me to express our appreciation to all facilitator and coordinator who guided the committee to demanding negotiation.
In particular, the group extended its sense and time to Mr.
Zvanevk Ak Taub of Norway, the facilitator of the peacekeeping agenda item for his patients throughout more than 35 hour plus of negotiation.
It has now become the very familiar conference room five.
The African group congrats to you, Madam Chair, on the completion of your chairmanship of the committee.
Your professionalism and perseverance and commitment to consensus have set a high standard.
We also thank your team, Nikki and Docker, and the member of the Bureau of Adm Iraq, Muhammad Abd Aden, for the dedication and tireless efforts.
The groups look forward to working with the upcoming chair, his Ecellcy Ambassador Ibrahim Jimo of Nigeria, his team, and the incoming Bureau.
I also wish to extend my certain appreciation to the member of the African Bureau, African Group.
The unity, expert, and sustained engagement made it possible to advance and defend Africa priorities throughout this demanding session.
Finally, the group expressed its partial appreciation to the Secretary of the Fifth committee under the leadership of Mr.
Lionel Berge to the staff of the Field Office Operation Finance Division led by Mr.
Kevin Hong and to Mr.
Sandu Ramanatan AIG and controller.
The professionalism, technical support, and availability provided an invaluable assistance to the committee throughout the session.
Of the group's tal mods.
Finally, the group will also send it best wishes to the colleagues in the Fifth committee who are leaving it to consider for their professional endeavors.
Their commitment to the work of the Fifth Committee is appreciated and will leave us with the best memories.
I thank you.
I thank you and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Outstanding.
Thank you.
Kelvin, for your tireless work on behalf of all member states.
Consensus is not easy and we get to this moment through a lot of hard work by a lot of people, so thank you.
The United States commends the Fifth Committee for concluding negotiations on the 2026 2027 peacekeeping budgets and for advancing reforms that continue to make the United Nations more disciplined, efficient, financially sustainable, and focused on delivering results.
The $5.1 billion budget we are adopting today is the most significant restructuring of the peacekeeping operations in years.
This outcome reflects the right sizing of the United Nations mission in South Sudan, the drawdown of the UN interim force in Lebanon, the long overdue streamlining of the mission in Kosovo, support for the mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to advance the peace process, as well as the first full year funding of the UN support Office in Haiti.
This year's budget process also identified hundreds of millions of dollars in enduring efficiencies that can permanently reduce costs while preserving mandate delivery.
The United States will continue working with all delegations to maximize these efficiencies and identify additional opportunities to reduce unnecessary expenditures.
In this regard, we welcome the expanded application of the scalability model to peacekeeping support functions, which will help ensure that support structures are aligned with operational realities and that resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact.
I must note that not everyone in the UN bureaucracy supports this critical work.
For example, at key moments during this negotiation, member states received conflicting messages from different parts of the Secretariat regarding the operational implications of Security Council mandated changes to missions.
This wasted precious time and unnecessarily complicated these delicate negotiations.
We therefore call on the Secretariat in future budget cycles to provide consistent, coordinated and unified advice.
Member states must be able to confidently rely on clear and authoritative information from the Secretariat.
Put another way, what we saw from some corners of the Secretariat over the past four or five days cannot happen again.
Colleagues, while this session was difficult, it is also historic.
We are pleased that the committee agreed to modernize the methodology for returning credits.
The revised approach establishes the common sense principle that credit should be returned based on contributions received rather than assessments issued.
This reform promotes fairness, strengthens financial discipline, and helps address one of the key unnecessary pressures facing the organization.
Taken together, the reforms advanced during this session move the United Nations peacekeeping toward a more sustainable future, one that focuses resources on core mandates, respects the taxpayers who fund this institution, and delivers measurable results for the people who peacekeeping serves.
The United States will continue to work with all delegations to advance essential, durable, and consequential reforms.
And on a closing note, Madam Chair, all of us, all of us at the US Mission, I think everybody in this room, congratulate you and your outstanding team on the successful conclusion of your tenure and wish you all of the best.
I thank you.
