Fifth Committee, 19th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 80th session

I call to order the 19th meeting of the Fifth Committee at the 80th session of the General Assembly. Distinguished delegates, before we begin the business of the Committee for this morning, I should like to inform delegations that, as agreed by the Committee on an exceptional basis, the reports of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions contained in the advanced version of documents A/80/7/Add.16 and A/80/567, respectively, are available in English only and will be issued as soon as possible. I thank all delegations for their flexibility to proceed with these documents to facilitate the work of the Committee, and would like to emphasize that this is on an exceptional basis and in no way sets a precedent. There should continue to be full respect for the existing resolutions of the General Assembly on multilingualism. I invite the Committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 136, entitled Proposed Programme Budget for 2026, in particular the question of the revised estimates, effect of changes in rates of exchange and inflation. In this connection, I invite the Director of the Programme Planning and Budget Division, Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget, Mr. Christophe Monnier, to introduce the report of the Secretary-General on revised estimates. effect of changes in rates of exchange and inflation, contained in document A/AT/480. Mr. Monnier, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, I have the pleasure of introducing today the revised estimates report on the effect of changes rates of exchange and inflation on our proposed program budget as well as the revised estimate for 2026. The General Assembly decided in paragraph 29 of its resolution 79/257 to recost only post resources as from 2026. Accordingly, the recosting contained in the present report reflects the effects of changes in salary, inflation, and exchange rates between the United States dollar and other currencies on the post and position in the budget proposal for 2026, and not the adjustment to most non-post resource requirements. The non-post provisions that are directly impacted or influenced by changes in staff compensation have also been recosted. The report also presents the effect of recosting on the revised estimates relating to the proposed programme budget for 2026-27, as such resource requirements are already known and those revised estimates propose a significant reduction in the number of posts in the programme budget for 2026-27. The effects of the recosting adjustments applied to the income section 3 and the revised estimates resulted in an increase of $110 million. Resource requirements were adjusted on the basis of updated projections for inflation, changes in rates of exchange, and updated estimates for post, which capture the latest decision of the International Civil Service Commission on the salaries for professionals. The recosting include adjustment to vacancy rate, salaries, cost adjustment multiplier, common staff cost and non-post resource requirements, as explained earlier. The recosting adjustments are attributable to the fluctuation of exchange rates between the United States dollars and other currencies to the amount of $39.6 million, vacancy rate to the amount of $46.7 million and inflation to the amount of $23.8 million. The rates of exchange is of exchange between the United States dollars and other currencies used in the implementation of the regular budget were based on forward rates. The practice of purchasing Swiss francs and euro through forward contracts has been maintained, albeit at a smaller scale, given the decision to recost only post resources. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, I'd like to thank you for your support. We stand ready to address any question you may have in this respect. Thank you.

