Fifth Committee, 33rd plenary meeting - General Assembly, Second part of the resumed 80th session

That's my understanding because that's what we discussed with her, right? I mean, we, you know, we can check.

Yeah, check.

Yeah, right.

Yeah, yeah, I think that's, that's true.

Oh, she, she never said anything to you? So that was the plan. We just had a backup. She's running a bit late. I call to order the 33rd meeting of the Fifth Committee, the second part of our presumed 80th session. Distinguished delegates, We turn our attention to action on draft resolutions on the issues that were before the Committee during the second part of its resumed 80th session. I am pleased to welcome to the Committee the Assistant Secretary-General of the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget and Controller, Mr. Chandru Ramanathan. Owing to the fact that most of the draft proposals before you have only been adopted informally in the last few days. I should like to inform delegations that the majority of resolutions, as well as the decision before the Committee today, are provisional versions and subject to editorial review and quality control. They will be issued in the 6 official languages as quickly as possible. Taking fully into account the various resolutions of the General Assembly on multilingualism, I thank all delegations for their flexibility to proceed exceptionally with these documents in English only to facilitate the conclusion of the work of the Committee at the second part of its resumed 80th session. I thank you for your cooperation. I first 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. The attention of the committee is drawn to draft resolution A/C5/80/L33 entitled Financial Reports and Audited Financial Statements and Reports of the Board of Auditors, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Indonesia, Mr. Evan Norset. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L33 without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no further request— as I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I now invite the committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 134, entitled Review of the Efficiency of the Administrative and Financial Functioning of the United Nations. The Committee's attention is first drawn to draft resolution A/C5/80/L50 entitled Credit Return Methodology, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Switzerland, Mr. Oliver Humble. Before proceeding to the adoption of the draft resolution, I invite the controller to make a few remarks. Mr. Ramanathan, you have the floor.

Good afternoon, Madam Chair, distinguished delegates. I can confirm that the reference to the relevant parts of A/AT/367 in paragraph 1 of the draft resolution relates only to paragraphs 33 to 40 in relation to the return of credits. And similarly, the reference to the relevant parts of A/AT/7/Ad29, that is the SABQ report, in paragraph 2 relates only to paragraph 27 of the SABQ report. Thank you.

I thank Mr. Ramanathan for his statement. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Hello, Madam Chair.

We would like to note that the General Assembly repeatedly adopted decisions which are geared towards improving the financial situations of the— situation of the United Nations, specifically resolutions 73/307 and 76/272, which adopted measures to improve the liquidity situation of the organization, including management of the cash balances of peacekeeping operations through a single pool, the working capital fund means being increased and other measures were adopted. The Russian Federation at the time voiced their concern in connection to the fact that the measures are not helping to address the root cause, namely the problem with the refusal of certain states, their refusal to fulfill their— to make their financial contributions. And these are issues which are liable to further exacerbate the situation, as we have all seen. This is precisely what is taking place. Our warnings are coming to pass. None of these measures in and of themselves are helping to improve the— can help improve the situation if member states continue to fail to comply with their financial obligations, making their payments in time, on full, and without any conditions whatsoever. We wish to emphasize the fact that the resolution, the text of the resolution, which is agreed upon, which we are adopting, explicitly sets out this very important premise. Moreover, it's important that the text also— some of the points to instances when member states themselves are not in a position to make payments owing to unilateral— owing to external financial constraints. The Russian Federation believes that the term external financial constraints encompasses the repercussions of unilateral coercive measures. Including the obstacles that they erect to the fulfillment of international banking transactions and payments and transfers in the fulfillment by states of their financial obligations. As we have seen, our interpretation aligns with that of the United Nations Secretariat. We highly value the consensus that was arrived at, at the Committee vis-à-vis the recognition of the existence of this problem, which has arisen as a result of of the imposition of UCMs, and they need to take these circumstances into account when adopting new methods for the return of cash— of credits that are unused. However, the limitations of work of the banking financial sector encompasses a host of developing states, and these states should not be compelled to shoulder the burden of these additional negative repercussions in the fulfillment of their financial obligations to the organization. Naturally, as a matter of principle, at the Fifth Committee, the discussion on the whole on this subject is long overdue. It is long overdue to adopt bolder decisions which ultimately should help to protect the United Nations from illegitimate sanctions. We view this draft resolution as an important step towards a more equitable and objective taking into account of the circumstances when implementing financial procedures of the organization. Thank you for your attention.

