Fifth Committee, 28th plenary meeting - General Assembly, Second part of the resumed 80th session

I call to order the 28th meeting of the FIF Committee and welcome you to the second part of our resumed 80th session. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues, before we formally begin our work, allow me in my personal capacity as Chair to share a few candid reflections. We are entering this resumed session under considerable strains. The organization's financial situation is tight. Liquidity constraints are real, and the margin for delay is very limited. At the same time, expectations placed on the United Nations, especially in the area of peacekeeping, have not diminished. I think it is fair to say, speaking frankly, that positions among Member States diverge on several issues before us. We continue to see differing perspectives on the scale and direction of peacekeeping, on budget levels, on performance and accountability, and on how financial discipline should be applied. These are legitimate differences. These differences are not new. However, if not managed constructively, they risk slowing down our work at a time when timely decisions are essential for the effective functioning of missions on the ground. Let me be clear. This is not a call for any delegation to compromise on principles, but it is a call to engage with a degree of pragmatism and realism. that reflects the situation we are in. Not every issue will be resolved in ideal terms. Not every delegation will get everything it seeks. That has always been the nature of our work. At the same time, we should remain conscious that our decisions have immediate operational consequences. Delays in this room translate into uncertainty in the field for missions, for troop and police contributing countries, and for personnel operating in complex and often dangerous environment. As Chair, I will work to ensure a process that is transparent, inclusive, and respectful of all positions. But process alone will not carry us forward. Progress will depend on a willingness from all sides to engage beyond prepared statements and to explore landing zones early. I would therefore encourage delegations to use informal consultations actively and constructively, and to remain open to incremental progress where comprehensive agreement is not immediately possible. We have a demanding agenda and a narrow window. With discipline, flexibility, and a shared sense of responsibility, I believe it is still possible to reach credible and timely outcomes. I look forward to working closely with all of you. I thank you. Distinguished colleagues, we shall now begin our work with the consideration of the organization of work of the Committee for the second part of its resumed 80th session. Based on the status of preparedness of documentation for the Fifth Committee during the second part of its resumed 80th session, contained in document A/C.5/80/L/31, the Bureau has proposed a tentative provisional programme of work. This programme has been circulated electronically through the Bureau and the website of the Fifth Committee. Efforts were made to prepare a programme of work which makes best use of the available time, on the understanding that changes will be made as the session progresses. I invite delegates to review the documentation dashboard in the Fifth Committee InfoHub on the Committee's website for any updates to documents under consideration by the Committee during the current session. Before I open the floor for statements on the proposed programme of work, I would like to remind delegations that should they wish to inscribe on the list of speakers for the item in progress and have not already done so through the e-speakers module on e-delegate, They may press only once the button located in front of their microphone, after which the light on the microphone will turn green to show that they have been placed on the list. The microphone will turn red once a delegation has been given the floor. Please note that if the button is pressed twice, the inscription will be cancelled. Delegations are reminded to observe the time limit of three minutes for statements by individual Member States and five minutes for delegations speaking on behalf of a group of States. Officials making introductory statements relating to reports before the Committee are also requested to observe the three-minute time limit for such statements. In connection with the time limit, an on-screen timer will be utilized, which will be activated at the start of the speaker's statement. I now open the floor for comments on the proposed program of work for the session. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

Madam Chair, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on the organization of work of the second part of the recent 80th session of the Fifth Committee. The group extends its appreciation to you, Madam Chair, for your continued leadership in guiding the work of the Fifth Committee. We also thank the members of the Bureau and the secretariat of the Committee for preparing and drafting the programme of work and the documentation for this session. The group also acknowledges the valuable contribution of the ACABQ in supporting the Committee's deliberation. The timely submission and issuance of reports by the secretariat and the Advisory Committee in all official languages remains essential for the Committee to carry out its effectively within the time allocated. Madam Chair, as the second resumed session is primarily dedicated to the consideration of the administrative and budgetary aspects of the UN peacekeeping operations, the group wishes to reiterate its deep appreciation to all men and women, both uniform and civilian, who serve under the UN flag in difficult and often dangerous conditions. The group honors the memory of all peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the organization. We express our deepest condolences to the families the fallen as well as the governments and peoples of the troop and police contributing countries concerned. The deaths of six peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL, along with the serious injuries sustained by several others in recent incidents, are a stark reminder that peacekeepers must never be targeted and that their safety and security are non-negotiable. In this regard, the Group underscores the obligation of all parties to uphold international law and to ensure at all times the safety and security of UN personnel, as well as the inviolability of UN premises, property, and assets. We further emphasize the importance of conducting prompt, transparent, and comprehensive investigations into attacks against peacekeepers and of ensuring that those responsible are held fully accountable. Madam Chair, the group is committed to the thorough consideration of all the agenda items allocated to this committee, attaching great importance to the consideration of cross-cutting issues, the support account for peacekeeping operations, the regional service center in Entebbe, the UN logistics base, closed peacekeeping missions, the BOA report on peacekeeping operations, and matters related to reimbursements to troop and police contributing countries. The group reiterates the importance of avoiding late settlement of payments to troop and police contributing countries, most of which are developing countries. Delays in reimbursements create a situation in which financially constrained developing countries are in effect subsidizing peacekeeping operations. The timely settlement of these payments should remain a priority of the organization. The group also notes that this session will address important deferred issues from the first resumed session, including the proposed revisions to the FRRs and the regulations and rules governing PPBME. in this regard, the group recalls its concern that the consideration of these important proposals was deferred, owing inter alia to delays in the issuance of documentation and in the provision of responses to member states' questions. Given the significant implications of these proposals for the financial governance of the organization and the prerogatives of the General Assembly, sufficient time must be allocated for careful, transparent and informed consideration. The group further reiterates its deep concern over the arrears of the single largest contributor, which are the root cause of the organization's liquidity crisis. Addressing this situation requires a collective commitment by all member states to fulfill their financial obligations in full, on time, and without conditions, particularly those member states who, for political reasons, deliberately withhold payments. The group also wishes to reaffirm that all actions should be taken to facilitate the payments of assessed contributions and that member states should have the practical ability to fulfill their obligations without undue obstacles. Furthermore, any measures aimed at improving liquidity must preserve mandate delivery, respect intergovernmental oversight, and avoid unintended consequences for program implementation. Madam Chair, the group notes that the substantial workload before the committee in these coming weeks, these multifaceted issues require realistic and proportional time allocations to allow delegations to engage meaningfully and reach balanced outcomes. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China assures you of its readiness to engage constructively with you, the Bureau, and all delegations during this session. We remain committed to working in a positive, flexible manner to ensure that the Fifth Committee successfully concludes its work. I thank you.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Djibouti on behalf of the African Group.

Madam Chair, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group on the organization of work of the Fifth Committee during the second part of the resume of the A/ES sessions of the UN General Assembly. The African Group appreciate the work of the Bureau thus far and looks forward to your continued leadership during this second resume session. We also wish to recognize the presence of the Assistant Secretary General and Controller, Mr. Chandramouli Ramanathan, and the Secretary of the Fifth Committee. Madam Chair, regarding the organization of work of the committee, the African group wishes to thank the Bureau for preparing the program of work. We also appreciate and look forward to working with the delegates who have volunteered to facilitate negotiation on the various agenda items before the committee. While the second resume part of the fifth committee session is primarily dedicated to the considerations of United Nations peacekeeping operation, the African group notes that this session will also consider other important deferred agenda item, namely the revisions to the financial regulations and rules, and revision to the regulations and rules governing program planning, the program aspect of the budget, the monitoring and implementation, and method of evaluation. While acknowledging the importance of these items, the African groups reiterate the importance of allowing sufficient times for the consideration of peacekeeping agenda items, including the consideration of emerging missions, namely the United Nations Support Office in Haiti. The African Group pays tribute to all United Nations uniformed personnel serving in peacekeeping operations, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace. Peacekeeping missions continue to operate in increasingly challenging environments and under constrained financial conditions. Timely action by this Committee is therefore required to ensure the continuity, effectiveness and efficiencies of peacekeeping operations, many of which are deployed in Africa. The African Group noted with concern the continued liquidity constraint affecting United Nations peacekeeping operations and their impact on the timely implementation of mandated activities. The Group emphasized that predictable and adequate cash flow is essential to ensure operational continuity, effective mission planning, and the timely settlement of obligations, including reimbursement to troop and police contributing countries. Madam Chair. Concerning the report to be considered by the Committee, the African Group commends the SCABQ and the Secretariat for the effort that have resulted in a timely issuance of report of most agenda items. In this regard, the Group hopes that supplementary information will be provided in a timely manner that allow for the effective consideration and timely conclusion of our work. Concerned by the guidance, the, the fact that this is.

Guidance, we stress the key importance of attributing significant and proportional time to the consideration of all agenda items. And it is equally essential for adequate time to be granted to the Secretariat as well as technical and consultative bodies in order to ensure that they have time to present the reports and to have a discussion at the committee. We believe that thanks to cooperation, flexibility, and the political engagement of all delegations, the committee will be positioned to conclude its work on time. The African group assures you, Madam President, of our readiness and willingness to engage constructively in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect with all delegations. Thank you.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union.

Madame Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, align themselves with this statement.

I wish, first and foremost, to pay tribute to the unstinting commitment, professionalism, and boldness of UN personnel, UN men and women who are serving under the banner of the United Nations. Their commitment remains a keen reminder of the fact that multilateralism, or what multilateralism can accomplish at the best of it. We applaud the memory of those who lost their lives in the service of their duties, and we reiterate our profound concerns about the health and safety of peacekeepers. In these times of escalating geopolitical tensions and persistent humanitarian crises, United Nations peacekeeping operations remain a cornerstone of collective resolve and one of the most tangible expressions of international solidarity. It is our shared responsibility in the Fifth Committee to ensure that these operations remain agile, well supported, and prepared to meet today's challenges head on. In so doing, we must continue to ground our work in the mandates established by the Security Council.

As collective financial contributors to the United Nations, the European Union and its member states remain committed to peacekeeping. We are deeply concerned by the organization's ongoing liquidity constraints, which carry serious operational implications. A United Nations that is underfunded is constrained, and at a time of heightened global expectations, such limitations are simply untenable, as it became visible in the field trip of the 5C. We are convinced that sustainable and predictable financing is indispensable for UNAT initiative's successful implementation, also in peacekeeping. The deteriorating financial situation demands urgent and collective action. We therefore urge all member states to meet the financial obligations in full, on time, and without conditions. Continued deferrals of payments are putting lives of peacekeepers in unnecessary risk. We stand ready to engage constructively and without delay on practical and credible measures to strengthen the organisation's liquidity. We recognise our responsibility to carefully and constructively examine the proposed revisions to the regulations and rules. We trust that the Committee will treat this work as a priority, with a view to reaching timely and meaningful agreement that strengthens the organisation's financial footing. We reiterate our strong support for performance-driven, cost-effective peacekeeping. We acknowledge the indispensable role of the UN Support Account, the UN Global Service Center, and the RSC. These operational backbones are essential to ensuring that peacekeeping missions can deliver efficiently, in line with the UN 80 Initiative. We encourage continued efforts to further strengthen this support structure on which missions heavily rely. We express our appreciation for the efforts undertaken by all peacekeeping entities to frame their budget in the spirit of the UN 80 initiative, reflecting an equitable approach. We also welcome the secretariat efforts to promote a culture of efficiency.

The decisions we take in this room have implications far beyond it. They have direct consequences on the ground. the WPS agenda's advancement is one such thing and then the protection of blue helmets is another, reducing the environmental footprint, strengthening gender equality, the fight against misinformation and disinformation. All of these priorities require sustained specific commitment in our cross-cutting negotiations. In this session we must give priority to addressing the protection from and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. We must make full and effective use of the recommendations issued by the JIU. This is an area in which our collective credibility is at stake and where decisive action is both necessary and expected of us. Madam Chair, we welcome the introduction of combined performance and budget reports. These represent a significant improvement in the analytical value of our work while ensuring greater cost effectiveness. We emphasise that improving our working methods must remain a collective and continuous commitment, a commitment that should translate to the concrete deliverables of the committee's work. As the Secretary-General wisely said, the budgets at the United Nations are not just numbers on a balance sheet; they are a matter of life and death for millions around the world. Let us assume this responsibility with unity and ambition. Let us ensure our words go hand in hand with action. Our commitments must go with resources required to fulfill them. In doing all of this, we can ensure that UN peacekeeping operations continue to stand as a symbol of hope, resilience, and shared humanity. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada on behalf of GANZ.

Madam.