I thank you and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
On behalf of my delegation, I'd like to thank you for your leadership, and I also thank you, your team, Nikki and Dork, the Bureau, Chandro, Kelvin, and the F C Secretariat, for your tireless work over recent weeks, including into the early hours of this morning.
Let me also pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all United Nations peacekeepers.
Most recently, the Serbian peacekeeper in Unil killed earlier this month.
This is a sobering reminder of what those in blue helmets give in our shared pursuit of peace and security.
Madam Chair, the committee can be proud of what it has achieved this session.
Firstly, the committee has taken a major step in supporting the organization's financial sustainability through the critical agreement on credits.
This showed the committee at its best genuine cross regional cooperation and a shared commitment to reform.
The outcome addresses one of the structural drivers of the UN's liquidity challenges and enables both financial discipline and fairness.
The result is a pragmatic and forward looking agreement that strengthens the organization's financial footing.
I thank colleagues for their flexibility, creativity, and determination in getting us there.
Secondly, we have agreed the 2026 2027 peacekeeping budget, alongside an updated troop reimbursement rate and key outcomes from the COE working group.
The overall package reflects the Secretariat serious efforts to identify efficiencies in the spirit of UN 80, whilst maintaining operational effectiveness in complex environments and navigating evolving mandates such as UNMISS.
Collectively, these budgets deliver a leaner, more focused peacekeeping footprint that aligns resources with mandates, while preserving core operational capacity and enabling effective mandate delivery with tangible impact on the ground.
Thirdly, we welcome agreement on a negotiated support account resolution, the first in five years.
This restores essential member state guidance on critical functions underpinning all peacekeeping operations, including new missions, such as in Haiti.
We regret that progress was not possible on every item.
The UK reiterates our commitment to achieving consensus on cross cutting policy and emphasizes the importance of providing the Secretariat with guidance on these issues, including sexual exploitation and abuse.
We can all agree there is no place for SEA in this organization.
Madam Chair, as this is your final session, we express our deeper appreciation to you and your team for your leadership throughout this remarkable 80th session you have chaired with strength, balance, and judgment.
Lastly, let me close by thanking my team, especially Kathleen, in her last session, who is watching online now.
And by wishing all colleagues a well earned and well deserved restful summer.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
As this second resumed session ends, we also conclude the work of the fifth committee during the 80th session of the General Assembly.
The final balance shows important results for the organization.
This includes the PKO budget, the support account, and the reimbursement to TCCs and PCCs.
These results wouldn't have been possible without the ongoing support from the bureau which you have led very well to reach consensus.
I would also like to thank the Secretariat of the Fifth committee whose work and support has been key in the success of our work.
Mexico is also pleased that the Fifth committee has reached consensus to approve the budgets for peacekeeping operations based on the individual needs of each mission.
The resources approved entail a decrease in over $500 million vis-à-vis the budgets of last year at a time where there are significant liquidity pressures, the implementation of contingency plans, and significant adjustments in the mandates of some missions.
Regarding the UN support Office for Haiti, Mexico values the approval of the necessary resources for the mission in this initial stage of its work that will allow us to operate in a volatile security situation where there is a deep social crisis and a fragile humanitarian situation.
We hope to maintain ongoing coordination and cooperation with all UN entities in Haiti in order to move towards a sustainable solution.
Madam Chair, at a time characterized by budget restrictions, for Mexico, it was vital to consider and review the mechanisms of the organization that unnecessarily undermined the organization's finances when assessed contributions are not paid by member states.
Mexico is less pleased by the approval of the new credit return methodology and thus bring an end the vicious cycle that unnecessarily undermines the work of the organization.
Changing this trend that would have required the UN to return approximately $400 billion for the regular budget and $1.1 billion for peace operations is a critical task that couldn't be delayed.
Thus, Mexico would like to appreciate the work of all delegations and the support of the Secretariat in order to reach a solution that is acceptable to all members.
As two cross cutting issues, my delegation lament that we were unable to reach an agreement regarding the policies on the prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation.
Finally, Mexico would like to reiterate the importance of future sessions carefully reviewing the working methods of this committee in order to have more foreseeable negotiation calendars to avoid the unnecessary concentration of negotiations toward the end of the formal session.