If there are no further comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft Resolution A/C5/80/L50 as a whole without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? I next— invite the Committee to resume 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 consider a total of 5 draft resolutions. The Committee will next consider Draft Resolution A/C5/80/L49, entitled Triennial Review of the Rates and Standards for Reimbursement to Member States for Contingent-Owned Equipment, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Cameroon, Mr. Jean-Bertrand Biina. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L49 without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? I see no further— no request for the floor, so we have concluded our consideration of this question. The committee will next consider draft resolution A/C5/80/L46 entitled Rates of Reimbursement to Troop and Police Contributing Countries, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Guinea, Ms. Massany Cabassalé. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L46 without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no requests for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this question. The attention of the Committee is first drawn to draft Resolution A/C.5.80/L.46—45, sorry, 45, entitled Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Austria Ms. Johanna Wischoff. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L45 without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no requests for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this question. I next invite the Committee to consider draft resolution A/C5/80/L47 entitled Financing of the United Nations Regional Service Center in Entebbe, Uganda, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Canada, Mr. Michael Lloyd-Eyestone. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L47 without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this question. The Committee will next consider draft resolution A/C5/80/L48 entitled Financing of the United Nations Logistics Base at Brindisi, Italy, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Canada, Mr. Michael Lloyd-Icestone. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L48 without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this question. Before taking up the agenda items on the individual peacekeeping missions, I would like to convey my deep appreciation to the representative of Norway, Mr. Tobias Svavnik, who facilitated discussion on all peacekeeping operations. I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 149, entitled Financing of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abiy. The attention of the Committee is drawn to draft Resolution A/C5/80/L34, entitled Financing of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abiy, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Switzerland, Mr. Loris Cera. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L34 without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I next invite the Committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 150, entitled Financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic. The attention of the Committee is drawn to draft Resolution A/C.5, /80/L35, entitled Financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Israel, Ms. Adva Blyachinsky. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L/35 without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I next invite the Committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 151, entitled Financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. The attention of the Committee is drawn to Draft Resolution A/C5/80/L36, entitled Financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. Submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Paraguay, Ms. Viviana Sanabria. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L36 without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I now invite the committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 152, entitled Financing of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The attention of the Committee is drawn to draft resolution A/C5/80/L37 entitled Financing of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Bulgaria, Ms. Juliana Zhivkova Angelova. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L37 without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no requests for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I next invite the committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 154, entitled Financing of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. The attention of the committee is drawn to draft resolution A/C5/80/L 38, entitled Financing of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Liberia, Mrs. Vancy Marcella Williams. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt adopt the draft resolution A/C5/80/L38 without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no, no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I next invite the committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 155, entitled Financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali. The attention of the committee is drawn to draft Resolution A/C5/80/L39, entitled Financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali. Submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Georgia, Mr. Yoshev Georgaliani. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L39 without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no, no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I next invite the committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 156, entitled Financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in the Middle East. Under sub-item A, entitled United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, the committee has before it a draft resolution contained in document A/C5/80/L40 entitled Financing of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of the Bahamas, Mr. Obafemi Travis-McKenzie. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Thank you, Madam Chair. First, let me start by actually thanking you for all the efforts that you have put into getting us this far, and thank all the colleagues from the Fifth Committee who have worked tirelessly, my experts was texting me at unsociable hours, which kind of makes me only think of how late all of you have stayed to achieve to these results. Colleagues, most of you have noticed that Syria has been unusually active on this item, and that is because we are facing an unusual time. All of us here at the UN, the PRs and experts alike, call for the UN to be an organization that adapts and deals with peace and security matters in a timely fashion. For 50 years, the situation of UNDOF was uneventful. UNDOF did its task in an effective manner. There were no debates about its budget or, or any situation linked to it. Unfortunately, when the Syrian people decided to liberate themselves and actually get rid that part of the Syrian border of non-state actors that were a threat to the wider region, including Israel, Israel decided to move into the peacekeeping force area where UNDOF operates. These areas, for colleagues unfamiliar, have Syrian civilians in them. They have Syrian towns, they have Syrian mothers, they have Syrian schools, they have Syrian hospitals. And since the presence there, UNDOF, in their own words, have faced an unusual reality. The detention of Israeli— by the IDF of Syrian citizens, the use of pesticides required UNDOF to engage very effective with the community. The last time— and these pictures are very easily Googleable— was 2 days ago where most of Arab countries issued statements. Were of another incursion that ONDOF helped facilitate. So ONDOF is actually doing real meaningful work on the ground, and that requires resources, resources that unfortunately we all have to pay from our national budgets, from our contributions due to this situation. I'm also taking to the floor to hopefully say that next year I wouldn't have to come here again and that my colleague would not have to be as active as it is because this situation we find ourselves in, you find yourself in is something that only happened 15 months ago. It's not something that was there for the 50 years. We are doing our part politically. We are engaging through the United States with active mediation with Israel to try to end this effort. But until then, we will have to do everything we can, and we owe it to the Syrian people, the Syrian civilians there, that the presence of the UN, which is incredibly important to them, remains funded until we resolve this issue. Once more, thank you to all of you who've worked so hard, and hopefully I wouldn't have to see you next year again. Thank you.

If there are no further comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L40 without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this sub-item. Under sub-item B, entitled United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, the committee has before it a draft resolution contained in document A/C5/80/L32/ Revolution I, entitled Financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, submitted by the representative of Uruguay on behalf of the states that are members of the Group of 77 and China. I give the floor to the representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China to introduce the draft resolution.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honor to introduce draft resolution A/C5/80/L32/Rep1 entitled Financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. The group would like to thank the Secretary-General for his reports on the financing of the United Nations Interim for the Lebanese Civil Wars in Lebanon, as contained in Document A/80/634, and the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions for the related report contained in Document A/80/604/Addendum 12. Madam Chair, in response to General Assembly Resolution 79/308, the Secretary-General states in his report that Israel has not paid the amount of $1,117,005 due as accounts receivable for UNIFIL resulting from the tragic incident in Kana on April 18th, 1996. The Secretary-General further explains that he has not received any response to the 31 letters addressed on this matter, the most recent dated December 30th, 2025. The Group of 77 and China stresses once again that the amount due from the incident in Qana'a on April 18, 1996 should be paid by Israel and requests the Secretary-General to report on this matter to the General Assembly at its 81st session. In this regard, the Group of 77 and China is the sponsor of Preamble paragraph 4 and Operative paragraphs 4, 5, and 18 on the draft resolution A/C5/80/L32/Rev1 entitled Financing of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. Madam Chair, I would like to reiterate the appreciation of the Group of 77 and China to the Secretary-General for his efforts in this regard and to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon for its sacrifices and positive contribution to restoring peace and security in the region. I thank you.

We shall now proceed to consider the draft resolution. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. My delegation would like to introduce the following oral amendment to draft resolution A/C.5/80/L.32/Rev.1, the deletion of preambular paragraph 4 and operative paragraphs 4, 5, and 18. We urge member states to join Israel in supporting this amendment. Should a recorded vote be requested on our oral amendment, my delegation calls on all member states to vote in favor of the deletion of these paragraphs. In the event that our amendment is not adopted, my delegation requests that the action on the draft resolution as a whole be taken by a recorded vote. We would like to remind everyone in the committee that this is a technical committee, and any attempts to assert political agendas into an otherwise non-political discussion undermines the very credibility of this committee. Thank you.

The representative of Israel has proposed an oral amendment to draft resolution A/C5/80/L32/revision 1 to delete the preamble paragraph 4 and operative paragraphs 4, 5, and 18. I give the floor to the representative of Uruguay on behalf of The Group of 77 and China.

Thank you, Madam Chair. On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I request a recorded vote on the oral amendment proposed by the representative of Israel.

A recorded vote has been requested on the oral amendment proposed by the representative of Israel. In accordance with Rule 1 Article 30 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly, the Committee shall first take a decision on the proposed amendment submitted by the representative of Israel. Does any delegation wish to make a statement in explanation of vote before the vote? Before we begin the voting process, I should like to remind members that pursuant to Rule 128 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly, no representative shall interrupt the voting except on a point of order on the actual conduct of the voting. I now put to the vote the oral amendment submitted by the representative of Israel, to the draft resolution A/C5/80/L32/revision 1. Those in favor, please press 2. Those against, press 3. And abstentions, press 4. Those in favor, please press 2. Those against, press 3. And abstentions, press 4. I now give the floor to the Secretary of the Committee.

Will delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the board.

The voting has been completed. The machine is locked.