I thank Mr. Monnier for his introduction. I now invite the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Ms. Juliana Gaspar-Wash, to introduce the related report of the Committee contained in document A/80/7/Add.16. Ms. Gaspar-Wash, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, it is my pleasure to introduce the report of the Advisory Committee on the revised estimates, effects of changes in rates of exchange and inflation. The committee notes that recosting for 2026 would result in a net increase of 110 million to the proposed resources for 2026. After recosting, the expenditure sections of the budget show an overall decrease of 11.9% compared to the 2025 approved budget, rather than the 15.1% decrease before recosting as present in the revised estimates report. The proposed recosting will have an uneven impact on adjustments introduced by the revised estimates at section level, mitigating percentage reductions in several entities while resulting in higher level of adjustment in other sections. It also has an impact on the efficiencies it identified in specific relocations proposals. On the recosting adjustments of post resources, the Committee has observations and recommendations on the effects of recosting for salaries, post adjustment common staff costs and vacancy rates, and recommends that more information and clarification be provided to the General Assembly. In the context of recosting on salaries, as regards the implementation of the new methodology on the calculation of average step for Secretariat staff upon appointment and reappointment, the Committee notes that an amount of 1.7 million relating to promotions should be deducted from the total recosting adjustments. The Committee also notes that the proposed increase of $7 million was applied to all posts and positions in the professional and higher categories, which does not appear to be realistic, as the actual number of appointments and re-appointments for 2024 was 634. On post adjustment multipliers, the committee considers the more information should be provided to the assembly on the related assumptions, including how they take into consideration actual rates at the end of 2025 and the fact that post adjustment multiplier has been kept in New York since early 2025. The committee also trusts the clarity on the proposed entity specific vacancy rates will be provided to the assembly. Madam Chair, on the recosting of limited non-post resources influenced by changes in staff compensation, the Committee considers that the decision not to recost non-post aimed at, among others, enhancing predictability of the regular budget and does not preclude the Secretary-General from proposing, in the context of the programme budget, additional requirements under non-post based on justified update estimates of specific non-post costs. Reiterating its view that efforts should be made to explore efficiency and simplify the recosting approach, the Committee considers the Organization would benefit from a comprehensive assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the budget methodology of the programme budget versus that of peacekeeping missions and special political missions on the presentation of updated cost change. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank Ms. Gaspar-Ruash for her introduction. The floor is now open for any delegation who wishes to make a statement. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation wishes to thank the Secretary-General for his report, which contains valuable information and analyses regarding the revised estimates, effects of changes in rates of exchange and inflation, as set out in document A/80/480. Madam Chair, we would like to refer to the section of the report on staff reductions. which indicates that the revised estimates are not based on layoffs, but rather on the redistribution of posts. In this regard, my delegation emphasizes that it is important for the proposed redistribution in terms of vacant posts be done in a manner that safeguards the integrity of the staffing structure, ensures equitable geographical distribution, and does not compromise the organization's ability to fulfill its critical role in advancing three pillars, maintaining international peace and security, protecting human rights, and achieving sustainable development. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank you. If there are no further comments, the committee has thus concluded its general discussion on this question. Informal consultations on the reports just introduced will be coordinated by Ms. Yuliana Zhivkova Angelova of Bulgaria. I invite the Committee to begin its consideration of agenda item 177, entitled Financing of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti. In this connection, I invite the Director of the Programme Planning and Budget Division, Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget, Mr. Christophe Monnier, to introduce the note by the Secretary-General on financing arrangements for the United Nations Support Office in Haiti for the period from 1st October 2025 to 30th June 2026, contained in document A/80/499. Mr. Monnier, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair, distinguished delegates. I have the honor to introduce the financing note by the Secretary-General on agenda item financing of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti under agenda item 177. The note contains a request for commitment authority with assessment in an amount of 301.5 million for the startup and establishment of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti for the period from 1 October 2025 to 30 June 2026. This request is made following the adoption of Security Council resolution 2793 of 30 September 2025, which requested the Secretary-General to establish UNSO to provide support primarily to the Gang Suppression Force and to BINU. The requirements will provide for the phased deployment of up to 3,447 military and police personnel and cover emplacement and rotation travel, the reimbursement of COE, the freight for the deployment of COE and ration. The requirements will also provide for the the phased deployment of up to 337 civilian personnel. Finally, the requirements will cover operational costs for the establishment of support office facilities infrastructure, the acquisition and transportation of various pieces of equipment, and the deployment of up to eight aircraft. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, I thank you for your kind attention and look forward to discussions on this agenda item. Thank you.

I thank Mr. Monnier for his introduction. I now invite the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Ms. Juliana Gaspar-Ruash, to introduce the related report of the Committee contained in document A/80/567. Ms. Gaspar-Ruash, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, I am pleased to introduce the report of the Advisory Committee on the note of the Secretary General on the financing arrangements for the United Nations Support Office in Haiti for the period from 1 October 2025 to 30 June 2026. The note of the Secretary General presents a request for a commitment authority with assessment in the amount of 301.5 million for the startup and establishment of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti. The Committee stresses the importance of clear delineation of roles and responsibilities of the head of UNSO and of the Special Representative of the Gang Suppression Force. Noting that the personnel and technical support costs of the Force will be funded from voluntary contributions, the Committee trusts that efforts will be made by the Secretariat to support the mobilization of the required resources and that updates on the status of voluntary contributions will be provided to the Assembly. The Advisory Committee is cognizant that UNSO remains at its start-up phase and trusts that information will be provided on how the budget assumptions reflect the funding and operational capacities of the Gang Suppression Force and how force generation is progressing. The Committee also trusts that updates will be provided to the outcomes of the technical assessment mission and on the status of the development of the mission support concept. The Committee notes that the recruitment of UNSO personnel will draw primarily from United Nations Secretariat staff in accordance with the downsizing policy in the context of the UN 80 initiative and the revised estimates for 2026. The Committee trusts that information on the vacancy announcements post so far will be provided to the Assembly. Regarding operational requirements, the Advisory Committee trusts that updated information on expenditures and the status of development plans for construction projects, the rental of premises, and the establishment of main contracts of the mission will be provided to the General Assembly. The Committee considers that every effort should be made to achieve efficiencies in obtaining equipment and supplies from closing and downsizing field missions as appropriate. Madam Chair, the Advisory Committee stresses the need to ensure that UNSO is provided with adequate resources for the effective start of its activities. However, noting elements of force generation and the concept of operations of the Gang Suppression Force are yet to be presented, while the period for the implementation of the proposed commitment authority is already underway, the Committee considers that the full utilization of the initial proposed resource is not realistic within the remaining six-month period until June 2026. The Committee, therefore, 4 recommends that the proposed amount to enter into commitments be reduced by 10% to an amount not exceeding 271.3 million. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank Ms. Caspar-Rash for her introduction. The floor is now open for any delegation who wishes to make a statement. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Haiti.