These are outdated methods that are exclusive and they undermine the participation by all delegations.
In conclusion, Madam Chair, I would like to wish you, the Bureau, and all here a well deserved break.
For those who are concluding their term in this committee, we wish you great success in your new responsibilities.
It has been a real pleasure to work with all of you.
Thank you very much.
I thank you and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.
Max, Madam President.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
We have now before us the peacekeeping budget for the 2026, 2027 fiscal year.
My delegation would like to commend all member states for reaching consensus on this budget.
I would like to express our most heartfelt gratitude to the Secretariat and the Bureau, the chair, for their support throughout the process which led us to this outcome.
This budget amounting to approximately $5.1 billion is not just the outcome of a numerical exercise.
It reflects our collective determination to seize this opportunity to reform peacekeeping operations in the spirit of UNA team.
In light of the ongoing comprehensive review of peacekeeping operations, we look forward to seeing peacekeeping continue to evolve and adapt to meet today's challenges.
I'd also like to highlight as a historic achievement, the decision to pilot a revised methodology for the return of credit.
This will put an end to the Kafkis practice of returning cash that was never collected an issue that has persisted almost since the establishment of this organization.
To further address the cause of the liquidity crisis, we expect all member states to honor their obligation to pay their assessed contribution in full and on time.
Finally, in reaching this consensus, we spent several nights in the basement, which will remain in my heart for the future.
With all due respect for the efforts invested and even with attachment, we recall the working method of this committee itself remains our next challenge.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I thank you and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.
Madam Chair.
China aligns itself with the statement made by Uruguay on behalf of G 77 and China.
I wish to make the following two points.
First, as the second largest contributor to UN peacekeeping assessments and a major TCC, China supports providing necessary resources for peacekeeping operations to carry out their mandates.
After two months of difficult negotiations, the Fifth committee during the second part of regime session has reached agreement on the peacekeeping budget of around $5.1 billion.
For 2026 27, which is a one outcome.
We look forward to the Secretariat and all peacekeeping missions making prudent use of these valuable resources, enhancing the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of peacekeeping work including owns, municipal, municipal, and better delivering on the core mandates such as the promotion of political resolution of hotspot issues.
We hope that the Secretary will meticulously implement recommendations of BOA Strengthen internal controls, prevent waste of resources.
We also call the secretary to take more proactive measures to increase the participation of personnel from developing countries in peacekeeping operations in particular, from those that are underrepresented within the UN.
Second, in the face of the most serious liquidity crisis confronting the UN in recent years, during the second part of regime session, China worked with all parties to engage in in depth discussions on modifying the current credit return mechanism and achieved a positive outcome.
We hope that this arrangement will help the Secretary to alleviate it imminent liquidity crisis.
It should be emphasized that the longstanding substantial variance in assessed contributions by the largest contributor are the underlying cause of the UN's liquidity crisis.
We urge the country concerned to earnestly fulfill their financial obligations and pay their assessed contributions in full and without conditions.
Madam Chair, I wish to take this opportunity to thank all members of the F committee, the Bureau, the Controller, and the FC Secretariat for their tremendous efforts and dedication in seeking consensus.
I'd like to once again thank and congratulate the committee chair, Madame yourself, permanent representative for Hungary and your team for your effective work during the eighth session of the General Assembly since last September.
I wish Nigeria every success in Israel as chair of the Fifth committee at the 81st session.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I thank you and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.
Root, thank you very much, Madam Chair.
My delegation would like to join the statement that was made by Uruguay on behalf of the G 77 in China and would like to express its sincere thanks for the excellent work and the constant effort made by the president, the members of the Bureau, and the controller and his team, the Secretariat, and all of the delegations.
We have been facing challenging times that required complex solutions.
Many of which had never been attempted before in this committee.
Perhaps they are not perfect solutions, nor are they definitive in all of their aspects, but they reflect the dedication of each delegate here in this room, as well as the time that each and every one of us has had to sacrifice time we could have spent with our parents, children, friends, and loved ones.