The result of the vote is as follows: In favor, 5. Against, 83. Abstentions, 53. The oral amendment submitted by the representative of Israel is not adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement in explanation of vote after the vote? I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The use of General Assembly funding resolutions to pursue claims against a member state is not appropriate. We have historically opposed General Assembly resolutions on this item because they required a member state to pay for costs stemming from the Kanah incident of 1996. These resolutions were not consensus resolutions. Since shortly after the founding of the United Nations, the procedure which has been followed is that the Secretary-General presents and pursues the settlement of the organization's claims against a state or states. Using a funding resolution to legislate a settlement is inappropriate. It also politicize— politicizes the work of the General Assembly. And Lord knows we don't need more politics around here. It politicizes the work of the General Assembly's Fifth Committee and should be avoided both now and in the future. I thank you.

A recorded vote has been requested by the representative of Israel on draft resolution A/C5/80/L32/Rev1 as a whole. Does any delegation wish to make a statement in explanation of vote before the vote? We shall now proceed to take a decision on the draft resolution. Before we begin the voting process, I should like to remind delegations that pursuant to Rule 128 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly, no representative shall interrupt the voting except on a point of order on the actual conduct of the voting. I now put to the vote the draft resolution A/C5/80/L32/Rev1 as a whole. Those in favor, please press 2. Those against, press 3. And abstentions, press 4. Those in favor, please press 2. Those against, press 3. An abstention? Press 4. I now give the floor to the Secretary of the Committee.

Will delegations confirm that their votes are correctly reflected on the board?

The voting has been completed.

The machine is locked.

The results of the vote is as follows: in favor, 139. Against 4. Abstention 1. The draft resolution contained in document A/C5/80/L32/Rev1 as a whole is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? I give the I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cyprus on behalf of the European Union.

Madam Chair, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Member States of the European Union. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia, as well as Monaco, align themselves with this statement. The Member States of the European Union are concerned about the recurring trend of resorting to votes on the agenda item pertaining to the financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. The Fifth Committee is the main committee of the General Assembly entrusted with responsibility for administrative and budgetary matters. As such, it is not the appropriate forum for political discussions. We abstained on the oral amendment presented by Israel to draft resolution A/C5/80/L32/Rev. 1. The broader political aspects of the events to which the draft resolution refers, including the incident in Khanam, were extensively debated in the General Assembly in April 1996, resulting in Resolution 50/22C of 25 April 1996. At that time, The Member States of the European Union made their position clear in a plenary statement and in the voting procedure on that specific resolution. The Fifth Committee's duty is to ensure that mandates entrusted by the UN Security Council or any other legislative bodies can be fully executed and, to that end, are adequately resourced. In full compliance with the Fifth Committee mandate and responsibility, The Member States of the European Union have voted in favor of the resolution as a whole since it appropriates the resources that are crucial for UNIFIL to fulfill its important mandate. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The State of Israel reiterates the importance of preserving the integrity and mandate of the Fifth Committee as a technical and nonpolitical body. This committee was established to ensure the sound, equitable, and responsible administration of the UN's budgetary and administrative matters. It must not be exploited as a platform to advance vindictive political agendas. When this committee is politicized, It undermines not only the legitimacy of its decisions, but the credibility of the United Nations itself. My delegation is deeply concerned by the continued misuse of this agenda item to target Israel through biased condemnations that disregard the United Nations' own financial rules and procedures. In particular, Financial Regulation 6.5 and Financial Rule 106.7, which established the framework for addressing losses of United Nations assets. Israel's position on this issue is well known and has not changed. We completely and utterly reject this false attempt to politicize and undermine the functioning of this committee. Let us be clear: no member state should be singled out or unjustly vilified for political gain. These actions violate the principle of equal treatment of member states and amount to a double standard that has no place in this committee. Such a biased approach does not make our work more responsible or credible. It undermines the very integrity and impartiality on which this committee depends. Israel remains committed to supporting the United Nations and to upholding the principles of accountability, transparency, and fair treatment of all member states. Thank you.