President, it is my honor to deliver this statement on behalf of Australia, New Zealand, and my own country, Canada. CANZ thanks the Secretary-General for the 2026-2027 peacekeeping budget proposals, the ACBQ for the reports, the reports, as well as you, Chair, and the members of the Bureau. We pay tribute to the women and the men serving in United Nations peacekeeping operations throughout the world, and we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of a lasting peace. Cairns reiterates our condolences on the recent loss of French and Indonesian personnel. Peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel save lives. This work should never cost them their own. Cairns remains deeply concerned by the severity and the persistence of the liquidity crisis. The situation requires that member states pay their assessed contributions on time, in full, and without obligations, and we echo the Secretary General's call to that end. Australia, Canada, and New Zealand consistently meet this obligation, and we urge all member states to do so as well. also underscores the urgent need to advance concrete solutions in order to enhance the organization's financial sustainability. In this regard, we welcome the information provided by the Secretariat on modifications to the methodology for calculating credits to be returned based on actual revenues. We continue to assess the technical aspects of the proposal, but see potential for this to provide tangible near-term relief and to contribute to greater financial stability, thereby enabling the United Nations to continue delivering on mandates that Member States have set and agreed upon funding for. CANS will also continue to advocate for complementary measures in order to promote long-term financial stability for the Secretariat and to modernize the financial rules and regulations. English.

The resumed session presents a timely opportunity to address these budgetary challenges. Peacekeeping missions are operating in increasingly complex environments. These pressures are further compounded by significant liquidity constraints with direct consequences for mandate delivery. In this context, CANS emphasizes the importance of adequate and predictable resourcing for peacekeeping aligned with mandates approved by the Security Council. CANS appreciates the Secretary-General's efforts in line with the UNAD initiative to reduce duplication, strengthen coordination, and enhance the cost-effectiveness of peacekeeping.

We stress that such efficiencies must remain

clearly focused on delivering results in the field and ensuring missions are equipped to meet current and emerging challenges. CANS was encouraged by the successful outcome of the Contingent Owned Equipment Working Group negotiations,

The integration of gender-responsive hygiene considerations in the CoE framework

is a practical step towards reducing barriers to women's full, equal, and meaningful participation and fostering safer, more inclusive missions. Advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda is central to operational effectiveness and sustainable peace. Building on this progress, CANS underscores the importance of providing comprehensive policy direction on peacekeeping issues. CANS remains firmly committed to preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment across the UN system. We commend the Joint Inspection Unit and welcome its recommendations. Protection from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment is core business. and must be implemented through a consistent victim-survivor-centered approach, supported by sustained leadership and appropriate resourcing.

CANS also stresses the need for adequate resourcing of protection mandates, including protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel,

child protection, preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence, and the protection and promotion of human rights. Equally, CANS highlights the importance of strengthening peacekeepers' safety and security, including through appropriate tools, training and capabilities.

Madam Chair,

CANS looks forward to engaging constructively with all Member States to achieve pragmatic, consensus-based outcomes that safeguard the financial sustainability

of the Organization and strengthen the effectiveness and impact of UN operations now and for the future.

I thank you.

Thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States.

Madam Chair, colleagues, as we begin consideration of the 2026-2027 peacekeeping budgets, we do so at a moment that demands seriousness, discipline, and a clear-eyed focus on results. The Secretary-General has put forward a proposal of $5.23 billion, a reduction of nearly 7.5% overall and more than 12% when excluding new mandates. This is another meaningful step forward, and combined with the reforms we achieved together last December when we passed a slimmed down 2026 regular budget, we continue our work to achieve a UN that is fit for purpose. For years, Member States have asked for peacekeeping that is leaner, more efficient, and more responsive to evolving realities on the ground. We are now beginning to see the contours of that shift. Reductions in civilian staffing, more disciplined budgeting assumptions, repatriation of personnel for underperformance and misconduct, and early returns from efficiency initiatives signal that reform is possible. But incremental change is not enough. We must continue to press for structural efficiencies that endure beyond a single budget cycle. The United States approaches this session with a simple principle: peacekeeping must deliver real value. Every dollar entrusted to this organization carries the weight of our taxpayers' expectations. That means mandates must be clear and achievable, missions must be right-sized, and resources must be aligned with performance. We therefore support full implementation of the methodology for peacekeeping support functions adopted last year. These functions were designed to be scalable, yet too often they have grown disconnected from mission realities. Rationalizing headquarters staffing and support structures whether in New York, Brindisi, or Entebbe, is not just a technical exercise. It is central to restoring credibility in how this institution manages resources. We must also strengthen oversight and accountability. Oversight bodies, the Board of Auditors, the Office of Internal Oversight Services, and the Joint Inspection Unit play an essential role in identifying waste, fraud, abuse, and systemic weaknesses. Their recommendations must be taken seriously, implemented in a timely manner, and protected from politicization. The United States will again seek adoption of a cross-cutting resolution to provide peacekeeping-wide guidance on critical issues, including delegation of authority, mission performance, and preventing sexual abuse and exploitation. We will simultaneously push for inclusion of mission-specific policy priorities in individual mission resolutions. Finally, we must not lose sight of the broader financial framework in which we operate. Updating financial regulations, improving how credits are returned, and ensuring that reimbursement policies are sustainable are not abstract issues. They materially impact transparency and fiscal responsibility across the system. Colleagues, peacekeeping remains one of the most visible and consequential tools of this organization. Its legitimacy depends on performance and discipline. The reductions proposed this year show that change is possible. Our task now is to ensure that these changes are durable and achieve a system that is more effective and more accountable, and that is worthy of the sacrifice of those who serve. The United States remains committed to working with all delegations to achieve these consequential and durable reforms. Thank you.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom.

Madam Chair, I thank you, your bureau and the secretariat for your continued support to the work of the committee. I pay tribute to the peacekeepers who have given their lives over the past year. My delegation commends their courage and professionalism. Honouring their service requires us in the committee to ensure that peacekeeping is resourced in a manner that is operationally credible and financially responsible. We thank the Secretary-General, FOFD and the staff in the field for their careful preparation of this year's peacekeeping mission budget proposals. We recognise the significant efforts to identify efficiencies and welcome the 7.5 per cent reduction on last year's proposals, in the spirit of UN80. We also welcome the various civilian staffing reviews carried out in the last year, to ensure that the right people are in the right places, with the resources they need to deliver on Security Council mandates. We will scrutinise those proposals closely to ensure that they can be delivered and provide VFM. We must also mention the impact of the in-year contingency measures on peacekeeping operations. Although we recognise that those measures were necessary, given the acute liquidity situation, and note the efficiencies that have emerged, liquidity pressures alone must not become the primary driver of reform. The UK remains deeply concerned by the on-going liquidity crisis. It continues to prevent the organisation from delivering the mandates that have been agreed by the Security Council. With less cash available, the UN cannot fully uphold its obligations to the three pillars of the charter. Amid those financial pressures, upholding the UN's values and credibility must remain a core priority for us all. During this session, the committee will consider several reports on sexual exploitation and abuse. We can all agree that there is no place for SEA in the organisation. The UK remains firmly committed to prevention and a victim and survivor-centred approach. Failure to address SEA undermines the credibility of the UN and the trust of the communities that it serves. Finally, my delegation will prioritise agreement of updates to the financial regulations and rules and PPBME. Those frameworks underpin robust financial management, yet they have not been updated for more than a decade. Agreeing those updates is essential to reflect the decisions of the General Assembly, including the annual budget that was agreed in the 77th session. The United Kingdom stands ready to work constructively with all delegations and looks forward to a successful conclusion of the 78th session.

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

Madam

Chair, my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. We wish to make a number of remarks in our national capacity. The Dominican Republic wishes to express its appreciation to the Chair for her leadership in guiding the work of this committee. Similar appreciation goes to the Bureau, the Secretariat and the ACABQ for their invaluable support. We underscore the importance of the timely submission of reports to enable the Committee to effectively conduct its work within established timeframes. We also reiterate our recognition to the men and women, both uniformed and civilian, who serve in UN peacekeeping operations. We commend their devotion and honor the sacrifice of those who have lost their lives in pursuit of peace. Chair, the Dominican Republic reaffirms its commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, in particular to transparent, efficient, and results-oriented financial management. that will enable the organization to fulfill its mandates in the areas of peace, security, and sustainable development. During this session, we will address key issues related to the financing of PKOs, including the support account, logistical facilities, and the administrative aspects of closed missions, as well as cross-cutting issues. Against this backdrop, we champion an equitable allocation of resources, as well as responsible management and budgetary planning aligned with operational realities on the ground. We also deem it a priority to advance efforts designed to improve the financial situation of the Organization. We must focus on ensuring adequate resources for peacekeeping operations. With this in mind, it is particularly important to make progress in addressing the items deferred from the first resumed session, particularly those related to the reforms of the Financial Regulations and Rules and programme planning methods. Furthermore, we reiterate the need to maintain a strong focus on the prevention of as well as on victim assistance. Madam Chair, taking note of the UN initiative, which the Dominican Republic has supported as an effort designed to strengthen the system's efficiency and coherence, we believe it important that its implementation respect the intergovernmental nature of the organization. Its implementation must not affect the discharge of approved mandates, particularly in PKOs. Here, we express concern regarding the projected budgetary reductions stemming from the current liquidity crisis and resulting from the non-payment of contributions by some Member States, which could limit operational capacity on the ground. As such, it is necessary to ensure adequate, predictable and sustainable financing in line with mandated requirements for each mission. To conclude, the Dominican Republic reiterates its readiness to engage constructively in the work of this Committee in support of an effective, inclusive and results-oriented multilateralism. Thank you.

Thank you. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Chair. First of all, my delegation wishes to pay our deepest respects to the peacekeeping personnel and their unwavering dedication. Japan attaches the utmost importance to the indispensable role played by UN peacekeeping operations in maintaining international peace and security. Moreover, we have consistently contributed to these efforts, namely by deploying our self-defense forces personnel and through the triangular partnership project. We acknowledge the complexities of the situations on the ground. At the same time, we commend the concerted efforts made to ensure the effective and efficient management of peacekeeping missions in the spirit of UNAT. Our work here has enabled the reduction of the proposed budget compared to the previous financial year, and that has made it possible to overcome financial constraints despite the establishment of a new mission last year.

A fundamental discussion for the future of UN peacekeeping is imperative. We anticipate the submission of the comprehensive review of peacekeeping operation in the context of the UN 80, which we understand is in its final stages. Our goal in this session is to ensure that the appropriate level of resources is approved and allocated to where it is most needed and to support critical activities on the ground. We believe that this comprehensive review would provide us with fundamental perspective for the coming discussions. Finally, my delegation is committed to constructive discussion, strongly hoping that our deliberations themselves will proceed in an effective, efficient and timely manner. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Madam Chair, last main session, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to maintain the momentum of the UN Aid Initiative and continue to identify efficiencies to enhance overall effectiveness of the organization. In this regard, my delegation is pleased to note additional efforts to enhance efficiencies in the total proposed resource requirements for peacekeeping operations for 2026-2027 fiscal period, which represents a decrease of 7.5% compared with the previous period. In the case of the chronic financial liquidity constraints, it is essential to foster a culture of efficiency in the management of the peacekeeping budget. We call for a more comprehensive and systematic approach to ensure that efficiency gains are sustainably realized across all peacekeeping missions and backstopping offices. In this regard, we commend the ongoing efforts of the Field Operations Finance Division for engaging with mission senior leaders. He also stressed that technology is key to further enhancing efficiency and encouraged the Secretariat's continued efforts to support digital transformation of missions. We firmly support United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities as co-enablers of international peace and security. We will actively engage in discussions to ensure that An adequate level of budget is appropriately created to enable the effective implementation of peacekeeping mandates. We take note of the implementation of contingency plan in response to the United Nations severe liquidity crisis, and we will closely monitor its impact on mandate delivery and the safety and security of personnel. While such measures may inevitably have some impact on the implementation of peacekeeping mandates, every effort should be made to minimize their impact on core tasks. Above all, the safety and security of peacekeepers must remain a top priority. Finally, with regard to supply chain management, we call for better inventory utilization and the active incorporation of system-wide reform measures, including an integrated supply chain model under UN aid initiative. We also look forward to the Secretariat's intensified outreach efforts to broaden participation of vendors from countries with low participation in UN procurement. I thank you.