Yes, Madame la President.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Haitian delegation welcomes the note by the Secretary-General relating to the funding of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti, UNSO, for the period 1 October 2025 to 30 June 2026. We also welcome the recommendations of the ACABQ and resolution 2793 of the Security Council, in collaboration with the Haitian Government, which authorized the transition from the Multinational Security Support Mission to the Gang Suppression Force. We pay particular attention to the amount of the resources requested by the Secretary-General, amounting to 301 million, 746,300 US dollars for the period in question. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, Haiti is today at a critical juncture in its history. Multidimensional challenges that the country faces now more than ever require a collective and solidarity-based response In this context, the United Nations Support Office in Haiti, whose mission is to support the national and international forces in their struggle to restore peace and security in the country, embodies the commitment of our Organization and its Member States to supporting the Haitian people in their ongoing quest for peace and stability. To effectively execute its mandate, the Office must have adequate human and financial resources. In this regard, the amount requested by the Secretary-General is in line with the needs identified and the responsibilities entrusted to it by Member States, as stipulated in the Secretary-General's note. However, the Fifth Committee as the custodian of the United Nations budgetary and administrative discipline, must methodically and rigorously analyze the various budget lines to ensure greater transparency and equity in the use of these resources. The approval of this financing shows not only an act of solidarity and of shared responsibility, but also sends a clear signal that the international community remains united and determined to support Haiti. It should be underscored that every dollar invested helps contribute to the reduction of violence, the strengthening of democratic institutions, and the relaunch of economic and social development, both for Haiti and for the countries in the region. In this regard, the Haitian Government, despite its current economic constraints, commits to actively contributing to the implementation of this Office and to intensify its efforts to ensure a success of its mandate. In conclusion, the Haitian delegation expresses its total gratitude to the Member States that have already provided their support and invites the entire international community to redouble its efforts to allow the Office to fully execute its mandate in respect for the universal values of peace and cooperation. Thank you.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I have the honour to address this committee and to read a statement on behalf of a group of countries comprised of Mexico, El Salvador, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Paraguay, Panama, Ecuador, and my own delegation, the Dominican Republic. Allow me to express our gratitude to the Secretary-General on the presentation of this report and the Advisory Committee for Administrative and Budgetary Questions for the rigorous analysis contained in their recommendations. Madam Chair, as we deliberate in this room about budget lines and administrative provisions, in Haiti, children are living under the terror of criminal gangs that know no limits. Women are subjected to systematic violence that degrades their human condition in the most aberrant ways. Entire families are being displaced from their homes, deprived of everything, and condemned to survive in undignified conditions. This is not a statistical abstraction. This is the daily reality of millions of human beings whose only hope lies with the international community for it to act with the urgency that the circumstances require. Madam Chair, the international community has heard this clarion call with the adoption of resolution 2793 by the Security Council. This represents the unequivocal will of this organization to not abandon the Haitian people. The establishment of the Gang Suppression Force and of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti constitute our institutional response to a crisis that requires determined action. On the 9th of December, The pledging, the Force Generation Conference showed an extraordinary testimony of solidarity. 18 countries and organizations from all continents, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean took on concrete commitments for personnel, capacities, and resources. The level of the force that has been committed makes it possible to address the criminal structures that continue to hold the Haitian people hostage. Particular gratitude should go to the commitment from the government of Haiti itself, which has taken on significant financial responsibilities and has convened general elections for the 30th of August 2026, the first in almost a decade. In the midst of the most extreme adversity, the Haitian people has not abandoned their democratic aspirations. Madam Chair. Political will has been expressed, the force commitments have been formalized, the troops and the police contingents have been committed. The only thing that is missing now is the resources that this committee has the responsibility to approve. In that regard, we reiterate our support for the proposal made by the Secretary General to take on a commitment authority for 301,746,300 US dollars for the period from the 1st of October 2025 to the 30th of June 2026, including 54 million dollars for the period from the 1st of October to the 31st of December 2025. Our group of countries urges this committee to continue with the approval of the budget without further delay. The humanitarian emergency does not allow for any procedural delays. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

Thank you. If there are no further comments, the Committee has thus concluded its general discussion on this agenda item. Informal consultations on the reports just introduced will be coordinated by Ms. Junyu Zhang of Singapore. The meeting is adjourned.