As I see no further requests for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this sub-item. I next invite the Committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 157, entitled Financing of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. The attention of the Committee is drawn to draft resolution A/C5/80/L41, entitled Financing of the United Nations United Nations Mission in South Sudan, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Belgium, Mr. Vincent Wilakens. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L41 without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I next invite the Committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 158, entitled Financing of the United Nations Mission for the referendum in Western Sahara. The attention of the Committee is drawn to draft resolution A/C5/80/L42 entitled Financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Panama, Mr. Travis Lee Taliaphero Velásquez. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L42 without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, The floor. We have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration of Agenda Item 159, entitled Financing of the Activities Arising from Security Council Resolution 1863/2009. The attention of the Committee is drawn to draft Resolution A/C.5.80/L.43, entitled Financing of the Activities Arising from Security Council Resolution 1863/2009, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of Australia, Gerard Joy Duncan. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C Resolution 2580/L43 without a vote. I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. I now invite the Committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 177 entitled Financing of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti. The attention of the Committee is drawn to draft resolution A/C5/80/L44 entitled Financing of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti, submitted on the basis of informal consultations coordinated by the representative of the Republic of Moldova, Miss Corina Coroi. Moroi, sorry. Are there any comments on the draft resolution? If there are no comments, may I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution A/C5/80/L44 without a vote? I hear no objection. The draft resolution is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after to the adoption of the draft resolution? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. Distinguished delegates, in the context of Agenda Item 148, Administrative and Budgetary Aspects of the Financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, I wish to draw the attention of the Committee to the note by the Secretary General contained in document A/C5/80/19, which in accordance with established prorating procedures in Resolution 50/221 of 7 June 1996 indicates demands to be apportioned in respect of each peacekeeping mission, including prorated shares of of the Support Account, the United Nations Logistics Base at Brindisi, Italy, and the Regional Service Center in Entebbe, Uganda. Under the same agenda item, the Committee also has before it a note by the Secretary-General contained in document A/C5/80/20 on the approved resources for peacekeeping operations for the period from 1st July 2026 to 30th June 2027. Are there any comments? May I take it that the committee wishes to take note of the information provided by the Secretariat in documents A/C5/80/19 and A/C5/80/20? C5/80/20. I hear no objection. It is so decided. We have thus concluded consideration of agenda item 148. I now invite the committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 134, entitled Review of the Efficiency of the Administrative Administrative and Financial Functioning of the United Nations. The attention of the Committee is drawn to draft decision contained in document A/C5/80/L51 entitled Questions Deferred for Future Consideration. Are there any comments on the draft decision? If there are no comments, may I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft Decision A/C5/80/L51 without a vote. I hear no objection. The draft decision is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft decision? As I see no request for the floor, we have thus concluded our consideration of this agenda item. Distinguished delegates, we have concluded our consideration of all items before the Committee at the 80th session, and I request the Rapporteur to report directly thereon to the General Assembly. Distinguished delegates, with the adoption of the draft resolutions before us during the second part of the resumed 80th session, we have concluded our work. I would also like to once again express my sincere my appreciation to all coordinators for their dedication and hard work. In this connection, I also wish to acknowledge the work carried out by the representative of Singapore, Ms. Noelle Tam, as coordinator in addition to those already mentioned. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the following colleagues who are concluding their diplomatic tours of duty in New York: Yao Jialang of China, Alam Yangsar of Saudi Arabia, Hussein Rushdie of Egypt, Emilio Flores of Honduras, Petrus Natanwe Lukas of Namibia, Éléonore Peyrat of France, Markus Kraft of Germany, Chihiro Takehana of Japan, Laurens den Hartog of the Netherlands, who also served as 5C Bureau reporter during UNGA 78. Kathleen Drivers of the United Kingdom, Paul Hanna and Clay Powell of the United States. Distinguished delegates, as we conclude the second resumed session of the Fifth Committee I would like to take a moment not to speak about resolutions or procedures, but about people. First and foremost, I thank every delegation for their perseverance, professionalism, and willingness to remain engaged even when the negotiations became exceptionally demanding. The decisions we have taken were not easy. They required patience, creativity, countless consultations, and above all, a genuine commitment to finding common ground. My sincere appreciation also goes to the members of the Bureau and the Fifth Committee Secretariat, and of course to my team, Nikki and Dorca, whose advice, support, and good judgment have been invaluable throughout the session. No chair succeeds alone., and I have been fortunate to rely on colleagues who were always ready to help navigate even the most difficult moments. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the Secretariat, to the conference management, interpreters, meeting services, security personnel, and all colleagues working behind the scenes. Their professionalism, flexibility, and extraordinary dedication made it possible for us to do our work, often under significant pressure and with very little sleep. Thank you. When I accepted the honor of chairing the Fifth Committee, I thought I had a fairly good idea of what awaited me. Looking back now, I have to admit that if someone had shown me a preview of these past months, I might have asked a few more questions. Before saying yes. But then again, helping to keep the United Nations functioning is a cause that makes even the longest nights worthwhile. Looking back over the entire 80th session, I believe we have every reason to be proud of what this Committee has accomplished together. We navigated one of the most demanding budgetary agendas in recent memory. We considered the revised estimate associated with the SGZ180 initiative, delivered the programme budget, and ensured that the organization has the resources needed to move forward while Member States continue to shape the future of the United Nations. During this resumed session, we also adopted the peacekeeping budget for the 2026-2027 financial period. Ensuring that peace operations have the resources necessary to carry out the mandates entrusted to them. Perhaps most significantly, after many years of discussion, we reached agreement on amendments to the methodology for the return of credits. This is far more than a technical adjustment. It is a historic decision that strengthens the Organization's financial resilience and equips it with a practical tool to respond to recurring liquidity challenges. None of these accomplishments belong to any single delegation or group. These achievements belong to all of you. They were possible because all of you choose dialogue over division, compromise over confrontation, and responsibility over convenience. Our work also reminds us of a simple truth: no financial regulation, no budgetary innovation, and no procedural solution can ever replace the responsibility of every member state to meet its financial obligations to the United Nations. The effectiveness and credibility of the UN ultimately depend on the collective commitment and commitment of its members. At the same time, we know that important work remains ahead. There are reforms that deserve our careful attention, policy questions that require further dialogue, and areas where we did not yet find agreement. I hope we will return to those discussions with the same spirit of pragmatism and cooperation that enabled us to overcome many obstacles during this session. Serving as your chair has been one of the greatest professional challenges of my career, but also one of its greatest privileges. Thank you for your trust, your patience, your constructive spirit, and perhaps most importantly, your sense of humor, even 2 o'clock in the morning, when it occasionally became the committee's most valuable negotiating tool. The Committee has shown time and again that when member states work together in good faith, even the most complex challenges can be overcome. At a moment when many question the effectiveness of multilateralism, you have demonstrated that consensus remains possible and the UN can still adopt, reform, and deliver. I thank you all. The floor is now open for any delegation who wishes to make a statement. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Congratulations. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China at this closing meeting of the second part of the resumed 80th session of the Fifth Committee. At the outset, the group wishes to express its sincere appreciation to you, Madam Chair, for your steadfast leadership, patience, and tireless efforts in guiding the work of the committee throughout this session. The group also extends its appreciation to the members of the Bureau, the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee, the Conference Services staff, the interpreters, as well as to all facilitators for their continued engagement with Member States. We also wish to recognize the support of the Controller, the Secretariat, and the representatives of all advisory bodies for their valuable contributions to the work of the Committee. Madam Chair, the Group is pleased that despite the complexity of the negotiations, the Committee was able to conclude a number of important agenda items by consensus. In particular, we welcome the adoption of the landmark decision establishing a revised mechanism for the return of credits, alongside the approval of the Peacekeeping Budgets, the review of reimbursement rates for troop and police contributing countries, the recommendations of the 2026 Working Group on Contingent Owned Equipment, and the Support Account. Together, these outcomes strengthen the financial sustainability and operational effectiveness of the organization and reflect the Committee's ability to deliver meaningful results through dialogue, flexibility, and constructive engagement. The Group also notes that several agenda items were concluded through skeletal resolutions. While these outcomes allow the Committee to preserve continuity in essential areas, they should not become the preferred method of addressing substantive policy questions that require meaningful intergovernmental guidance. At the same time, while the Committee was unable to conclude substantive outcomes on several other important issues, the successful conclusion of negotiations under the agenda item concerning the review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations stands as a defining achievement of this session. Madam Chair, the adoption of a revised mechanism for the return of credit represents a landmark decision for this organization. It demonstrates that in the face of unprecedented financial challenges, member states can come together to develop pragmatic, balanced, and innovative solutions to respond to the organization's pressing operational needs while preserving the integrity of the financial regulations and rules. This agreement establishes a new methodology for the categorization and return of budgetary credits introducing a coherent framework applicable across the regular budget, peacekeeping budgets, and international tribunals. By distinguishing between different categories of credits and ensuring the automatic return only of credits supported by available liquidity, the methodology strikes a careful balance between the rights of Member States and the financial needs of the Organization. In doing so, it reinforces sound financial management and reflects our shared determination to safeguard the effective implementation of the mandates entrusted to the United Nations. As a matter of fact, transparency and consistency in the recording of arrears by fiscal year remains a cornerstone of this new methodology. The application of this mechanism shall in no way diminish the responsibility of members Member States associated with outstanding assessed contributions. On the contrary, it reinforces the fundamental principle that all Member States must fulfill their financial obligations under the Charter of the United Nations by paying their assessed contributions in full, on time, and without conditions, thereby safeguarding the organization's financial integrity and long-term sustainability. Throughout these negotiations, the Group engaged constructively with all partners, demonstrating a genuine willingness to bridge differences. Guided by clear principles and a spirit of compromise, Member States were ultimately able to converge on a balanced solution that addresses the concerns of all parties while responding to the urgency of the current liquidity situation. More broadly, today's agreement sends a powerful message that multilateralism continues to deliver meaningful results when member states demonstrate political will, good faith, and a shared commitment to strengthening this organization. At a time when confidence in the international system is increasingly being tested, this Committee has shown that consensus remains possible even on the most complex and politically sensitive issues. Madam Chair, throughout this session, the Group has conducted itself in a spirit of openness, flexibility, and responsibility. As long as Uruguay serves as Chair of the Group, it will continue to uphold this approach, honoring the Group's unwavering commitment to multilateralism and to this organization, which stands at the heart of the multilateral system and remains indispensable to addressing the complex global challenges of our time including those faced by developing countries. I thank you, Madam. Thank you.