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

Chair, China aligns itself with the statement by Uruguay on behalf of G7 and On behalf of the G7, China, I would like to add the following four points. First, the UN peacekeeping operations, or PKOs, are an important tool for maintaining international peace and security. China supports PKOs that are grounded in the three basic principles of peacekeeping: keep pace with the times, strike a balance between resources, efficiency, and effectiveness, and continuously enhance their targeted nature, adaptability, and effectiveness so as to fulfill the core mandate of facilitating political solutions to hotspot issues. China pays its highest tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by TCCs and PCCs. Second, improving quality, effectiveness, and efficiency is a basic requirement for PKOs to fulfill their mandates. The secretariat and missions should promote a culture of efficiency across all processes, engage in sound planning in areas such as logistical support, infrastructure, and transportation, enhance resource integration, reduce duplicate investment, increase procurement transparency and value for money, and improve the cost-effectiveness of fund utilization. The Secretariat and missions should further implement the BOA recommendations, strengthen oversight and accountability, continuously improve financial and human resources management, and eliminate waste of funds caused by mismanagement. Third, China is highly concerned about the current liquidity issues for UNPKOs and is ready to work constructively with all parties to discuss solutions and help the Secretariat overcome the difficulties. The most direct and effective way to solve the liquidity crisis is for all Member States, in particular the largest contributor, to pay its assessed contribution and peacekeeping assessment in full. Reform should not become an excuse to draw down or withdraw PKOs without regard for actual conditions. The method of collection-based credit return is neither fair nor reasonable and would not be conducive to Member States paying contributions in full and without conditions. Fourth, the payment of contributions is a financial obligation that every Member State must fulfill. It is mandatory and non-negotiable. No conditions should be attached to the payment. Nor should it be used as an excuse to obstruct other countries' positive contributions to the UN. Chair, as the second largest contributor to peacekeeping, assessment and a major troop contributing country, China will participate in the consultations on all agenda items at this second part of the resumed session constructively and responsibly, give you positive support, and work to develop a realistic and reasonable peacekeeping budget that better supports PKO in upholding core principles while breaking new ground and improving quality, effectiveness, and efficiency amid a changing landscape. Thank you, Chair.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. Allow me to wish you every success in the coming weeks and assure you of my delegation's full support. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of Group 77 and China, and would like to add the followings in our national capacity. We welcome the slight differences between the Secretary-General's proposal budget for 2026-27 peacekeeping operations and ACAPQ's recommendations to the proposal, providing a good start for the negotiation. While acknowledging the 7.5% decrease in the proposal compared to the current year budget due to the ongoing financial difficulties, Additional or further cut would be very challenging as peacekeeping operations must be supported with adequate, predictable, and sustainable finances. In this regard, we reiterate the utmost importance of full, on-time payment without conditions by the Member States. Based on the experience on the implementation of the reduction plan during this year, we also propose that the rotation changes in the coming months need to be better planned, implemented through extensive consultations with troop and police contributing countries. Madam Chair, before concluding, we strongly condemn the unjustified and unacceptable acts which took the lives of six UNIFIL peacekeepers from Indonesia and France. We express our deepest condolences to their families. I thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. Mexico reiterates its staunch commitment to the peacekeeping activities of the United Nations. We reiterate our recognition of the military and civilian personnel that make up these operations. They discharge their mandates in a volatile context with new challenges facing peace. and the increasingly frequent use of new technologies which imperil the lives of deployed personnel. With this in mind, we honour the memory of fallen personnel. They fell as they performed their duties. This includes Indonesian and French personnel in the Lebanese mission and the personnel that fell from Bangladesh in UNISFA in 2025. We currently have deployed uniformed personnel deployed in operations such as MINUSO, MINUSCA and UMAG. We have the head of mission in the India and Pakistan operation. That is a demonstration of our commitment to peacekeeping work. We are proud to underscore in this connection that more than 50% of our military personnel deployed in the field are women. That is a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to meaningful gender equality. At this session, Mexico will pay particular attention to budgets for peacekeeping operations and backstopping offices, as well as to cross-cutting issues, including policies to prevent and eradicate sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping operations on the ground. Moreover, in line with its feminist foreign policy, Mexico will continue to work to promote greater participation of women, uniformed women that is, in peacekeeping operations. Chair. You have this delegation's commitment to work constructively to achieve the ultimate adoption of a budget which is appropriate for each peacekeeping operation. Regarding the organization's liquidity situation, we note with concern the current financial situation. It prevents the organization from implementing all of its mandates and compels it to annually return unspent balances. This situation threatens the UN's capacity to finance its operations, including payments to troop-contributing countries, and it hampers its ability to ensure the operationalization of peacekeeping missions, and that places them in a delicate financial position. This state of affairs is still playing out, even though the UN has implemented meaningful expenditure control measures and measures for liquidity management in recent years, in addition to having reduced its budgets considerably. With the goal of temporarily alleviating liquidity problems, in previous sessions, we have championed initiatives to suspend the return of unspent balances. In Mexico's view, the return of these appropriations creates a perverse incentive which can foster arrears or even non-payment. However, these proposals were not accepted. Consequently, in these sessions, we will attach priority to amendments to financial regulations and rules in order to ultimately have financial practices and updated financial rules and regulations regarding the return of unspent balances. And as a demonstration of flexibility in view of the pressing financial situation, we will be open to considering new options, including a different method for the calculation of the return of appropriations. Thank you.

Thank you. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh.

Madam Chair, thank you for giving me the floor. Bangladesh aligns with the statement of the G77 and China. Bangladesh pays tribute to all the peacekeepers serving under the flag of the United Nations in difficult and dangerous conditions. We honor the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace, where 174 of them are from Bangladesh. As one of the leading troops and police contributing countries, Bangladesh remains deeply committed to the United Nations peacekeeping. This session provides an important opportunity for the committee to consider key cross-cutting issues related to the peacekeeping financing, including the support account, logistics and service delivery, the management of closed missions, oversight findings and matters related to reimbursement to troops and police contributing countries. We attach great importance to a thorough and balanced consideration of these issues. Madam Chair, we remain concerned about the continued liquidity challenges facing the Organization, largely due to delays in the payment of assessed contributions. This situation timely reimbursement of the troop and police contributing countries, many of which are developing countries. We stress that all Member States must fulfill their financial obligations in full, on time, and without conditions to ensure the smooth functioning of peacekeeping operations. Bangladesh underscores the importance of efficiency, accountability, and transparency in the use of resources, with support efforts to strengthen and financial discipline while ensuring that peacekeeping mandates entrusted by the United Nations Security Council are matched with adequate resources. Any mismatch between mandates and resource risks undermining implementation on the ground. Madam Chair, we recommend that troop and police reimbursement rates be revised strictly based on the findings of the quadrennial survey, ensuring that the rates accurately reflect the validated costs incurred by the contributing countries. The principles of fairness, transparency and equitable burden sharing should always be upheld. And the determination of reimbursement rates should remain fully independent of the organization's current liquidity constraints. Madam Chair, we underline that the delays in reimbursement should be avoided and adequate resources allocated for training, equipment and support so that peacekeepers can effectively carry out their mandates in challenging environments. In conclusion, Bangladesh assures you of its readiness to engage constructively with all delegations during this session. We remain committed to working in a positive and cooperative manner to ensure that the Committee successfully concludes its work on this important agenda item. I thank you.

Thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. At the outset, I would like to honor and pay tribute to the fallen peacekeepers and civilians who have died in action. Madam Chair, my delegation attaches great importance to the second resumed session and wishes to highlight several priorities that directly affect the safety, integrity, and the effectiveness of the United Nations operation. First, medical readiness is mission readiness. Strengthened medical support for United Nations peacekeeping operations, including through body first aid, the field medic assistance course, casualty evacuation arrangements, and advanced tools such as telemedicine, can enhance patient safety and evacuation decisions. But medical readiness is incomplete. complete without mental health support. Israel welcomes ongoing efforts to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support for peacekeepers, including through additional tools such as Meditelesin and remote care services to expand access in field settings. Madam Chair, Israel reiterates its unwavering commitment to combatting sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping settings. Such acts are a fundamental betrayal of the trust placed in the United Nations and undermine the credibility and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. We welcome ongoing efforts to strengthen prevention, reporting, victim assistance and accountability, including through enhanced risk management, pre-deployment training, strengthened engagement with troops and police contributing countries and the effective integration of women protections advisors. Accountability gaps must be closed. Allegations must be investigated in timely, credible, and transparent manner with appropriate follow-up by member states. Accountability must take a victim-survivor approach, ensuring timely medical, psychosocial, legal, and protection support for victims. Madam Chair, peacekeeping must reflect the world as it stands today. Practically, at a time when digital and innovation, artificial intelligence are advancing at an exponential pace, peacekeeping operations must ensure that they are responsibly leveraging these tools to enhance situational awareness, improve data-driven decision-making, and strengthen mandate delivery. Madam Chair, the State of Israel remains committed to dialogue, cooperation, and to contributing to this session's successful outcome. Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor.

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

Madam Chair, thank you for giving me the floor. Rwanda extends its appreciation to you and the Bureau for your steady leadership, as well as the Secretariat and the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions for their valuable support. Rwanda aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China, as well as Djibouti on behalf of the African Group. Madam Chair, as one of the leading troop-contributing country, Rwanda's commitment to United Nations peacekeeping is principled, constitutional and enduring. We remain firmly convinced that collective security depends on shared responsibility and sustainable solidarity with populations affected by the conflicts. Today's peacekeeping operates in an increasingly complex environment, marked by asymmetric threats, fragile political context, and the growing impact of misinformation and disinformation. These are not marginal developments, but structural changes in the operating environment. With decades of collective experiences, we must be honest with ourselves. The peacekeeping landscape has evolved and so must our response. The lessons are clear, not only on what has worked, but on what has not fully delivered the intended impact. If peacekeeping is to remain credible, learning must drive adaptation, and adaptation must deliver results through sharp mandates, better prepared contingencies, stronger leadership and more responsive support systems. Rwanda Delafour reiterates the need for mandates that are clear, achievable, and firmly grounded in political realities, supported by measurable benchmarks and subject to regular and candid review. This is essential to maintain the trust with host population and ensure the meaningful impact on the ground. Madam Chair, we also face the growing disconnect between mandates and resources. The financial constraints facing the organization have led to the downsizing of missions, even as expectations and operational demands continue to raise. This imbalance risks undermining both effectiveness and credibility. For UNDA, it is clear, mandate must be matched with adequate, predictable and sustainable financing. At the same time, we must ensure value for money in peacekeeping, not as an accounting exercise, but as a principle of effectiveness and accountability. Equally important is the timely reimbursement of troops and police contributing countries. Delays create restraint in lateness, planning and operational sustainability. This situation is neither equitable nor sustainable. A system that depends on the reliability of contributors must itself be reliable in return. Madam Chair, we must also strengthen the cooperation with regional and sub-regional organizations, particularly the African Union. What is required now is not further acknowledgements, but operationalizing through predictable, flexible, and sustainable support frameworks that enables these partnerships to deliver results on scale. In conclusion, Madam Chair, Wales remains committed to contribute constructively to this work of the Fifth Committee and to advance the peace and security agenda of the United Nations. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. Indonesia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. We commend the Bureau, the Secretariat, as well as the SCABQ for their dedicated work in ensuring that the Fifth Committee fulfills its mandate effectively during this 80th session. Madam Chair, my delegation pays a solemn tribute to the courageous peacekeepers worldwide, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This includes the recent and tragic loss of six peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL from Indonesia and France. Our deliberations must ensure that current financial constraints do not compromise the safety and security of those serving under the UN flag. The contingency measures currently put in place must be seen strictly as an emergency plan and not as a part as the bigger UN reform. Madam Chair, Indonesia wishes to emphasize the following points. First, adequate resources are essentials to ensure the full and effective implementation of peacekeeping mandates. As conflicts become increasingly multidimensional, peacekeepers are asked to do more with less resources. In this regard, timely reimbursement remains critical for troop and police contributing countries to maintain operational readiness and sustain their long-term contributions to peacekeeping operations. We also emphasize the importance of increasing reimbursement rates for major equipment and self-sustained as recommended by the COE working group. as well as adjusting personnel reimbursement rates to better reflect the harsh realities on the ground. Second, resolving the liquidity crisis is key. The current financial volatility of the Organization is no longer a temporary hurdle. It is a systemic risk. Resolving this crisis requires the collective commitment of all Member States to fulfill their obligations by paying assessed contributions in full, on time, and without conditions. In addition, Indonesia welcomes the Secretary-General's efforts to propose revisions to the financial regulations and rules as a step toward a more financially resilient UN. In this regard, any measures taken must strengthen accountability and transparency while ensuring that mandate implementation is enhanced across all three pillars of the UN. Madam Chair, Indonesia looks forward to constructive dialogue and productive negotiations during the second resumed sessions. I thank you.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Madam Chair, first and foremost, we wish to welcome you and to thank you for the excellent organization and coordination of the work of the Committee during the main and first part of our resumed session. We wish you and your team every success. We wish to thank the ACABQ whose recommendations constitute an important framework for our work. We also wish to thank the Secretariat staff for the Fifth Committee, who provide us with valuable support during meetings. And we are pleased to welcome the representatives of delegations. The Russian delegation continues to advocate for accurate budgetary planning and sufficient provision of resources for peacekeeping operations. as well as for greater accountability for reasonable and meaningful and effective and efficient use of resources. At the same time, we note that the Secretary-General initially did not apply UN 80 to peacekeeping operations, has proposed that we consider a significant reductions in the budget proposals for PKOs for the period 2026 to 2027, that financial period as compared to the previous financial period. In this connection, we are concerned at the fact that certain missions have sustained disproportionate and excessive reductions. We believe that additional cost-saving measures could be justified only provided that they do not undermine the delivery of mandates approved by the Security Council, nor that they result in reduced effectiveness and efficiencies of operations. intergovernmental oversight of reform processes through the UN 80 initiative are enshrined enshrined in General Assembly resolution 79 slash 318 dating 18 July 2025. Moreover, we believe that reforms should not. have an adverse impact on equitable geographical representation or balance and PKOs, nor should this result in the domination of a certain group of states, especially when it comes to the leadership structure. We believe that it is already clear to all member states that the glaring failure of some member states to pay contributions, particularly the non-payment of the single largest contributor, that the resulting liquidity crisis is the key engine behind the Secretary-General's proposed reductions, and this is not merely about considerations related to efforts to achieve greater effectiveness. And therefore, we expect that the Secretary-General will consistently seek to ensure full and timely payment of financial assessments by all Member States without exception. And we trust that negotiations will remain transparent with the participation of the greatest possible number of interested delegations. It is important for the working methods of the Fifth Committee to be complied with in an unstinting manner. We particularly wish to stress that the timely issuance of documents in all six official languages of the UN is of key significance for high-quality conduct of consultations. To conclude, we wish to assure you of our willingness to work constructively on all agenda items. Thank you.

Thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway.

Thank you, Chair. As we begin our deliberations for this second resumed session, allow me to underline the important work done in UN peacekeeping operations all over the world. Norway pays tribute to all personnel serving with the peacekeeping operations and honour those who have fallen in the line of duty. It is incumbent on the Committee to make sure that the peacekeeping mandates can continue to be implemented. Currently, one question rises above all else when it comes to ensuring the future sustainability of UN peacekeeping operations and of UN operations in general. That is the question of the financial situation of this organization. In January of this year, the Secretary-General addressed us Member States on the dire financial situation. In his own words, and I quote, Member States must either agree to overhaul our financial rules or accept the very real prospect of the financial collapse of our organization." The current financial rules, where the organization must credit Member States for money it has never received, cannot be maintained. They force the organization into a financial death spiral requiring ever-increasing underspending. The call from the Secretary-General increases our resolve that now is the time to take action. We will approach further topics with the same level of resolve. The Committee has before it important reports on prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse across the United Nations system. Sexual exploitation and abuse has no place in the UN system. It is a core priority for Norway that we can make meaningful progress towards preventing this. Protection is a core accountability commitment. Chair, the underlying theme in all of the Committee's deliberations during the 80th session has been reform and the UN80 initiative of the Secretary-General. Let me emphasize that reform must be supported by financing. As Member States, we must all do our part, and we must all pay our share. Norway commends those countries that pay their contributions in full and on time. We call upon all other Member States to pay their outstanding contributions as soon as possible. My delegation looks forward to engaging constructively with Member States across regions throughout the second resumed session. We remain committed to strive towards agreement based on the principle of consensus. Thank you.

Thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan.

Madam Chair, the delegation of Kazakhstan expresses appreciation for your leadership, as well as the efforts of the Bureau and the Secretariat in organizing the work of the Committee. We also thank the Secretariat and the ACABQ for the reports and recommendations already submitted. Madam Chair, Kazakhstan attaches a great importance to the financing of the UN peacekeeping operations, which remain a key instrument for the maintenance of international peace and security. In the current context of the financial constraints, ensuring sustainable, predictable, and adequate funding while improving the efficiency of resource utilization remains essential. In this regard, We stress the need for a balanced approach that combines financial discipline with the preservation of the capacity of the missions to effectively implement their mandates. We underscore that budgetary decisions should be guided by operational realities on the ground and remain strictly mandate-driven. Efforts aimed at optimization should not compromise missions' performance or create risk for the mandate delivery. Kazakhstan also highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and security of peacekeeping personnel, adequate logistical support, and the timely reimbursement to troop and police as well as equipment and service contributing countries. We further emphasize the importance of maintaining a transparent, inclusive, and Member State-driven decision-making process within the Fifth Committee, based on the consensus and full intergovernmental oversight. Madam Chair, Kazakhstan fulfills its financial obligations to the peacekeeping budget of the United Nations in timely and full manner, and calls upon all Member States to do the same. We remain committed to working in a constructive and cooperative manner with all delegations, with a view to achieving balanced and consensus-based outcomes during this session. I thank you.

I thank you. In the absence of further statements, may I take it that the Committee approves the proposed programme of work on the understanding that it will be reviewed and adjusted by the Bureau as necessary during the course of the session? I hear no objection. It is so decided. Continuing on the matter of organizational work of the Committee, I wish to draw the attention of the Committee to the note by the Secretariat on the organization of work of the Fifth Committee, contained in document A/C5/80/INF/1, for additional information on access to Fifth Committee place on the e-delegate portal. including requests for inscription on the list of speakers through the e-speakers module, and submission of written questions for all items being taken up at the second part of the resumed 80th session through the e-submit module. I would also like to draw the attention of the Committee to the official membership of the Fifth Committee, which was published during the first part of the resumed 80th session, as document A/C5/80/INF/2/Rev.1. I would like to request delegations to submit as soon as possible, but no later than the close of business, 6:00 p.m. on Friday, 8 May. Any changes in the names of the representatives, alternates, and advisors through the e-list of participants module on e-delegate so that an updated list of the membership can be issued as soon as possible. We have now come to an end of our organisation of work and will begin our first substantive item for the morning. I 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. I invite the Director of External Audits and Chair of the Audit Operations Committee, Board of Auditors, Mr. Richard Ballon, to introduce the report of the Board of Auditors and financial report and audited financial statements. for the 12-month period from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 on United Nations peacekeeping operations, contained in document A/80/5, volume II. Mr. Ballan, you have the floor.

Mr. Ballan: Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, I am pleased to introduce the report of the Board of Auditors the United Nations peacekeeping operation for the financial period ended in June 2025. The Board has issued an unqualified audit opinion on the financial statements of the peacekeeping operation. Out of 73 outstanding recommendations, 49% have been implemented, representing an improvement compared with 26% in 2024. This year, the board has made 19 new recommendations. Four cross-cutting issues emerged. First, peacekeeping operation continue to operate under constrained liquidity condition, which increasingly shape management decisions. despite broadly financial ratios, liquidity indicators remain under pressure with a declining solvency ratio and persistently low cash levels. This situation is not merely cyclical. It reflects, in fact, There is a structural mismatch between cash inflows and operational commitments, leading to recurring reliance on cross-borrowing mechanisms, delayed payments, and the full use of reserve facilities. Liquidity constraints are exacerbated by the mechanism of credit return, and they are therefore not only a financial issue but a systemic risk. The current phase of mission reconfiguration, illustrated by the liquidation of MINUSMA, reveals persistent limitations. The drawdown and closure of missions generate significant adjustments, including reduction in revenue and expenditure and complex asset relocations, and exposes weaknesses in forward planning, coordination, and visibility over assets and resources. This points Two, a broader issue, the system difficulty in managing downsizing and reconfiguration as a core recurring function rather than an exceptional process. Third, progress in management frameworks is tangible but uneven with persistent gaps in key operational areas. The Board notes improvements in financial management, risk management, planning processes and human resources, reflecting the of prior recommendation. However, several core functions, such as asset management, field management, and contingent own equipment oversight, still require strengthening. Fourth, and to finish, operational effectiveness continues to be constrained by structural weaknesses in specialized functions, particularly in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration, DDR. These challenges are not mission-specific, but systemic, reflecting fragmented expertise, limited staffing, and insufficient integration between political, operational, and support components. As a result, critical mandate areas risk being under-delivered. That concludes, Madam Chair, our opening statements. Thank you for your kind attention.

I thank Mr. Bellin for his introduction. I next invite the Assistant Secretary-General, Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget and Controller, Mr. Chandru Ramanathan, to introduce the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the recommendations of the Board of Auditors concerning United Nations peacekeeping operations for the financial period 30 June sorry, for the financial period ended 30 June 2025, contained in document A/80/629. Mr. Ramanathan, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, distinguished, it's nice to be back in the room with you again. I have the honor to introduce the report of the SG on the implementation of the recommendations of the Board. The report provides additional information in response to the recommendations of the board only in those cases where it feels it will be helpful for your consideration. The administration reiterates the great importance it attaches to the work of the board, and I must thank the board and compliment them on many of their work, which have been hugely helpful to us. The board assessed the status of 216 recommendations issued during the last seven financial years to 30 June 2024, with an overall closure rate of 83%, with 74% recommendations fully implemented and another 9% overtaken by events. In Annex 2 of the report, the Board has also summarized, as the Chair just observed, the status of the 73 extent recommendations. Following significant efforts with the administration, the Board determined an overall closure rate of 50.7%. which is a significant improvement over last year, which is 28%. Of the 36 open recommendations under implementation, we have requested closure for two, 31 are targeted for implementation by the end of 2026, and three in 2027. In addition to the audit of the financial statements, the Board had conducted three management performance audits covering management of contingent own equipment, management of liquidity within peacekeeping operations, and DDR. The board has made several recommendations. We are grateful for the recommendations, but many of them will require extensive coordination amongst various sector entities and constrained also by the liquidity challenges. We will give it the best effort to address them, but we are afraid that some of these recommendations could take longer than originally planned once implementation is underway. But again, I would like to recognize and thank the Board for the constructive manner in which it has engaged with the Secretariat in the performance of its oversight responsibilities. I also take the opportunity to express my appreciation to colleagues from the relevant Secretariat entities who will be available during the informal consultation and to the Chair of the ACABQ for the role of the ACABQ in this whole process. Thank you.

I thank Mr. Ramanathan for his introduction. And I invite the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Ms. Juliana Gaspar-Wash, to introduce the related report of that committee, contained in S/80/633. Ms. Gaspar-Wash, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, I am pleased to introduce the report of the Advisory Committee on the report of the Board of Auditors concerning the United Nations peacekeeping operations. The Committee commends the Board for the quality of its report, notes its findings, and concurs with its recommendations. The Committee is of the view that further efforts are needed to ensure the Board's recommendations are fully and timely implemented in the context of the UN 80 Initiative, and considers that areas with recurring findings ought to receive careful and strategic attention with corresponding decisive action. The Committee notes with concern a deterioration in the liquidity situation over the reporting period and that MINURSO, UNMIK, UNMISS and UNSOS have a continued need for borrowing of funds to meet their operational requirements. The Committee underscores the repeated calls by the General Assembly for all Member States to fulfil their financial obligations on time, in full and without conditions. In view of the ongoing implementation of overall reductions in expenditure across the missions, the committee trusted the next report of the board will include comprehensive and detailed information on the implementation of the contingency plans. Madam Chair, turning to cases of presumptive fraud, the committee concurs the board's related recommendations, notes the role to be performed by OIOS for a reliable financial assessment at the beginning of investigations. and emphasized the importance of comprehensive reporting of cases of fraud and perceived fraud for transparency and accountability. On a related matter, the Committee stresses again that accountability systems should provide strong assurance that all cases with potential significant financial loss or reputational risk to the organization are probed. With respect to fuel management, the Committee concurs with the Board's recommendation and highlights the need for reliable reference data and training for users, and trusts that information on the improvements in the use of fuel management system will be provided in the next overview report. As for deficiencies identified in the transfer of assets and purchase orders from MINUSMA, the Committee trusts that efforts will be made to recover the value of assets lost in transit, and the further clarification of the challenges faced by some missions in the allocation process of transfer items will be presented to the Assembly. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank Ms. Gaspar-Wash for her introduction. The floor is now open for any delegation who wishes to make a statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China.

