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Statement by Mr. Shigetoshi Nagao
Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations

 

Agenda item 134: Improving the financial situation of the United Nations
Main Part of the Sixty-Ninth Session, Fifth Committee of the General Assembly

 

16 October 2014

 

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

     At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. Yukio Takasu, Under Secretary-General for Management, for providing an update on the financial situation of the United Nations including today's additional information.

 

     Notwithstanding the fact that Japan's budget cycle is different from that of the United Nations, my delegation is especially proud to note that, as Mr. Takasu mentioned in Chart 24 of his presentation last week, Japan has paid in full all its assessments for the Regular Budget, Peacekeeping Operations, the International Tribunals and the Capital Master Plan that are due and payable. We made all those payments in a timely manner because we recognize that it is a responsibility for the Member States under the Charter of the UN to pay their assessments. Japan has once again discharged its commitment to contribute to international peace and prosperity, in spite of the enormous domestic financial difficulties and the recent trend of exchange rates.

 

     My delegation notes with appreciation the Secretariat's great efforts to utilize resources in an efficient and effective manner. As described by the Under Secretary-General, we expect the Secretariat to closely monitor the cash position of the regular budget and, especially in relation to the CMP cash bridging mechanism, the situation of the Working Capital Fund and Special Account, and to inform the General Assembly appropriately.

Mr. Chairman,

 

     My delegation would like to reiterate its request that the Secretariat continue to utilize the resources contributed by the Member States in the most efficient and effective way when implementing mandates. In so doing, the Secretariat can also draw on the continuing efforts and experiences that the Member States are undertaking in their own countries. Finally, the General Assembly should try to aim for reasonable and practical solutions when discussing various budget proposals.

 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.