And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union.

Madam Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states, the candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, And Georgia and the EFTA country Iceland, as well as Armenia, Andorra, and Monaco, aligned themselves with this statement.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank you, Madam Chair, as well as the members of the Bureau and all of the coordinators for your leadership and guidance throughout this very difficult session. We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to the Fifth Committee team, as well as all members of the Secretariat, both at headquarters and in the field, for their unwavering commitment and their assiduous efforts, particularly within the context of ongoing constraints. The second resumed session has been dedicated to seeing to it that United Nations peacekeeping operations have the resources necessary to deliver upon the mandates entrusted to them by Member States. We therefore welcome the adoption of the peacekeeping budgets for 2026 to 2027 financial period, which provide the necessary framework for our missions to deliver effectively on their mandates under increasingly complex environments. English.

Their implementation depends on all Member States meeting their financial obligations in full on time, and without conditions. The payment of assessed contributions is a legal obligation and a self-responsibility towards the organization and the international community it serves. No credit methodology can substitute for this fundamental responsibility. Still, the discussions during this session have demonstrated our determination to strengthen the organization's resilience in the face of recurring liquidity challenges. The dedication, expertise, and constructive engagement shown in developing this proposal reflect a common commitment to safeguarding the organization's ability to fulfill its responsibilities. We express our sincere appreciation for these efforts and warmly welcome the adoption of the resolution. It stands as a milestone in the ability of member states to forge consensus even in challenging times. We hope that this achievement will continue to inspire confidence in multilateralism and reaffirms the values of cooperation solidarity and collective action in which the European Union and its Member States firmly believe. This outcome should not allow us to lose sight of our collective responsibility to examine carefully and constructively the proposed revisions to the FRR and the PPBME. Following 5 years during which the Committee was unable to provide guidance on the Support Account, we have now achieved a substantive resolution. We hope that this same constructive approach will also be applied to the United Nations Global Service Center and the Regional Service Centers. These critical peacekeeping support functions are indispensable to improve the effectiveness of the field missions. They merit throughout substantive consideration rather than procedural deadlock or routine approval. At the same time, the absence of agreement on cross-cutting policy guidance for the peacekeeping operation has limited our ability to respond to the evolving needs in the field. We are particularly disappointed that the consensus could not be reached on the resolution addressing sexual exploitation and abuse. The first-ever system-wide review by the JAU offered a rare occasion to recognize that such abuse is not confined to peacekeeping missions, and most importantly, to assure victims, overwhelmingly women and children, that we can rise above our negotiation positions to acknowledge their plea and set a path to reform. We deeply regret that the Committee was unable to allow additional time to continue efforts towards an agreed outcome. We continue to stress that preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse is a responsibility served by the entire UN system and one that should unite Member States. Señora Presidenta.

Madam Chair, beyond the outcome of this session, we should reflect on our working methods. Delaying substantive engagement till the very end of the process does not facilitate consensus. This should be built upon dialogue and compromise, not through endurance. Long breakout sessions followed by negotiations concentrated at the very end of the process under increasing fatigue are not conducive to balanced and well-informed decisions. If we expect efficiency from the organization, we must first demonstrate it in our work to ourselves. Madam Chair, distinguished colleagues, since this is the end of the work of the Fifth Committee, we would like to take this opportunity to salute you and the members of the Bureau. We congratulate you for your tireless efforts to guide our work during a time that will be recalled as that of revised estimates, efficiency measures, and successful negotiations on the change to the credit return methodology.

I would like to offer a special word of appreciation to the colleagues who will be leaving the Committee. Some of you have become far more than fellow delegates. You have been trusted partners, valued friends, and if I may say so, many times my partners in crime throughout these negotiations. Working alongside you has been both a privilege and a pleasure. You will be greatly missed both professionally and personally. We wish you every success and happiness in your future endeavors, and we have no doubt that you will continue to make a positive difference wherever your path may lead. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank you. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada on behalf of CANZ.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honor to speak on behalf of Australia, New Zealand, and my own country, Canada. CANZ strongly welcomes the Fifth Committee's decision to modify the methodology for calculating credits to be returned to Member States as a significant step towards resolving the Secretariat's long-running liquidity challenges. This significant reform helps to implement the practical proposition that the UN not be required to return funds that were never collected. In practice, this will improve the organization's ability to deliver the work that we, Member States, request of it. However, this measure alone cannot solve the underlying cause of the organization's liquidity crisis. CANZ continues to echo the Secretary-General's call for all member states to pay their assessed contributions in full, on time, and without conditions. We will also continue to advocate for complementary measures to promote long-term financial sustainability and to modernize the financial regulations and rules. Madam Chair, CANZ also welcomes the adoption of the 2026-2027 Peacekeeping Budgets. We appreciate that the agreed budgets reflect efforts to reduce duplication, strengthen coordination, and identify efficiencies while maintaining a clear focus on the effectiveness and impact of peacekeeping operations in an increasingly complex environment. In particular, we welcome the first full-year budget for the United Nations Support Office in Haiti. This funding is critical to the operation— operationalization of the mandate, including ensuring that all support provided by UNSO is delivered in full compliance with the human rights due diligence policy. We are also pleased that the Committee reached consensus on the Support Account budget this year. This agreement will help ensure the effective backstopping of UN peacekeeping operations, including for the critical start-up phase of UNSO, and enable the continued provision of strategic, operational and technical assistance to the field and to peacekeepers. To conclude, CANZ thanks Member States for their constructive engagement this session to achieve historic outcomes that strengthen the organization's financial sustainability and enhance the effectiveness and impact of UN operations. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the Bureau, and in particular to you, Madam Chair, to Nikki, and to your team for your outstanding work in chairing this Committee. The past year has been unlike any other for the United Nations, and especially especially for the work of the Fifth Committee. Thank you for your consistent engagement, your outreach, and your patience. The Committee would not have achieved the results it did without your leadership. And Chandru, thanks to you as well for your unwavering support during the session, and I think it's time to break out the champagne. Thank you.

Thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Singapore on behalf

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN. ASEAN aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. As the Fifth Committee concludes its work for the 80th session of the General Assembly, ASEAN would like to express its sincere appreciation for your able stewardship of this Committee for all parts of the 80th Session. We also thank Controller Chandru and the Bureau Members and the Fifth Committee Secretariat for their unwavering support. The negotiations at this second resumed session have been especially challenging. As ASEAN highlighted at the start of this session, over the past year, the capacity of peacekeeping missions to operate safely and effectively has been severely impacted by the liquidity situation of this organization. This is deeply concerning to ASEAN, since 7 out of 10 ASEAN member states are troop and police-contributing countries. ASEAN is therefore pleased to note that the Committee was able to conclude many key agenda items by consensus, including the approval of peacekeeping budgets, updating the reimbursement rates for troop and police-contributing countries, and endorsing the 2026 Contingent-Owned Equipment Working Group Report. In particular, we commend all Fifth Committee experts for their tireless efforts in reaching consensus on a revised methodology for the return of credits, which reflects our collective commitment to the financial resilience and continued effectiveness of the United Nations. At a time when the multilateral system is being severely tested, This decision is proof that the spirit of effective multilateralism remains alive and well. Nonetheless, ASEAN continues to stress that the root cause of the Organization's chronic liquidity problem can only be addressed if all Member States who have the capacity to pay their assessed contributions do so consistently, in full, on time, and without conditions, as set out in the UN Charter. ASEAN underscores that the revised methodology does not absolve Member States of this responsibility. We call on all Member States who have the capacity to do so, including those Member States in arrears, to fulfill their financial obligations to the organization. Once again, ASEAN reiterates its longstanding commitment to working constructively with all partners in the Fifth Committee to ensure that this organization can continue to deliver results for all our peoples. Thank you.

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

Madam Chair, the African Group aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and wishes to add the following remarks. The Group welcomes the conclusion of the work of the Fifth Committee and the adoption of the Peacekeeping Budget for 26/27 financial period. Peacekeeping remains one of the most visible expressions of the UN in action. The decisions taken during this session are therefore particularly important, given the increasingly complex and challenging environment in which peacekeeping operations are required to deliver the mandate. The African Group reiterates that missions must be provided with adequate, predictable, and realistic resources, with the safety and security of peacekeepers remaining a central priority. In this regard, the groups pay tribute to to the women and men serving under the UN flag, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of international peace and security. We also recognize the invaluable contribution of troop and police contributing countries and emphasize the importance of sustained and close consultation between the Secretary-General and those countries on all matters affecting peacekeeping operations. The Group further welcomed the decision concerning the reimbursement of troop and police contributing countries, including the establishment of of a single updated rate of reimbursement for contingent personnel, as well as a triennial review of the rates and standards of reimbursement for contingent-owned equipment. This decision constitutes an important acknowledgment of the responsibility and sacrifice borne by contributing countries. Madam Chair, the African groups note that the budgets of most peacekeeping missions were approved broadly in line with the recommendation of the ACABQ, with adjustments reflecting the specific operational circumstances circumstances and mandate requirements in each mission. With respect to UNMISS, the Group notes the compromise reached by the Committee, resulting in an appropriation of $80 million below the level recommended by the Advisory Committee. This decision was taken against the background of significant change to the mission mandate shortly before the beginning of the Committee's consideration. The Group trusts that the resources approved will be instrumental in safeguarding effective mandate implementation and protection of civilians. Regarding MONUSCO, the Committee approved an appropriation of $2 million above the level recommended by the Advisory Committee. The Group considered this adjustment necessary to support the mission in fulfilling its responsibility, including those related to the implementation of a permanent ceasefire in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2808. The Group also welcomed the adoption of the first budget for the UN Support Office in Haiti. By providing the office With this resource framework, the Committee has discharged an important responsibility and helped establish the conditions required for the Office to operationalize and sustain its mandate. Beyond the immediate delivery of mandate, peacekeeping operations should make every effort to leave a positive and sustainable legacy in host countries, including through quick-impact projects, programmatic activities, capacity building, and the progressive nationalization of appropriate functions. The Group also encouraged stronger cooperation between UN peacekeeping operations and relevant regional and sub-regional organizations, particularly those in host regions. Madam Chair, the agreement reached on a revised framework for the categorization of return of credit represents a significant achievement for the organization. It established a coherent methodology applicable across regular budget, peacekeeping budget, and the international tribunals. At a time of exceptional financial pressure, member states demonstrated the capacity to reach a practical, equitable, and forward-looking compromise that respond to urgent operational requirements while fully preserving the equity of the financial regulation and rules. At the same time, this new mechanism must in no way diminish or call into question the responsibility of every member state, as established under the Charter of the UN, to pay its assessed contribution in full, on time, and without condition. While the adoption of the budget is important, the African Group regrets that the committee was once again unable to agree on a comprehensive cross-cutting policy resolution. The Group also notes that several agenda items were concluded through skeletal resolutions. While such an approach may occasionally be required to facilitate agreement, it should not become the norm, nor should it replace substantive policy guidance by the G8. The Group further recalls the concern it expressed at the outset of this session regarding the timeline allocated for the consideration of reports. The formal allocation of 1 month for the second resumed session has once once again proved unrealistic, as demonstrated by the fact that the Committee is concluding its work one month later. This matter should be addressed seriously in the planning of future sessions in order to preserve the quality, inclusiveness, and sustainability of the Committee's deliberations. Madam Chair, allow me to express our appreciation to all facilitators and coordinators who guided the Committee through demanding negotiations. In particular, the Group extends its sincere thanks to Mr. Zvanevik, a.k.a. Of Norway, the facilitator of the peacekeeping agenda item for his patience throughout more than 35 hours plus of negotiation in what has now become the very familiar Conference Room 5. The African Group congratulates you, Madam Chair, on the completion of your chairmanship of the committee. Your professionalism, perseverance, and commitment to consensus have set a high standard. We also thank your team, Nikki and Dorca, and the members of the Bureau, Vadim, Eric, Mohamed, and Badreddine, for the dedication and tireless effort. The Groups look forward to working with the upcoming Chair, His Excellency Ambassador Ibrahim Jimoh of Nigeria, his team, and the incoming Bureau. I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the members of the African Bureau, African Group. Their unity, expertise, and sustained engagement made it possible to advance and defend Africa's priorities throughout this demanding session. Finally, the Group expresses its special appreciation to the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee under the leadership of Mr. Lionel Beridge, to the staff of the Field Office Operations Finance Division led by Mr. Kevin Ong, and to Mr. Chandur Ramanathan, ASG and Controller. The professionalism, technical support, and availability provided invaluable assistance to the Committee throughout this session. Enfin, le groupe souhaite également adresser—