Madam Chair, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 136, financial reports of the audited financial statements and reports of the BOA on the UN peacekeeping operations. At the outset, the group extends its appreciation to the chair of the Audit Operations Committee of the BOA, Mr. Richard Belin, for introducing the report of the board for the 12-month period from 1st July 2024 to 30 June 2025. To the Controller, is G. Chandu Ramanathan, and to the Chair of the ACABQ, Ms. Juliana Gaspar-Ruiz, for introducing the related reports. Madam Chair, the Group of 77 and China recognize the important role played by the VOA in providing independent and professional external oversight of the organization. We commend the quality of the Board's report and its valuable recommendations, which contribute significantly to enhancing transparency, financial discipline, accountability, and operational efficiency across peacekeeping operations. The Group notes with concern that the financial position of peacekeeping operations remains under pressure, with a decrease in the solvency ratio and continued liquidity risks. We note that in 2024-2025, $421 million, equivalent to 8% of the budget, was not received, and that the cumulative relative shortfall over the past five financial periods amounted to approximately $2 billion. We further note that as of 30 June 2025, 75% of outstanding arrears were attributable to a single contributor, which are the root cause of the current peacekeeping financial position. The group renews its call on all member states to pay their assessed contributions in full on time and without conditions in accordance with the UN Charter. The group also notes with that working capital has decreased significantly over recent financial periods due to the large amount of arrears, reducing the capacity of missions to absorb liquidity pressures and implement mandates effectively. We consider that the continued use of temporary cash management measures cannot substitute for the timely payment of assessed contributions. The group looks forward to engaging further on measures to protect mandate delivery while preserving transparency, accountability, and the intergovernmental oversight role of the GA regarding the implementation of recommendations the group takes note that all 19 new recommendations issued by the board for the period ended 30 June 2025 are under implementation including 14 main recommendations we also know that of the 773 existing recommendations from prior periods 36 have been fully implemented with while 36 remain under implementation while acknowledging the improvement in the rate of implementation of the board's recommendations from the previous period, as well as the important efforts undertaken by the administration, the group reiterates its request to the Secretariat to enhance efforts to implement endorsed recommendations in a prompt and timely manner, address root causes of recurring issues, and put in place robust accountability mechanisms for unjustified delays. Madam Chair, the group notes that the Board identified several areas requiring further improvement on fuel management. The group shares the concern of the Advisory Committee regarding deficiencies identified and stresses the need to enforce accountability where applicable. We expect updated information on reviews undertaken, mitigation measures adopted, and progress achieved in the next reports on the peacekeeping operations concerned. The group also notes with concern the deficiencies identified in the transfer of assets and purchase orders during the liquidation of MINUSMA. We know that $82 million worth of assets were transferred to other entities, while $186 million were written off during the liquidation period. The group supports the development of guidance on the relocation of purchase orders in the event of mission liquidation and strengthen control over transferred assets, including the prompt initiation of insurance claims in cases of losses in transit. With regard to asset valuation, the group takes note of the finding that associated cost rates applied to property, plant, and equipment and inventories had not been updated since 2021. We support the recommendation to regularly update such rates and formalize the review process in order to ensure more accurate accounting and stronger financial management. The Group further notes the recommendations related to disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration, including the need for clearer definitions, improved data collections, outcome-focused monitoring, and strengthened weapons and ammunition management. Madam Chair, The group considers that against the backdrop of the UNAD initiative and ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and accountability across the organization. The findings of the board should be better implemented and accompanied by strong internal controls, risk management, financial and human resources management, and transparent reporting, while not undermining the ability of peacekeeping operations to deliver their mandate safely and effectively. In conclusion, Madam Chair, the group assures you of its readiness to engage constructively on this agenda, I think.

I thank you. If there are no further comments, the Committee has thus concluded its general discussion on this question. Informal consultations on this item will be coordinated by Mr. Ivan Norstedt of Indonesia. I would like to pause for a moment to enable changes to the seating at the podium so that we may begin the next item on our agenda. I now invite the Committee to begin 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 first consider the reports relating to the question of the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations and of the Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, Uganda, and of the United Nations Logistic Base. In this connection, I invite the Assistant Secretary-General, Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget and Controller, Mr. Chandra Ramanathan, to introduce the related reports of the Secretary-General as listed in today's journal. Mr. Ramanathan, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honour to introduce the reports of the SG. In respect of agenda item 148, support account for peace operations, peacekeeping operations, The estimated resource requirements of $383.4 million represents a decrease of 9.9% compared to the approved resources for 2025-26 and a decrease of 4.7% compared with the revised estimates for 2025-26. Reduction is due primarily to a lower number of posts approved under the revised estimates, standard adjustments in salary costs including higher vacancy rates, and a reduction of discretionary operational costs. But these are offset in part by an increase of 4.9 million under the peacekeeping share of the organization's corporate costs, which relate to increased requirements for after-service health insurance, peacekeeping capability readiness, and enterprise resource planning. The budget proposal also includes the creation of 15 new posts and positions to backstop the new support mission in Haiti, as a result of the application of the new staffing model. In addition, 17 posts are proposed for transfer from the budget of RSCE as part of the global payroll consolidation initiative. In respect of RSCE, the proposed budget of $45.2 million represents a decrease of 2.2% compared to the approved resources for 2025-26. It reflects a decrease for civilian personnel, primarily attributable to the net reduction of 13 posts, but this is also offset in part by a net increase of 23 posts under national staff, the establishment of three general temporary assistance positions, higher salary rates for international and national staff, and the application of an updated exchange rate. In respect of UNLB, the proposed budget of $55.5 million represents a decrease of 4.2%. The budget proposed reflects a decrease for civilian personnel attributable primarily to the abolishment of 21 posts based on the staffing model and two posts due to the closure of KJSO. But it's offset in part by higher salaries for national staff and the application of an updated exchange rate. The decreased requirement for operational costs are primarily attributable to reduce discretionary costs under facilities infrastructure, communications and information technology, and consultants and consulting services. I look forward to the discussions on these items. Thank you.

I thank Mr. Ramanathan for his introduction. I invite the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Ms. Juliana Gaspar-Ruash, to introduce the related reports of that Committee as listed in today's Journal. Ms. Gaspar-Ruash, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, I am pleased to introduce the reports of the Advisory Committee on the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations, the Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, Uganda, and the United Nations Logistics Base at Brindisi, Italy. With regards to the Support Account proposed budget for 2026-27, the Committee recommends a reduction of 2.3 million, reflecting adjustments on their post and non-post costs. Committee notes the new staffing model is applied to 2026-27 and capture implications arise from the new mandates related to UNSO, with 15 new posts and GTA positions proposed. The Committee also notes the proposal does not reflect reductions resulting from changes in scale of operations that would be implemented should the proposed budgets for 2026-27 be approved, and further notes that a number of the new requirements derive from the application of other workload factors. The Committee therefore recommends that additional requirements resulting from the changes in the scale of operations be approved as general temporary assistance positions and that posts and positions reflecting the application of other workload drivers be approved as replacement general temporary assistance under other staff costs. With respect to the merger of the budget and performance reports for the peacekeeping operations, the Committee notes that the new format represents a significant reduction in the level of performance information provided. The Committee notes with concern the changes introduced are not consistent with the decisions of the General Assembly and applicable regulatory framework. The Committee underscores that the budget and performance reports are official public documents of the Organization and must, therefore, contain all elements of the results-based budgeting methodology to ensure adequate transparency and accountability in the use of resources. Madam Chair, turning now to RSC, regarding the transfer of Kuwait Joint Support Office service, the committee is of the view that the support framework of the organization should be structured as corporate policy and not be determined by the decisions of individual entities. The committee accordingly recommends that the General Assembly request that all new clients of the RSC receive the full service complement with any exceptions to such an arrangement reported to the Assembly in a clear and transparent manner. Given the advanced transfer of service from KJSO to RSE, the Committee exceptionally recommends the application of continuing vacancy rate to the related establishment of national post. Madam Chair, on UNLB, regarding strategic and regional deployment stocks, the Committee knows the introduction of the stocks and solution approach and looks forward to the results of the structure review of STS being provided in the report during the 82nd session. Lastly, as FRIMS continues to mature, the Committee recommends that the General Assembly request the Secretary-General to establish a framework for UNLB use of FRIMS for strengthened monitoring and independent assurance on the performance of operational controls at the first line of defence. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank Ms. Gaspar-Ruiz for her introduction. I would like to draw your attention to the report of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee on the proposed budget of the Office of Internal Oversight Services under the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations for the period from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, contained in document A/80/659, which is also before the Committee, as well as to the related introductory statement of the Chair of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee, which is available on the Fifth Committee website. The floor is now open for any delegation who wishes to make a statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of G77 and China.

Madam Chair, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China under agenda item 148 on the administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of UN peacekeeping operations, specifically on the support account for peacekeeping operations, the Regional Service Center in Entebbe, and the UN Logistics Base. At the outset, the group thanks the Controller, ASG Chandru Ramanathan, and the Chair of the ACABQ, Ms. Juliana Gaspar Ruas, for introducing their respective reports. Madam Chair, the Group of 77 and China strongly supports UN peacekeeping operations. Members of the group contribute significantly to peacekeeping, including as the largest troop and police contributing countries, and many current missions are hosted by developing countries. In this regard, the group reiterates the importance of ensuring adequate, predictable, and effective backstopping to peacekeeping operations in all phases of their life cycle so that missions can implement their mandates safely, efficiently, and effectively. With respect to the support account, the group notes that the proposed overall resource requirements for 26-27 period amount to $383.4 million, representing a decrease of almost 10% compared with the approved resources for 25-26. We also note that the proposal reflects the continued impact of the UNAD initiative, including reductions in posts and positions, relocations, consolidations, and the application of the new staffing model. The group will carefully examine these proposals, including their impact on Monday delivery, oversight accountability and operational support to field missions. The group acknowledges the advisory committee's observations regarding the presentation of efficiencies under the support account. We underscore that efficiency gains must be clearly distinguishable from temporary expenditure compression driven by liquidity constraints or hiring freezes. In this regard, the group looks forward to receiving detailed and specific information on efficiencies for the 26-27 period, including those not already resulting from decisions approved in the context of revised estimates. The group further notes the application of the scalability model to the support account. While recognizing the need for resource levels to reflect the evolving size and complexity of peacekeeping operations, the group stresses that these scalability models should continue to be refined so as to better reflect operational realities and more accurately inform the determination of required personnel and resources, thereby effectively contributing to cost savings and efficiency gains while not weakening backstopping capacity. Any application of the model should remain evidence-based, transparent, and responsive to the dynamic operational realities of peacekeeping. The Group also recalls its long-standing position on the importance of broad representation of troop and police contributing countries, particularly at senior levels, within peacekeeping support structures, both at headquarters and in the field. This remains essential to ensure coherence, operational understanding, and effective support to mandate implementation. Madam Chair, turning to the Regional Service Center in Antebio, the group recalls the role of the center as a strategic shared service platform supporting peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and other clients. We know that the center provides continued transactional and operational support and that its workload has evolved in the context of mission transitions, the closure of the Kuwait Joint Support Office, and the consolidation of functions. The group notes the advisory committee's observation regarding the center's cash position liquidity pressures, deferral, deferred operational investments, and the need for more detailed assessment of the impact of liquidity challenges on mandate implementation. The group also recalls the importance of ensuring that eligible national staff of the Centre are granted continuing contracts in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the GA and the staff regulations and rules. The group will continue to seek updates on the implementation of this request. Madam Chair, with respect to the UN logistics base, the group recognizes its essential role in providing global logistics, supply chain, geospatial information and telecommunications technology and operational support to field missions throughout their life cycle from start from start-up to liquidation. The group also notes the important services provided by UNLB to peacekeeping missions and other UN entities on a cost recovery basis. In this regard, we reiterate the need for transparent and comprehensive reporting on services provided, resources required, related posts and positions, and the recording of income and expenditure under cost recovery arrangements. Finally, the group takes note of the Advisory Committee's view on the strategic importance of RSCE and UNLB in the context of the UN initiative. We look forward to a comprehensive assessment of their existing and future roles, taking into account their complementary roles and the operational benefits and efficiencies to be derived from centralized and consolidated support to peace operations and beyond. Madam Chair, in conclusion, the group reiterates its commitment to engaging constructively on these important agenda items. I thank you.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Djibouti on behalf of the African Group.