The adoption of a new credit return methodology is a sophisticated accounting mechanism that put to the test the ability of this committee to think creatively, bravely, and ambitiously.
It is a significant step towards correcting distortions in the way we calculate and return credits and it also contributes to alleviating the liquidity restrictions that affect the Secretariat.
These restrictions are not abstract, they delay the timely implementation of mandates.
They cause harm to troop contributing and police contributing countries and they also endanger millions of people who are affected by armed conflict, extreme poverty, hunger.
For these people, the UN is often the last source of support, Madam Chair.
The new methodology is not and it cannot even be considered the silver bullet to deal with all of the financial challenges of the organization.
We much recognize that delays and non payment of contributions, and we must also against practices that too often are cruel instruments to pressure those who most need the United Nations.
Brazil thus reiterates a fundamental principle.
Assessed contributions should be paid in full, on time, and without conditions.
We are now reaching the end of this session, and we must be clear now.
Financial engineering might be very useful, but it cannot replace political responsibility.
The United Nations capable of fulfilling its mandates does not only require better methods, but also good faith, foreseeability, and the commitment on the part of all member states.
Thank you very much.
I thank you and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
At the opening of this second resumed session, my delegation made it clear that one question rises above all other when it comes to ensuring all United Nations operations.
That is the question of ensuring sustainable financing of this organization.
As always, we reiterated that member states must all do their part and that all countries must pay their assessed contributions in full, on time, and without conditions.
We have repeated this call in this committee many times.
Despite repeated calls, the financial situation of the organization has grown increasingly bad.
It has progressively deteriorated.
The Secretary-General addressed us member states in January.
He made the task in front of us very clear, telling us that member states must either agree to overhaul our financial rules or accept the very real prospect of the financial collapse of our organization.
Today, we have made a landmark decision by heeding the call from the Secretary-General to overhaul the system by which the organization returns credits to member states.
We remain concerned about the lack of progress and other priorities, such as on the important reports on prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse across the United Nations system that the committee had before itself.
Sexual exploitation and abuse has no place in the United Nations system, and it is regretful that the committee could not come to an agreement on a resolution on this item.
Still, the committee has been able to successfully come to a conclusion on budgets for all peacekeeping missions.
We had heavy, difficult negotiations with all delegations trying their best to achieve their goals for the negotiations.
Towards the end of such negotiations, the disagreements can be small, even minute.
I made myself difficult previously over a single word in negotiations, so I know how easy it is to dig oneself into what is in reality, small changes in the larger scheme of things.
Yet, the adoption of the revised methodology for the return of credits to member states shows all of us that when this committee decides to, when all member states work in concert, we can work together to achieve a larger goal.
This achievement means that the organization will have halted what has up until now been an absurd situation where regretful non payments by member states have been compounded into a deep liquidity crisis by the organization's own rules.
We spend quite a considerable amount of time as delegates in this committee criticizing our own working methods.
This is understandable.
They mean long, even sleepless nights, hours, weekends and holidays away from family, friends, and loved ones, even at hours of the day when most people are asleep.
There are good reasons to change this.
Still, the long lasting face to face negotiations that are a hallmark of this committee also produce a group of people who know each other and who are ready to work together to achieve a common goal.
I think our ability to come to a consensus based conclusion on the credit return methodology shows everyone the best side of the Fifth committee, a committee that gets things done, that delivers when it matters.
I would like to thank you as chair of this committee, the entire Bureau, colleagues, and in particular colleagues who are finishing their term in the committee.
Thank you to the Secretariat of the committee and to Kelvin and Chandra for following us all the way to achieve the results we have.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I thank you and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.
Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor.
As this is my last time addressing you as chair of this committee, allow me to say that it has truly been an honor to serve under your leadership.
I'd like to also thank the Secretariat for all of their hard work and support, particularly Snrew, Kelvin, and our FC Secretariat, particularly through the long days and even longer nights.
This session has shown that when there is a will and a genuine commitment to the functioning of this organization, the fifth committee can come together and make real progress.
And perhaps it also shows to us that when we are focused on working more together, we can make this organization better.
