(Note: A full summary of today's Fifth Committee meeting will be made available upon completion.)
As the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) opened the second part of its resumed session today, delegates began consideration of the proposed $5.5 billion budget for United Nations peacekeeping operations for the period from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, emphasizing the need for stringent oversight of the Organization’s resources amid a deepening cash crisis.
“It is alarming that the cash balance of peacekeeping operations reached historically low levels during the financial year,” said the representative of the European Union, speaking in its capacity as observer. The Organization’s liquidity constraints have resulted in a hiring freeze and delays in payments to troop- and police-contributing countries, she noted, urging all Member States to meet their financial obligations to UN peacekeeping — “in full, on time and without conditions”.
China’s delegate noted that, while the overall peacekeeping budget has declined due to the closure of United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), the budgets of other missions have gone up significantly. “The Peacekeeping Support Account tops the list with an unprecedented increase of $43 million - 11.2 per cent growth,” she said, voicing support for an in-depth review of all peacekeeping budget proposals, with a view to providing the necessary resources while strengthening budgetary performance management.
“The liquidity crisis remains a serious concern and could potentially deepen,” observed Japan’s speaker, noting that the proposed overall peacekeeping budget, excluding MINUSMA, increased by about 2 per cent, or $108 million, from the previous fiscal year, despite the significant efforts made by the Secretariat to prepare a budget proposal grounded in realistic assumptions.
Calls for Data-Driven Methodologies and Calibrated Budget Planning
The representative of the United States said that his delegation will review the proposed $5.5 billion budget for 2025/26, noting that, while this amount is 2 per cent less than the 2024/25 approved budget, it is $100 million greater in active missions, following the closure of MINUSMA. Stressing the importance of use of data-driven methodologies to justify budgets, he said that “in a time of increasingly scarce resources, the need for close scrutiny is increasingly important”. Washington, D.C., intends to scrutinize oversight for high-risk and high-cost activities and staff structures.
The Russian Federation’s delegate stressed the need for “calibrated” budgetary planning, adding that the quest for additional savings needs to be balanced with enhancing the performance of peacekeeping operations. Reductions that undermine the implementation of Security Council mandates should not be carried out, he stressed. When making decisions on staff and financing levels, it is important to consider the specific features of each peacekeeping operation. The Committee has “work to do on the draft resolution regarding the improvement of the financial situation within United Nations”, he said, calling on delegates to “pool our efforts”.
Focus on Responsible, Differentiated Budgeting through Mission-by-Mission Approach
Mexico’s speaker urged the Committee to have a frank and constructive exchange regarding the Organization’s financial situation, stressing the need for responsible and differentiated budgeting through the mission-by-mission approach.
Cross-Cutting Issues Must Demand Close Attention
The Group of 77 and China, represented by Iraq’s delegate, highlighted the importance of considering cross-cutting issues, closed peacekeeping missions, the Support Account for peacekeeping operations, and the budgets of the Regional Service Centre and the United Nations Logistics Base. “These multifaceted items demand our close attention, with the substantial number of reports and heavy workload that the Committee will face in the coming weeks,” she said.
Canada’s representative, speaking also for Australia and New Zealand, expressed disappointment that the Committee failed to reach consensus on a cross-cutting resolution last year, outlining three priorities, including the continued advancement of the women, peace and security agenda as a cornerstone of the UN’s efforts to promote gender equality and sustainable peace. “Reducing barriers to deployment, creating enabling environments and ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation of women at all levels in UN peacekeeping remains a priority,” she said, adding: “CANZ is committed to the adoption of a cross-cutting resolution this year.”
The representative of Egypt, speaking for the African Group, said that there are other important items to discuss, including measures to improve the Organization’s financial situation and the strategic heritage plan in Geneva — a major renovation and modernization initiative focused on the historic headquarters of the UN Office at Geneva. He requested that enough time be allocated to all items, including the budget of all peacekeeping missions, many of which are in Africa, as well as cross-cutting issues. However, the Group is of the view that there is no need to “extend the session beyond June to enjoy early summer respite”, he added.
The representative of Grenada, speaking for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), reaffirmed the need for transparent and effective management of the UN’s financial and administrative operations. He welcomed the timely issuance of official documentation as this is important to facilitate efficient deliberations.
Committee Chair Egriselda Aracely González López (El Salvador) urged delegates to work with “commitment and efficiency” to successfully navigate the session.
...