Madam Chair, I have the honor to deliver the statement on behalf of the African Group on agenda item 148, administrative and budgetary aspects of financing of United Nations peacekeeping operation budget for the Regional Service Center in Entebbe, Uganda. The group thanks Mr. Chandru Ramanathan, Assistant Secretary-General and Comptroller, and Ms. Juliana Gaspar-Ruas, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for introducing their respective report. The group align itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Uruguay on behalf of the group of G77 and China and wish to add the following remarks. The African group extend its appreciation to the government and people of Uganda for the continued and unwavering support to the regional service center in Entebbe. Madam Chair, the African group reiterates the vital role of the regional service center in Entebbe as a shared service center supporting peacekeeping operation and other UN entities. particularly those operating in complex, volatile, insecure and remote environments. The Group stresses that the Centre must be provided with adequate, predictable and timely resources to enable it to discharge its mandate effectively. The African Group notes the significant expansion of the Centre's responsibilities for the 2026-27 period, including the provision of services to 33 active client entities, following the integration of 16 clients from the Kuwait Joint Support Office. The group emphasized that this expansion should be matched with the required capacity to ensure uninterrupted and high-quality services delivery to all client entities, especially now that the transition of key GSO function has been accelerated by three months ahead of schedule. The group further notes that the role of RSC in supporting the UN80 initiative through the consolidation of payroll services and to the Department of Operational Support, as well as through administrative and financial service consolidation. While the Group supports genuine efficiencies, it stresses that efficiency measures must not undermine mandate delivery, service quality, staff welfare, or support to peacekeeping operations. The African Group notes that the activation of contingency plans across peacekeeping missions in response to the liquidity crisis has increased the workload of RSC, including a sharp rise in separation cases and increased support requirement for client mission. This indeed highlight the critical role that RSE plays as a matured shared service center in supporting mission in such time and should therefore be adequately resourced. The group welcomed the continued effort to advance nationalization of posts, strengthen the local capacity, and improve long-term sustainability. The group encouraged the Secretary General to continue identifying concrete opportunities for nationalization where function can be effectively performed by national staff. Madame

Chair, the African Group recalls the important role of the Global Procurement Support Section in Entebbe. The Group encourages the Secretary-General to continue making full use of this capacity, including for local and regional procurement and vendor outreach in developing countries. The African Group reiterates the complementarity between the Regional Service Centre in Entebbe and the United Nations Logistics Base in Brindisi, bearing in mind their respective mandates. In conclusion, Madam Chair, the African Group assures you of its readiness to engage constructively on this important agenda item, this with a view to ensuring that the Regional Service Centre in Entebbe is adequately resourced to continue providing effective, efficient and responsive support to United Nations peacekeeping operations and to other client entities. I thank you.

I thank you and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh.

Your Excellency, this inscription was cancelled, I'm sorry.

So now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uganda.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. I have the honor to speak on behalf of Uganda on agenda item 148, administrative and budgetary aspects of the peacekeeping operations, specifically the budget of the regional service center in Entebbe. My delegation aligned itself with the statements delivered by the distinguished representatives of Uruguay and Djibouti on behalf of the G77 and China and the African group, respectively, and we wish to add a few remarks in our national capacity. I thank the ASG Controller, Chandu Ramanathan, and the Chair of the SABQ, Madam Juliana Gasparos, for introducing their respective reports. My delegation fully supports the recommendations and observations of the Advisory Committee with respect to the resources needed for the operational Regional Service Centre in Entebbe. Uganda attaches great importance to the role of the Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, continues to play in facilitating the work of the United Nations, especially in peacekeeping operations, mostly on the African continent. My delegation pledges the unwavering support of the Government of Uganda to the continued operations of the United Nations activities in the Regional Service Centre in Entebbe and the overall peacekeeping operations in the region and beyond. Uganda stands ready to avail of the necessary support to the peacekeeping operations, especially in the region, by providing low-cost and secure environment for forward operations, including an evacuation of some of the United Nations personnel and assets from the missions that experience heightened security risks to and through Entebbe, among others. Madam Chair, recording the Secretary-General's comments, the Regional Service Centre in Entebbe has become a very effective platform for UN global work. not only in supporting the peacekeeping operations, but other works of the United Nations. The Regional Service Centre in Entebbe has matured in posture with an efficient and effective service delivery structure that is well placed to take on additional responsibilities and opportunities for provision of services to the Secretariat, as well as the broader United Nations system, as has been seen by its capacity to accommodate accelerated transition of KJS operations to the RCE in April instead of the initially planned July, and therefore should be adequately resourced. In conclusion, Madam Chair, my delegation pledges its commitment to engage constructively with a view to concluding the agenda item. I thank you.

I thank you. If there are no further comments, the Committee has thus concluded its general discussion on these questions. Informal consultations on the question of the support account for peacekeeping operations will be coordinated by Ms. Johanna Bischof of Austria, and on the questions of the Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, Uganda, and the United Nations Logistics Base by Mr. Michael Lloyd-Isterton of Canada. Under the same agenda item, the Committee will now turn its attention to the question of the closed peacekeeping missions. In this connection, I invite the Assistant Secretary-General, Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget, and Controller, Mr. Chandru Ramanathan, to introduce the report of the Secretary-General on the updated financial position of closed peacekeeping missions as at 30 June 2025, contained in document A/80/466. Mr. Ramanathan, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Distinguished delegates, I have the honor to introduce the report of the SG on the updated financial position of closed peacekeeping missions. The report of the SG on the updated financial position provides updated information as of 30 June 2025 on the position of 33 closed peacekeeping missions. One closed peacekeeping mission, UNAMID, was added to the report pursuant to General Assembly resolution 79 311 the secretary general requests the assembly to decide on the treatment of net Surplus cash for the period ended 30 June 2025 amounting to $8.7 million thank you Madam chair

I thank Mr ramanathan for his introduction I invite the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Ms. Juliana Gasparowicz, to introduce the related report of that Committee, contained in document A/80/648. Ms. Gasparowicz, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, I am pleased to introduce the report of the Advisory Committee on the updated financial position of close peacekeeping missions. The Committee reiterates its view that payment of outstanding contributions remains the only viable long-term solution to the timely settlement of liabilities in closed peacekeeping missions. The Committee notes consolidated cash surpluses available for credit to Member States in the amount of $8.7 million. The Assembly is requested to decide on the treatment of this net cash surplus. The Committee recalls the Secretary-General's refined proposal to institutionalize the principles of General Assembly resolution 76/280, including a mechanism for automatic return of net cash surpluses and the handling of outstanding liability, was not approved by the Assembly. The Committee considers that an institutionalized mechanism, as opposed to the ad hoc disposal of unspent balance of closed peacekeeping missions, would offer a better, more sustainable long-term solution to the timely settlement of liabilities in closed peacekeeping missions. The Committee trusts that the Secretary-General would continue to keep the financial situation of closed missions under review and reconsider submitting as appropriate options for recurrent mechanisms for the consideration by the Assembly. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank Ms. Gaspar-Ruiz for her introduction. The floor is now open for any delegation who wishes to make a statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China.

Madam chair I have the honor to speak on behalf of the group of 77 and China under agenda item 148 on the administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of UN peacekeeping operations specifically on the updated financial position of closed peacekeeping missions as of 30 June 2025 the group wishes to thank the controller is G general ramanatan and the chair of the acabq Miss Juliana gaspar ruas for introducing their respective reports Madam chair the group takes note of the of the SG, which provides updated information on the financial position of 33 closed peacekeeping missions as of 30 June 2025, including the African Union-United Nations hybrid operation in Darfur, pursuant to GA resolution 79/311. The group notes with serious concern that unpaid assessed contributions from member states in the 33 closed peacekeeping missions amounted to 479.4 million as of 30 June 2025, of which 99% is owed by four Member States. The Group reiterates its long-standing call on all Member States to fulfill their financial obligations as set out in the Charter of the UN, on time, in full, and without conditions. The Group further notes that 14 closed peacekeeping missions had net cash deficits amounting to $227.4 million, compared with 13 missions and deficit of $156.3 million as of 30 June 2024. We note that this increase is mainly attributable to the inclusion of UNAMID, which had a net cash deficit of $73.8 million as of 30 June 2025. The Group remains concerned that the cash deficit situation continues to prevent closed missions from fulfilling outstanding obligations, including to vendors, third parties, Member States, and most importantly, troop and police contributing countries. Many of these liabilities have remained outstanding for several years and their continued delay is unacceptable. In this regard, the group reiterates that all outstanding liabilities, including outstanding claims of troops and troop and police contributing countries in closed peacekeeping missions, should be settled as a matter of priority. The group notes that liabilities to 25 of the 27 troop and police contributing countries had been settled as of 30 June 2025, while instructions remain pending from two troop and police contributing countries for an amount of $29.9 million. The group further notes that the total amount owed to the TCCs PCCs stood at $31.2 million as of 30 June 2025. We welcome the information that liabilities owed to TCCs PCCs in connection with UNAMID had been fully cleared as of December 2025 and request continued updates on the settlement of all remaining claims. Madam Chair, the group also notes that 19 close peacekeeping missions had net cash surpluses amounting to $8.7 million as of June 2025, compared with $5.8 million as of June 2024. We know that the increase resulted mainly from investment revenue accrued during the reporting period. The group took notes of the GA that the GA did not take action in the previous report of the SG, including the refined proposal for a mechanism for the automatic return of the net cash surpluses and the handling of outstanding liabilities. In this regard, the group recalls that any arrangement concerning the treatment of cash surpluses and outstanding liabilities must preserve the oversight role and decision-making authority of the GA. At the same time, the group recognizes the need to improve predictability in the settlement of outstanding liabilities and in the final financial closure of closed peacekeeping missions. We therefore acknowledge the Advisory Committee's view that an institutionalized mechanism as opposed to haphazard disposal of unspent balances could offer a more sustainable long-term solution, and we look forward to considering any options that may be presented by the SG as appropriate. The group emphasizes, however, that the payment of outstanding assessed contributions remain the only viable long-term solution to the timely settlement of liabilities and the final financial closure of peacekeeping missions. Administrative mechanisms cannot substitute for the fulfillment by member states of their financial obligations. The group further takes note of outstanding loans amounting to $70.1 million as of June 2025, including loans from other closed missions and from peacekeeping reserve fund. we underscore the importance of close monitoring of all borrowing transactions and the timely settlement of all claims and liabilities to enable the financial, the final liquidation of closed peacekeeping emissions. Madam Chair, in conclusion, the group reiterates the importance of settling all outstanding liabilities of closed peacekeeping missions, particularly those owed to TCCs, PCCs, as a matter of priority and remains ready to engage constructively with all partners reach a successful conclusion on this important agenda item, I think.

If there are no further comments, the Committee has thus concluded its general discussion on this question. Informal consultations on this question will be coordinated by Ms Noa Altam of Singapore. I now invite the Committee to begin its consideration of agenda items 149 to 152, 154 to 159, and 177, on the financing of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, United Nations peacekeeping forces in the Middle East, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, United Nations Mission in South Sudan, United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, activities arising from Security Council Resolution 1863 2009, and the United Nations Support Office in Haiti. In this connection, I invite the Assistant Secretary-General, Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget and Comptroller, Mr. Chandru Ramanathan, to introduce in one statement the related reports of the Secretary-General as listed in today's journal. Mr. Ramanathan, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair, distinguished delegates. I hope the clock is turned off, because this is one big statement, but I'll do my best to keep it as succinct as possible. I have the honour to introduce the reports of the Secretary-General under these agenda items. Across peacekeeping operations, the 2026-27 budget proposals advance the Secretary-General's UNAT initiative and reflect sustained efforts to strengthen a culture of efficiency while maintaining mandate delivery. The overall budget, including the support entities, amounts to 5.2 billion, which is a reduction of 7.5% or 425.6 million compared to 2025-2026, which includes an 8.5% reduction in civilian staffing. If we exclude the new mandates in MONUSCO and UNSO, the 2026-2027 proposal reflects a reduction of 12.4%, Missions have generated $389 million in projected efficiencies, equivalent to approximately 8% of the prior year approved budget, through measures such as functional consolidation, workforce streamlining, and optimization of operational support, including logistics and aviation. At the same time, the financial situation of peacekeeping operations remains constrained by persisting liquidity challenges. In this context, the treatment of credits arising from unencumbered balances, revenue and cancelled prior period obligations requires careful consideration. While such credits are normally returned to Member States, their return in the current environment would reduce cash collections and exacerbate liquidity pressures, thereby affecting full implementation of mandates. The Secretary-General therefore proposes that these credits be placed in a reserve to be applied once the financial situation improves. Turning to the agenda item related to UNISFA, the proposed budget of $277.2 million represents a decrease of 10.3% or $31.9 million. Reduced requirements in this and other missions cover all three groups. In respect of MINUSCA, the proposed budget of $1,021.6 million represents a decrease of 13 percent or $152.5 million. In respect of UNFUCIP, the proposed budget of $56.3 million represents a reduction of 1.8 percent or $1 million. In respect of MONUSCO, the proposed budget of $874.8 million represents an increase of 0.7 percent or $5.7 million. This reflects the increased requirements to provide logistical support for the implementation of the new ceasefire monitoring mandate, but is offset by reduced requirements due to efficiencies and cost-saving measures associated with the downsizing of military and police personnel and their equipment, as well as efficiencies in civilian staffing and operational costs. In respect of UNMIK, the proposed budget of $42 million represents a decrease of 8.6% or $4 million. which includes reduced requirement for civilian personnel due mainly to the proposed reduction of 21 international and 28 national staff. In respect of MINUSMA in Mali, the mission incurred $164.8 million in expenditure. This is for the 2024-25 budget performance period, compared with approved resources of $202.8 million, representing an implementation rate of 81.3%. In respect of UNDOF, the proposed budget of $61.6 million represents a decrease of 11.4% or $8 million. In respect of UNIFIL, the proposed budget of $408 million represents a decrease of 26.2% or $144.8 million. This budget provides for six months of operation during the period from 1 July to 31 December, followed by six months of an orderly and safe drawdown and withdrawal from 1 January to 30 June 2027. In respect of UNMISS, the budget of $1.1 billion represents a decrease of 10.9% or $128.8 million. In respect of MINURSO, the proposed budget of $62.7 million represents a decrease of 11.3% or $8 million. In respect of UNSOS Somalia, the proposed budget of 481.7 million represents a decrease of 7.5% or 39 million. This reflects the net impact of increased requirements under military and police personnel, increased requirements under civilian personnel attributable to the application of a lower vacancy rate and the establishment of nine posts related to human rights due diligence policy. a function that UNSOS is now required to assume with the closure of UNMISS, but also reduced requirements under operational costs. In respect of UNSO in Haiti, the proposed budget amounts to 271.3 million for the start-up of the support office in support of 1,640 uniformed personnel of the Gang Suppression Force. This requirement also covers the costs of 419 UN civilian personnel, the first year construction costs of a multi-year infrastructure project, and the deployment of equipment in support of the Gang Suppression Force and the Support Office, and the deployment of 12 aircraft and other operational costs. The proposed budget of 403.6 million represents an increase of 48.7% compared with the proposed resources for 2025-26. This reflects increased requirement with respect to military and police personnel, 54 million, due to the anticipated increase in the number of uniformed personnel deployed from 1,640 to 5,500. An increase of 32.2 million for civilian personnel due to a reduction in the vacancy rate, and an increase of 45.9 million for operational costs due to the combined effect of the continued implementation of multi-year infrastructure projects, the provision of supplies and services for 12 months compared to only three to six months last year, and an increase in the number of flight hours, but is also partly offset by the discontinuation of the one-time provision for acquisition of equipment for the start-up of the support office. I look forward to the detailed discussions on all these agenda items. Thank you.