At the same time, this session has also reminded us that the working methods of this committee must remain centered on making progress wherever possible.
Too many important issues continue to be left unresolved.
The cross cutting resolution, for example, has not been adopted for four years, leaving questions without agreed guidance from the General Assembly.
This is not the only challenge.
It is also that some issues currently addressed through cross cutting require a broader and more dedicated approach.
Sexual exploitation and abuse is one such example.
In the Fifth committee, SEA is addressed primarily in the context of peacekeeping, even though peacekeeping represents only one part of the issue across the UN system.
If we are serious about strengthening accountability, then SEA must be considered in a way that reflects the full scope of the issue.
Madam Chair, the Fifth committee has a central role to play in ensuring that the United Nations is more effective, more accountable, and better equipped to deliver on its mandates.
As we conclude the work of the 80th session and look ahead to the 81st, my delegation hopes that we can build on the progress made and continue working together to improve the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations.
Thank you.
I thank you.
And as I see no further request for the floor, I would like to give the chance to ASG Controller John Drew to say a few words to the committee.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I don't see a clock.
That's good.
I can't emphasize enough the decision that you've made, and I think in a way, the distinguished delegate from Norway stole my thunder, even though my boss said she would not, and she left the building.
I just want to make a a few points.
One is that we started off with the SG's appeal in January pointing to an imminent financial collapse.
Just to put things in context, what we were faced with is a return of $1.5 billion in less than 12 months, which would have made it extremely impossible for us to keep us running.
Thanks to your decision, now we are looking at maybe returning $320 million over the next 12 months, and that means we have an additional liquidity of more than $1.2 billion.
That's just putting things in context for you.
More imminently, the decision that you made means that in this session, we would have returned $224 million.
We end up returning $131.2 million, and we don't return $92.4 million.
The reason being that the year for which we calculated was a good year.
In which we collected a fair amount of cash.
Moving on to more general stuff.
I have been a confirmed optimist all my life, but I must confess that yesterday there were times I began to wonder whether in fact we'll finish not on time that I knew would, but whether we will come up with a good result.
This is in the context of my genuine fear of what's going to happen to peacekeeping.
Again, to give you context, we have today $227 million of cash for peacekeeping and we still owe $292 million for COE, net negative cash.
Imagine returning another 225 and struggling, but more importantly, planning for a looming $900 million return in less than 12 months.
This would have been an impossible task.
An $800 million reduction this year was a 25% reduction in troops.
Imagine implementing an additional $1.3 billion, a $1.1 billion reduction within 12 months.
It would have been very tragic for peacekeeping and I'm deeply grateful that you have managed to avoid that situation.
Again, going back to my confidence and optimism.
I've always said that the Fifth committee, I've seen this committee good times and bad times.
And there have been times when I've seen ambassadors walk out, PRs walk out of the building saying, we won't want to come back this year, that is in December.
And then they had to come back because unfortunately, there was a commitment authority for a peacekeeping mission that was expiring in December.
That's the only reason they came back, not because they wanted to come back.
But over the years, I've seen this committee grow from strength to strength, notwithstanding all the geopolitical divisions, notwithstanding all the challenges that you've seen.
I have seen this committee finish its work on time, but more importantly, not only by consensus, very pleasantly.
If you see the camaraderie in the room and the way people leave, that should give you tremendous cause for celebration.
But coming back to the UN's own situation, what you have accomplished today is we have a leaking boat almost on the verge of sinking.
And what you've done is plugged some of those holes to give us a chance to get to a shore and begin to fix the boat gradually.
I was using AI and it told me once that my role of controller was like a pilot trying to fly a large and heavy aircraft running on fumes and trying to land it on an aircraft carrier.
So I must say that you gave us a little bit extra fuel to land it more carefully, but we still have work to do in fixing some other challenges.
More on a positive and a lighter note, I was reminded by some of the delegates that in all my future presentations, I have to remove the slide that has a skull in the middle.
I'm going to put an X on the skull because I want to remind you that the skull is removed, but some of the underlying problems are still there and need to be addressed by you.
Now with that having been said, let me thank many of you who've made many things happen.
First, I'll start with the chair.
