Statement by Ms. NISHIMURA Yasuko Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations Agenda item 133: Review of efficiency: Accountability First Resumed Part of the 74th Session of the Fifth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly

 
Thank you, Mr. Chair,
 
My delegation would like to thank Ms. Catherine Pollard, USG for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance, and Mr. Abdallah Bachar Bong, Chair of the ACABQ, for introducing their respective reports on this subject.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
As my delegation has stated in the past, Japan continues to attach great importance to strengthening accountability in the United Nations Secretariat, bearing in mind that the work of the Secretariat is funded by our collective investment, and is ultimately borne by the taxpayers of the Member States.
 
Accountability is a central principle of management reform, as was stressed in the General Assembly resolution 72/266B. This year, one year since the implementation of the reform commenced, this item is of particular importance as we examine whether the measures taken so far contribute to enhancing accountability as envisaged in the reform.
 
In this regard, Japan welcomes the progress noted in the Secretary-General’s ninth progress report on accountability. At the same time, we concord with the views of the ACABQ, and are keen to seek further information during this session, especially on the performance of the newly established Business Transformation and Accountability Division and the new system of delegation of authority, as well as on what next steps will be needed to address gaps and issues raised after the first year of implementation.
 
 
 
 
Mr. Chair,
 
Japan continues to support the Secretary-General’s effort to strengthen the United Nations system’s accountability framework by enhancing transparency, strengthening oversight, ensuring compliance, and creating a true culture of accountability and transparency, towards more effective and efficient management. My delegation stands ready to engage constructively with all other delegations in the discussions on various aspects of this important agenda.
 
Thank you, Mr. Chair.