I thank Mr. Amanat for his introduction. I invite the chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Ms. Juliana Gaspar Rojas, to introduce the related reports of that committee as listed in today's journal. Ms. Gaspar Rojas, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, I am pleased to introduce the reports of the Advisory Committee on the budget performance and proposed budget reports for UNISFA, MINUSCA, AMFISIP, MONUSCO, UNMIK, UNDOF, UNIFIL, UNMISS, MINURSO and UNSOS, as well as the budget performance report for MINUSMA and the proposed budgets for UNSOS. As regards the budget performance reports, the Committee notes the Secretary-General proposes the credits be placed in a reserve. The Committee considers this is a policy matter to be decided by the General Assembly. With respect to performance in the current financial period, the Committee notes that in October 2025, to avoid default, The Secretariat activated contingency plans requiring 50% of expenditure reduction across the mission and 25% in UNSOS. The Committee notes that most missions had to prioritize core mandated functions to maintain operational continuity and that a number of missions reported significant limitations in their operational capacity and flexibility. The Committee trusts that a detailed and comprehensive assessment of the impact of the contingency plans on mandate implementation will be provided in the next performance reports. Turning now to the proposed budgets for 2026-2027, the Committee notes that most missions present a reduction in the budget level, building on adjustments implemented in the context of the contingency plan and in line with the spirit of the UNAT initiative. Madam Chair, as regards the individual proposed budgets on UNISFA under civilian personnel, the Committee recommends against the proposed establishment of one UNV position and the proposed reassignment of one P-4 post, and instead recommends the establishment of a national UNV position and the reclassification as a national professional office, respectively. The Committee also recommends reductions under facilities and infrastructure, ground transportation. The recommendations of the Committee will entail an overall reduction of $1.4 million. On MINUSCA, the Committee recommends reductions under consultants and consulting services, official travel, and facilities infrastructures. The recommendations will entail a reduction of $2.6 million. On AMFISEP, the Committee notes the proposal represents the lowest adjustment among all peacekeeping missions with no change in mandate. In the context of UNAT initiative, more substantial efficiencies would have been expected, and the Committee trusts that justifications thereon will be provided to the Assembly. The Committee recommends reductions under consultants and consulting services, official travel, and facilities and infrastructure, in a total reduction of $451,600. Regarding MONUSCO, the Committee notes the conditions listed by the Secretary-General for the Mission to play an effective role in support of the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, and trusts that details, updates on the attainment of such conditions and their impact on mandate operationalization will be provided to the Assembly. Under civilian personnel, the committee recommends that the common staff cost methodology be refined to avoid the inclusion of exceptional one-time costs, and accordingly recommends a reduction in the common staff cost rate from 9.1% to 85.8%. The committee further recommends reductions under consultants and consulting services, facilities and infrastructure, ground transportation, air operations, and communications and information technology. The Committee's recommendations will entail a reduction of $8.4 million. On UNMIK, the Advisory Committee recommends the approval of the resource level as proposed by the Secretary-General. Madam Chair, regarding UNDOF, the Committee recommends reductions under official travel, facilities and infrastructure, and medical services. The recommendations will entail a reduction of $63,000. $1,100 to the proposed resources for 26-27. On the UNIFIL proposed budget for 26-27, the Committee expressed the view that where a single budget period encompasses requirements related to distinguished stages of a mission's life cycle, budget submissions should clearly disaggregate resource requirements for each cycle to enhance transparency and accuracy of assessment. Under civilian personnel, With respect to the non-application of vacancy rates, the Committee trusts that the Secretary General will provide additional clarification and justification to the Assembly, and considers that all vacant posts not under active recruitment should be abolished at this stage of the mission. Regarding operational costs, the Committee recommends reductions under official travel and facilities and infrastructure. On UNMISS, the Committee notes the very high actual vacancy rate for electoral staff, the complementarity of support provided by the United Nations Development Programme, and the uncertainties surrounding the electoral process, and recommends that UNMIS undertake a further critical review of its electoral staffing requirements. The Committee also recommends reductions under consultants and consulting services, official travel and ground transportation. The recommendations of the Committee will entail an overall reduction of $770,000. On MINURSO, The Committee recommends reductions under official travel and facilities and infrastructure, for a total reduction of $156,500. With respect to UNSOS, the Committee notes that it is the only peacekeeping operation requested to implement a 25% expenditure reduction under its contingency plan. On the proposed requirements for 2026/27, the Committee recommends against the establishment of a senior human rights officer P-5 post. reflecting a reduction of $121,400. The Committee also notes with concern the critically low balance of the trust fund in support of the Somali Security Force operations. Turning to the budget performance for 2024/25 of MINUSMA, the Committee reiterates its view that, as a key lesson learned, a strategy for the orderly drawdown and closure of field missions should be developed from the early stages of a mission. Lastly, on UNSO proposed budgets, the Committee notes that, at the time of its consideration, the deployment of the personnel of the Gang Suppression Force, as well as the recruitment of UNSO civilian staff, was progressing at a slower pace than originally intended. In view of the slower pace of deployment, the Committee recommends reductions to the staffing of UNSO at this stage. Committee recommends a reduction of 10% to the proposed staffing complement of international posts, with staffing table to be reconfigured by the Office following the decision thereon by the Assembly. While the Committee does not recommend the specific reductions under operational costs for the 2025-2026 period, it recommends reductions for 2026-2027 period under facilities and infrastructure and communications and information technology. The committee recommends a reduction of 1.4 million, 1.9 million for 25-26 period, and 13.8 million for 26-27 period. 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. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic on behalf of a group of countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I have the honor to address this committee on behalf of a group of countries comprised of Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Honduras, Ecuador, Bahamas, Uruguay, Peru, El Salvador, and my own delegation, the Dominican Republic. Turning to agenda item 148 on administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of peacekeeping operations, particularly of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti. We express our appreciation to the ASG and the Controller, Mr. Ramanathan, for the presentation of the Secretary-General's report. We also thank the Chair of the Advisory Committee, Ms. Yuliana Gaspar Ruiz, for presenting her rigorous analysis and thoughts. Moreover, we wish to underscore the work of the Fifth Committee to, in December, adopt the initial budget for the establishment of UNSO as an important step in the institutional response to the crisis in that country. We further recognize the commitment of the Government of Haiti. It has assumed significant financial responsibilities. It has reiterated its intention to hold general elections, says the speaker, on the 30th of August. This is a reaffirmation of the democratic aspirations of its people under bitterly adverse conditions. Madam Chair, the situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate. More than half of the people require humanitarian assistance. At the same time, vast swathes of the country, including much of Port-au-Prince, remains under the control or influence of armed groups. Children are growing up exposed to extreme levels of violence. There is a worrying increase in forced recruitment. Women and girls continue to be victims of systemic sexual violence. This is used as a mechanism of territorial control. We are facing a multidimensional crisis that requires a sustained, coherent and effective international response. We reaffirm our commitment to the stability of Haiti as a regional priority in a context of solidarity and shared responsibility. Against that backdrop, the establishment of UNSO is a fundamental component to strengthen the logistical, technical and operational operational capacity of the international community and its efforts to support Haitian authorities as well as the GSF, BINU and the OAS. These efforts have been strengthened by member states' commitments to provide personnel, equipment and technical assistance. We welcome the appointment of Ms. Daniela Kroselak to lead these important efforts. However, to date, significant challenges remain. Deployment has faced logistical and financial constraints in a highly volatile environment that underscores the need for a robust, adequately funded support structure capable of operating effectively in proper coordination and without overlap. We also take this opportunity to call on the core group of partners, together with the Government of Haiti, to redouble efforts to ensure the generation of forces on the ground, as well as to ensure voluntary contributions necessary to reimburse personnel-related costs. Chair, we are acutely aware of the fact that UNSO is in an initial phase of establishment, and that could affect execution levels in the short term. However, in the context of the current liquidity crisis, we are of the view that substantial cuts could seriously undermine its operational capacity and even affect the viability of its mandate. With that in mind, we reiterate our support for the Secretary General's budget proposal of some $403 million for the 2026-2027 2027 financial year as a necessary measure to ensure the effective implementation of this effort. The group of countries delivering this statement reaffirms its readiness to engage constructively in this process in support of an inclusive, effective multilateralism and one which is results orientated. Thank you.