And finally, the group will also send the best wishes to the colleagues in the Fifth Committee who are leaving it to consider further professional endeavors. Their commitment to the work of the Fifth Committee is appreciated and will leave us with the best memories. I thank you.

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

Thank you, John, and thank you, Kelvin, for your tireless work on behalf of all member states. Consensus is not easy, and we get to this moment through a lot of hard work by a lot of people, so thank you. The United States commends the Fifth Committee for concluding negotiations on the 2026-2027 peacekeeping budgets and for advancing reforms that continue to make the United Nations more disciplined, efficient, financially sustainable, and focused on delivering results. The $5.1 billion budget we are adopting today is the most significant restructuring of the peacekeeping operations in years. This outcome reflects the right-sizing of the United Nations mission in South Sudan, the drawdown of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, the long-overdue streamlining of the mission in Kosovo, support for the mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to advance the peace process as well as the first full-year funding of the UN Support Office in Haiti. This year's budget process also identified hundreds of millions of dollars in enduring efficiencies that can permanently reduce costs while preserving mandate delivery. The United States will continue working with all delegations to maximize these efficiencies and identify additional opportunities to reduce unnecessary expenditures. In this regard, we welcome the expanded application of the scalability model to peacekeeping support functions, which will help ensure that support structures are aligned with operational realities and that resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact. I must note that not everyone in the UN bureaucracy supports this critical work. For example, at key moments during this negotiation, member states received conflicting messages from different parts of the Secretariat, regarding the operational implications of Security Council-mandated changes to missions. This wasted precious time and unnecessarily complicated these delicate negotiations. We therefore call on the Secretariat in future budget cycles to provide consistent, coordinated, and unified advice. Member States must be able to confidently rely on clear and authoritative information from the Secretariat. Put another way, what we saw from some corners of the Secretariat over the past 4 or 5 days cannot happen again. Colleagues, while this session was difficult, it is also historic. We are pleased that the committee agreed to modernize the methodology for returning credits. The revised approach establishes the common-sense principle that credits should be returned based on contributions received rather than assessments issued. This reform promotes fairness, strengthens financial discipline, and helps address one of the key— one of the key unnecessary pressures facing the organization. Taken together, the reforms advanced during this session move the United Nations peacekeeping toward a more sustainable future, one that focuses resources on core mandates, respects the taxpayers who fund this institution, and delivers measurable results for the people who peacekeeping serves. The United States will continue to work with all delegations to advance essential, durable, and consequential reforms. And on a closing note, Madam Chair, all of us, all of us at the U.S. Mission, I think everybody in this room, congratulate you and your outstanding team on the successful conclusion of your tenure and wish you all of the best. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair.

On behalf of my delegation, I'd like to thank you for your leadership, and I also thank you, your team, Nikki and Dorca, the Bureau, Chandru, Kelvin, and the 5C Secretariat for your tireless work over recent weeks, including into the early hours of this morning. Let me also pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all United Nations peacekeepers, most recently the Serbian peacekeeper in UNIFIL killed earlier this month. This is a sobering reminder of what those in blue helmets give in our shared pursuit of peace and security. Madam Chair, the Committee can be proud of what it has achieved this session. Firstly, the Committee has taken a major step in supporting the organization's financial sustainability— through the critical agreement on credits. This showed the Committee at its best: genuine cross-regional cooperation and a shared commitment to reform. The outcome addresses one of the structural drivers of the UN's liquidity challenges and enables both financial discipline and fairness. The result is a pragmatic and forward-looking agreement that strengthens the organization's financial footing. I thank colleagues for their flexibility, creativity, and determination in getting us there. Secondly, we have agreed the 2026-27 Peacekeeping budget, alongside an updated Troop Reimbursement Rate and key outcomes from the COE Working Group. The overall package reflects the Secretariat's serious efforts to identify efficiencies in the spirit of UN80, whilst maintaining operational effectiveness in complex environments and navigating evolving mandates such as UNMISS. Collectively, these budgets deliver a leaner, more focused peacekeeping footprint that aligns resources with mandates while preserving core operational capacity and enabling effective mandate delivery with tangible impact on the ground. Thirdly, we welcome agreement on a negotiated Support Account Resolution.— the first in 5 years. This restores essential member state guidance on critical functions underpinning all peacekeeping operations, including new missions such as in Haiti. We regret that progress was not possible on every item. The UK reiterates our commitment to achieving consensus on cross-cutting policy and emphasizes the importance of providing the Secretariat with guidance on these issues, including sexual exploitation and abuse. We can all agree there is no place for SEA in this organization. Madam Chair, as this is your final session, we express our deep appreciation to you and your team for your leadership throughout this remarkable 80th session. You have chaired with strength, balance, and judgment. Lastly, let me close by thanking my team, especially Kathleen in her last session, who is watching online now, and by wishing all colleagues a well-earned and well-deserved restful summer.

Thank you very much.

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

Gracias, señora presidenta. Thank you, Madam Chair.