Thank you, chair.
What you've done is, this is an impossible job.
Probably a little bit better than mine.
But you've done a remarkable task job in your tenure, having overseen so many significant changes.
But I must say this time, in particular, in the context of the return of credits, you have engaged so many people in so many fora and reached out to so many people to make this practical and for many PRs, were at those lunches, it must have been an eye opening them to realize giving back what you don't have.
So we are the most charitable organization on Earth that we can actually give what we even don't have.
So with that kind of situation, we've come a long way in terms of moving forward.
So I want to particularly thank you and your entire team, Nikki, in particular, for the support you've provided.
Then I must also thank the president of the General Assembly.
She was on our tail all the time, saying, I would want to convene a plenary.
I had to keep telling her again and again, the fifth committee is quite good at taking decisions, but only when it is told it has to make a decision.
Otherwise, it never give a 5% chance for not making a decision, the fifth committee will find a way not to make a decision.
You just have to go to the first resume session to see how many times you make a decision unless a budgetary matter is involved.
I'll leave it at that.
Then we move on to the PRs and the DPRs, many of whom suddenly discovered that the UN actually had a problem with its finances.
Many of them when we were telling them what the problem was, their universal reaction was, these are insane rules.
And yet we've struggled with a really stupid rule, one that was recognized in the 50s that it did not make sense if everybody didn't pay in full and if we didn't have enough reserves.
But it's still taken us 75 years to try and fix this.
That just goes to the enormity of your decision.
Then to the delegates, I must say, I know most of you quite well, spent a lot of time with you in those basements.
I must say it was not only friendship, but it was also one of the most intellectually challenging to deal with this particular issue.
It's such simple common sense.
How can you return cash you haven't collected? The budget minus expenditure is what you give back.
If you collected more than you have spent, you give back what you've collected.
Should have been relatively simple, but putting it in the context of the UN, there was one supplementary information request from the UK to try and clarify some of the issues.
I deliberately chose not to respond because every word in that particular request had at least a minimum of two meanings, I said, I will never be able to explain this and I can assure you developing simulations for the various methodologies that were put on the table have been some of the most difficult because what we presented to you is a fraction of the underlying challenge that we had to go through.
Again, I must say really remarkable how many of you were able to deal with the complexity in front of you.
Then finally, I want to thank all the managers in the Secretariat that have supported me All the way from the Secretary-General down to many others, but also the staff that have supported me throughout with their calculations and in the engagement.
Finally, on behalf of the staff, I want to convey a sincere thanks to you for reducing the anxiety levels for staff.
As I go through the building and I go everywhere, people only ask me if they look at me smiling, they think the UN's finances are in good shape.
So I keep reminding them I'm always smiling, so it is not a reflection of the state of the finances, but it's important to keep in mind that the anxiety levels of staff have been extremely high.
So I think this decision of yours will send a lot of reinforcement to the many as to the soundness and your belief in them.
On the 22nd of June, I did a global town hall.
There were about 8,500 staff online.
At that town hall, I told them with a great deal of confidence that this committee will decide on this issue this time.
I'm thanking you for not having me prone me wrong.
Finally, actions speak louder than words.
You have shown how you can bridge differences.
But also, I can't resist saying this.
You are in a way, like the Secretariat, effective but never efficient.
So motivated by a common goal, you managed to find consensus, but that shows that you care for the UN, its resilience and sustainability.
I can only conclude by saying my most sincere gratitude on behalf of the Secretary-General, whom I met three times yesterday.
To updraate him on what was happening and the look of concern was palpable in the conversation as well.
I must say that on his behalf as well, we are very, very grateful that the committee has taken a decision that at least will ensure that the organization has the breathing space to gather itself and look to improving in its delivery of its programs.
Again, very, very sincere thanks to all of you.
Thank you.
Since there are no further requests for the floor, I would like to conclude the session by informing delegations that the General Assembly will take action on the related Fifth committee report immediately following the adjournment of this meeting in the General Assembly Hall.
I declare concluded the work of the Fifth committee during the second part of the resumed ATS session of the General Assembly.
The meeting is adjourned.