I thank you and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guyana on behalf of CARICOM.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the 14 member states of the Caribbean Community, CARICOM. At the outset, CARICOM expresses its appreciation to the Secretary General for the presentation of his report on the proposed budget and the related report of the advisory committee on administrative and budgetary questions for the United Nations Support Office in Haiti. Madam Chair, Haiti is CARICOM's largest member state and the situation there remains a matter of direct impact on regional and national security and remains an ongoing priority for the region. More than half the population requires humanitarian assistance. Large areas of Port-au-Prince and beyond remained under the control of armed groups. Over 1 million people are internally displaced. Children are being forcibly recruited into criminal gangs, and women and girls continue to face systematic sexual violence as a mechanism of territorial control. CARICOM's engagement on this item reflects the region's shared and practical commitment to Haiti's recovery. CARICOM member states have contributed personnel to the Multinational Security Support Mission, and continue to support its evolution into the Gang Suppression Force, including through ongoing engagement in its strategic direction and oversight. We therefore approach this item as a community with direct institutional and human stakes in the success of this mission. Madam Chair, it is the support office that enables the Gang Suppression Force to function as intended. The logistical, operational and coordination functions of UNSO are central to the effective implementation of the mandate. CARICOM will therefore consider the proposed resource requirements through that operational lens. We recognize that UNSO remains in its initial phase of establishment and that deployment has been slower than anticipated, largely due to logistical and operational factors. As the mission transitions to a full operational cycle, it will be important that resourcing decisions are aligned with the evolving requirements on the ground. In this regard, it remains imperative that budgetary decisions do not compromise mandate delivery or the ability of the mission to maintain a credible and effective operational presence. Madam Chair, CARICOM attaches particular importance to human rights due diligence policy capacity within UNSO. Given the nature of joint operations with national security forces and the operating environment on the ground, this capacity is central to risk management, mission credibility and the confidence of contributing partners. It is also an essential requirement for the provision of United Nations support in this context. We will therefore duly engage constructively on this issue during negotiations. Madam Chair, the Security Council has established this mandate, and the task before this committee is to ensure that it can be implemented effectively in practice. The decisions taken on this budget will shape the pace of deployment, the effectiveness of operations, and the prospects for stabilization in Haiti. CARICOM emphasizes that Haiti's security imperatives should not be addressed in silos, but must be part of a holistic peacebuilding and sustainable development drive that furthers resilience and dignity. CARICOM looks forward to strong and sustained coordination with the key partners on support to the GSF. CARICOM remains firmly committed to constructive engagement with the Secretariat and all Member States, and looks forward to working towards an outcome that equips UNSO to fulfill its mandate. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam Chairperson. My address will be different today, and I ask the colleagues to relay that to their capitals. For almost 50 years, the UNDOF was a quiet model of what the international community's will can achieve. it has discharged its mandate with consistency and professionalism and maintained the stability of the area of separation to the point that its silence was perceived as a proof of its success. No one needed to stand in this chamber calling for it to be funded. However, today the silence was broken. Since the Israeli occupation occupied the area of separation in December of 2024 and established military positions in flagrant violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement, things are no longer the same. I have seen that firsthand when I visited that region. Even the ACABQ recognized that. They said, and I quote, that the mission is currently unable fully to implement its mandate. It's an admission never heard before, one that should give pause to everyone in this Chamber. Madam Chair, had the international community shouldered its responsibility and put an end to these incursions since day one, we wouldn't have found ourselves demanding today more funding while we're all trying to make reductions. However, failure to stop such violations has led to its escalation. Stopping those violations is the only guarantee of stability and of preventing further escalation in an area already ignited. Colleagues, the continuation of the status quo with the illegal Israeli presence will negatively reflect on the operational burden of the mission and the resources allocated by contributing countries. Thus, Addressing the root causes of the situation by ending occupation will be in the interest of all. In this vein, Syria believes that supporting the full withdrawal from the Area of Separation is the only way to ensure stability in the region and to alleviate the burden shouldered by the Organization and donor countries alike. Until then, It is important that the international community assumes its responsibility in providing adequate resources to ensure the sustainability of the force. Otherwise, unfortunately, the situation risks further tension. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Chair, distinguished colleagues, I would like to thank Mr. Chandru Ramathan, Control, and Ms. Yulia Gasparova, Chair of ACABQ, for the briefings for the proposed budget for AMNIC for the forthcoming period. Serbia remains firmly committed to international law and full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1244, which guarantees the status of neutral presence in Kosovo and Metohija and remains the only sustainable and internationally recognized framework for engagement. We welcome the continued work of UNMIK in maintaining conditions for peaceful and normal life in all communities, including its role promoting human rights and the rule of law. The mission remains a key guarantee stability and protection of the fundamental rights of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija. However, we must underline that the political and security situation in Kosovo and Metohija remains fragile, unstable, marked as recurring tension and the lack of trust between communities. Madam Chair. In such circumstances, continuous presence and full engagement of the Army could remain indispensable. The facts are deeply concerning. Since 2021, more than 20% of the Serbs have left Kosovo and Metohija. To date, only 1.9% of IDPs have returned, likely representing one of the lowest return rates even on a global scale. Secretary General reports the family constantly point to a negligible number of returnees, underscoring the need for a mission to devote additional attention and engagement to this issue. In 2025 alone, over 130 ethnically motivated incidents were recorded. Since then, arrest, intimidating attacks have continued, including physical assaults, property damage, and verbal harassment in 2026. Over the past six months, the situation has deteriorated further. This raises a fundamental question: what kind of future can we expect, particularly in light of the proposal to reduce the UNMIK budget and the staffing? Serbia notes the unacceptable increase of attacks on Serbian Orthodox Church sites and the deteriorating state of cultural and religious heritage. We regret the Secretary-General's budget report once again does not reflect UNMIK's role in this area. Serbia strongly believe that mandate of AMNIC remains unfulfilled. Key issues, particularly sustainable return of IDPs, remain unsolved. The protection of property rights, as well the protection and preservation of cultural and religious heritage, must remain core priority, as continued incidents clearly underscore the need for strong and visible UN presence. We reiterate our concern over the unilateral actions that undermine stability, complicate already fragile security environment, and hinder process to the dialogue. Serbia remains fully committed to the UN-facilitated dialogue and continue to act as a constructive and responsible partner. At the same time, expects full implementation of all agreements, in particular the establishment of a community of Serbian municipalities. In this context, we believe the TMC should adopt even more proactive and visible role in the implementation of its mandate. Madam Chair, At the time when calls are being made to reduce UNAMIR's budget and alter its mandate, Serbia wishes to send a clear message: the presence and role of the mission must not be weakened. Turning to the budgetary aspects, while we take note of the liquidity challenges currently faced by the UN, Serbia expresses serious concern regarding the proposed reduction of the UNAMIR budget, as well as the substantial number of proposed post abolitions. In our view, cuts of this magnitude appears to be driven predominantly by cost contained measures without clear justifications and without comprehensive assessments of their impact on the mission's ability to deliver on its mandate. SEBI is seriously concerned over the proposed reduction of the OMNIC budget for the forthcoming period, representing a decrease of 8.6% compared to the current period. SEBI also regrets the proposed net reduction of 49 posts, many of which are substantive, as well as 31 deployments, 24 assignments, and the conversion of international posts to national posts. For the Republic of Serbia, and taking into account the situation on the ground as reflected in the reports of the Secretary-General and the work of UNMIK, it is particularly surprising that the reductions are proposed in the key areas such as Office of Rule of Law, Office of Legal Affairs, Office of Community Support, as well as the proposed changes in Mitrovica Regional Office. These proposals lack a sufficient, clear rationale for each measure.

I thank you so much. I thank you. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lebanon.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Allow me first to thank the Secretariat and the Chair of ACABQ on the presentation of the report on the financing of UNIFIL. Madam Chair, my delegation wishes to pay tribute to UNIFIL, to the men and women who have served within its ranks since 1978 for their dedication, for their commitment and their professionalism. in the service of peace over these decades, often in very complex and challenging circumstances, as we are witnessing today. We honor their sacrifices, and we pay special tribute to all peacekeepers who have fallen in the line of duty, most recently four Indonesian peacekeepers. And allow me, Madam Chair, to name them: Major Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, First Sergeant Muhammad Nur Iswan, Corporal Farizal Romadon and Corporal Rico Pramaduya, and two French peacekeepers, Sergeant Chef Florian Montorio and Caporal Chef Anicet Girardin. We in Lebanon, Madam Chair, mourn them as our own, and we reiterate our strongest condemnation of attacks against all peacekeepers and we express once again our deepest condolences to the people and government of France and Indonesia. Madam Chair, my delegation also wishes to express its deep appreciation to the UN, to its Secretary-General, and all troop-contributing countries for their continued support for UNIFIL and its mandate. We further commend the Fifth Committee for its essential role in ensuring that peacekeeping missions are provided with resources necessary to effectively implement their mandates. We consider the present report in the context of a very critical situation on the ground at a time when the role of UNIFIL remains as important as ever. My delegation notes that this budget cycle covers the final period of UNIFIL's mandate, which is set to conclude at the end of the year, to be followed by an orderly and safe drawdown of the mission. Ensuring that the mission is adequately resourced during this period remains essential. Lebanon remains firmly committed to its cooperation with UNIFIL throughout this process. We remain actively engaged in consultation with all relevant stakeholders as we look forward to the report of the Secretary-General on the options for the future implementation of 1701 after the withdrawal of UNIFIL. In closing, Madam Chair, Lebanon reiterates its deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to the mission of UNIFIL and reaffirms its support for the work of this Committee and looks forward to a productive resumed session. I thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. My delegation attaches great importance to the peacekeeping operation, particularly with regard to UNIFIL and UNDOF. Israel remains committed to constructive cooperation and coordination with both missions. The reality on the ground has changed significantly since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. The development has created instability in southern Syria and increased the risk posed by armed groups operating near Israel border. Israel has a clear responsibility to ensure that that instability does not translate into threats against its civilians. Accordingly, Israel has taken measured and necessary defensive steps to prevent hostile in this area. These actions are not directed at UNDOF. On the contrary, Israel continues to coordinate closely with the force, facilitate its operation, support the safety and security of United Nations personnel, and also cooperation through transferring fuel, medical assistance, tax exemption, logistical assistance, critical support of supply, and assistance in ammunition disposal. Israel also welcomed the Security Council decision to extend the UNIFIL mandate for the final time until December 31 of this year, followed by an orderly drawdown and withdrawal. This transition should support the strengthening of Lebanese state authority and the assumption of full security responsibility by Lebanon's legitimate security forces. Israel looks forward to the day after UNIFIL, when the sovereign state of Lebanon is able to fully uphold its responsibilities and ensure security from Hezbollah's terrorism in South Lebanon, which is the only obstacle for peace between Israel and Lebanon. Hezbollah, by the way, operates near UNIFIL's post and endanger them. Israel also welcomed the current ceasefire and the advance of direct talks, historic decision after more than 40 years, aimed for a lasting security, stability, and peace in the region. Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, the Haitian delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered respectively by the Dominican Republic on behalf of the Group of GRULAC and Ghana on behalf of CARICOM, and we wish to deliver the following remarks in our national capacity. We wish to thank the Secretary-General and the chair of the ACABQ for the presentation of the report on UNSO. We welcome the adoption of resolution 2793, through which the Security Council established the United Nations Support Office in Haiti, UNSO, and authorized Member States, in coordination with the Haitian Government, to initiate the evolution from the Multinational Security Support Mission to the Gang Suppression Force for a period of 12 months with a troop level of 5,550. people, we note with interest that UNSAW's mandate is focused on logistical support, operational and technical support for the Gang Suppression Force, BINUH, the Haitian National Police, the Haitian National Armed Forces, and the Organization of American States. In this context, we welcome the opportunity to inform you that the government and Haiti signed a headquarters agreement on UNSAW in Haiti. The security situation in Haiti remains very much alarming. Operational needs on the ground are significant. Mobility, secure communications, medical support, logistical infrastructure, and rapid response capabilities are some of these operational needs. That having been said, operational support, specifically through adequate financing, is decisive and needs to reflect these needs in an ambiguous way. We duly take note of the resources requested by Secretary General in the report on the operations of UNSOP for the period 2025 to 2027, with the overall amount of $403,583,200. To that end, we emphasize the need for rigorous, efficient, and transparent management of these resources in order to see to it that each dollar meaningfully contributes to national capacity building, stabilization of the country, and the protection of civilian populations. To conclude, Madam Chair, we wish to reaffirm the willingness and readiness of our government to work constructively with member states in order to ensure that the resources allocated to UNSO are fully aligned with the realities on the ground and national priorities. We are counting on the steadfast commitment of states to support Haiti in its efforts geared towards restoring security, enhancing rule of law, and establishing conditions for a lasting restoration of stability. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. At the outset, I wish to convey our gratitude to UNISFA for all the efforts made to implement the mandate in spite of particularly adverse circumstances. We wish to thank all UNISFA personnel and we honour the memory of all those that have lost their lives in discharging their duties. Sudan is committed to fully cooperating with the force and with the whole of the UN system in order to guarantee stability in Abyei. The challenges facing UNISFA call for a more effective response on the ground. It is necessary to bolster the deployment of the mission, namely in regions in which security challenges are more sizable, more specifically in the north sector where we find the rebel militia, that is the RSF. Indeed, the RSF threaten the stability of that region. That is why we need patrols, a greater patrol presence on the ground, and we need rapid response mechanisms also in order to increase security. and improve it. The situation in Abyei is particularly sensitive. For that reason, we must show wisdom in order to protect the delicate balance between the various groups that are found in this region and in order to avoid any conflagration. UNISFA's premises and offices must take account of the necessary political and legal reference documents so that they can respect all protocols and arrangements applying to the Abyei region. These are prerequisites for the maintenance of stability and for the discharge of the mandate. Quick response projects are particularly important for local communities. They make it possible to bolster trust. These projects are a direct investment in stability to achieve peace in the region. We hope that the committee will be in a position to adopt an increase in the budget devoted to these quick impact projects. This budget has remained unchanged for many years. It's remained at $550,000. Security is not only tied to the presence of the force on the ground. Its interventions need to be more effective. The most recent report on UNISFA demonstrates that we need more stable financing so that the mission can discharge its mandate. Sudan will continue its work together with the Security Council and the UN Secretariat in order to guarantee the necessary conditions And this is particularly true for cooperation with South Sudan. To conclude, we remain staunchly committed to cooperating with UNISFA and all international partners. Thank you, Chair.

I thank you. The distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic has requested the floor. You have the floor once again.

Thank you, Madam President. I'll be very brief. Instead of responding myself to the situation with ONDVF, I'd refer colleagues to the report issued five days ago by the Office of the Higher Commission for Human Rights, a few weeks before that, the Commission of Inquiry, and the UNDOF reports that all highlight how the continued Israeli presence near UNDOF presents risks to UNDOF, to Syrian civilians, to the rights of Syrian civilians, to international law, and obviously the sovereignty of the Syrian territory and the wider attentions in the region. Thank you.

I thank you. If there are no further comments, the committee has thus concluded its general discussion on these questions. Informal consultations on these items will be held as indicated in the programme of work of the committee. The meeting is adjourned.