As this second resumed session ends, we also conclude the work of the Fifth Committee during the 80th session of the General Assembly. The final balance shows important results for the organization. This includes the PKO budget the support account, and the reimbursement to TCCs and PCCs. These results wouldn't have been possible without the ongoing support from the Bureau, which you have led very well to reach consensus. I would also like to thank the Secretariat of the Fifth Committee, whose work and support has been clear— has been key in the success of our work. Mexico is also pleased that the Fifth Committee has reached consensus to approve the budgets for peacekeeping operations based on the individual needs of each mission. The resources approved entail a decrease in over $500 million vis-à-vis the budgets of last year, at a time where there are significant liquidity pressures, the implementation of contingency plans, and significant adjustments in the mandates of some missions. Regarding the UN Support Office for Haiti, Mexico values the approval of the necessary resources for the mission in this initial stage of its work that will allow us to operate in a volatile security situation where there is a deep social crisis and a fragile humanitarian situation. We hope to maintain ongoing coordination and cooperation with all UN entities in Haiti in order to move towards a sustainable solution. Madam Chair, at a time characterized by budget restrictions for Mexico, it was vital to consider and review the mechanisms of the organization that unnecessarily undermine the organization's finances when, when assessed contributions are not paid by member states. Mexico is thus pleased by the approval of the new credit return methodology and thus bringing into the official cycle that unnecessarily undermines the work of the organization. Changing this trend that would have required the UN to return approximately $400 million for the regular budget and $1.1 billion for peace— for peace operations is a critical task that couldn't be delayed. Thus, Mexico would like to appreciate the work of all delegations and the support of the Secretariat in order to reach a solution that is acceptable to all members. As to cross-cutting issues, my delegation laments that we were unable to reach an agreement regarding the policies on the prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation. Finally, Mexico would like to reiterate the importance of future sessions carefully reviewing the working methods of this committee in order to have more foreseeable negotiation calendars to avoid the unnecessary concentration of negotiations toward the end of the formal session. These are outdated methods that are exclusive and they undermine the participation by all delegations. In conclusion, Madam Chair, I would like to wish you, the Bureau, and all here a well-deserved break. For those who are concluding their term in this committee, we wish you great success in your new responsibilities. It has been a real pleasure to work with all of you. Thank you very much.

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

Merci, Madame la Présidente.

Thank you, Madam Chair. We have now before us the peacekeeping budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. My delegation would like to commend all member states for reaching consensus on this budget. I would like to express our most my heartfelt gratitude to the Secretariat and the Bureau, the Chair, for their support throughout the process which led us to this outcome. This budget amounting to approximately $5.1 billion is not just the outcome of a numerical exercise. Our collective determination to seize this opportunity to reform peacekeeping operations in the spirit of UN 18. In light of the ongoing comprehensive review of peacekeeping operations, we look forward to seeing peacekeeping continue to evolve and adapt to meet today's challenges.

I'd also like to highlight as a historic achievement the decision to pilot a revised methodology for the return of credits. This will put an end to the Kafkaesque practice of returning cash that was never collected, an issue that has persisted almost since the establishment of this organization. To further address the cause of the liquidity crisis, We expect all member states to honour their obligation to pay their assessed contribution in full and on time. Finally, in reaching this consensus, we spent several nights in the basement, which will remain in my heart for the future. With all due respect for the efforts invested and even with attachment, we recall The working method of this committee itself remains our next challenge.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Madam Chair, China aligns itself with the statement made by Uruguay on behalf of G77 and China. I wish to make the following two points. First, as the second largest contributor to UN peacekeeping assessments, and a major TCC, China supports providing necessary resources for peacekeeping operations to carry out their mandates. After 2 months of difficult negotiations, the Fifth Committee during the second part of resumed session has reached agreement on the peacekeeping budget of around $5.1 billion for 2026-27, which is a hard-won outcome. We look forward to the Secretariat and all peacekeeping missions making prudent use of these valuable resources, enhancing the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of peacekeeping work, including UNMISS, MONUSCO, MINUSCA, and better delivering on the core mandates, such as the promotion of political resolution of hotspot issues. We hope that the Secretary will meticulously implement recommendations of BOA, strengthen internal controls, prevent waste of resources. We also call on the Secretary to take more proactive measures to increase the participation of personnel from developing countries in peacekeeping operations, in particular from those that are underrepresented within the UN. Second, in the face of the most serious liquidity crisis confronting the UN in recent years, during the second part of resumed session, China worked with all parties to engage in in-depth discussions on modifying the current credit return mechanism and achieved a positive outcome. We hope that this arrangement will help the Secretariat alleviate its imminent liquidity crisis. It should be emphasized that the longstanding substantial arrears in assessed contributions by the largest contributor are the underlying cause of the UN's liquidity crisis. We urge the country concerned to earnestly fulfill their financial obligations and pay their assessed contributions in full and without conditions. Madam Chair, I wish to take this opportunity to thank all members of the Fifth Committee, the Bureau, the Controller, and the 5C Secretariat for their tremendous efforts and dedication in seeking consensus. I'd like to once again thank and congratulate the Committee Chair, Madam Youssof, Permanent Representative for Hungary, and your team for your effective work during the 80th session of the General Assembly since last September. I wish Nigeria every success in its role as chair of the Fifth Committee at the 81st session. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Gracias, senhora presidenta. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. My delegation would like to join the statement that was made by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 in China and would like to express its sincere thanks for the excellent work and the constant efforts made by the President, the members of the Bureau, and the Controller and his team, the Secretariat, and all of the delegations. We have been facing challenging times that required complex solutions, many of which had never been attempted before in this committee. Perhaps they are not perfect solutions, nor are they definitive in all of their aspects, but they reflect the dedication of each delegate here in this room, as well as the time that each and every one of us has had to sacrifice— time we could have spent with our parents, children, friends, and loved ones. The adoption of a new Credit return methodology is a sophisticated accounting mechanism that put to the test the ability of this committee to think creatively, bravely, and ambitiously. It is a significant step towards correcting distortions in the way we calculate and return credits as— and it also contributes to alleviating the liquidity restrictions that affect the Secretariat. These restrictions are not abstract. They delay the timely implementation of mandates. They cause harm to troop-contributing and police-contributing countries, and they also endanger millions of people who are affected by armed conflict, extreme poverty, hunger. For these people, the UN is often the last source of support, Madam Chair. The new methodology is not, and it cannot even be considered, the silver bullet to deal with all of the financial challenges of the organization. We much recognize that delays and non-payment of contributions, and we must also act against practices that too often are instruments, cruel instruments, to pressure those who most need the United Nations. Brazil thus reiterates a fundamental principle: Assessed contributions should be paid in full, on time, and without conditions. We are now reaching the end of this session, and we must be clear now: financial engineering might be very useful, but it cannot replace political responsibility. The United Nations— a United Nations capable of fulfilling its mandates does not only require better methods, but also good faith, foreseeability, and the commitment on the part of all member states.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, at the opening of this second resumed session, my delegation made it clear that one question rises above all other— when it comes to ensuring all United Nations operations. That is the question of ensuring sustainable financing of this organization. As always, we reiterated that Member States must all do their part and that all countries must pay their assessed contributions in full, on time and without conditions. We have repeated this call in this Committee many times. Despite repeated calls, the financial situation of the organization has grown increasingly bad. It has progressively deteriorated. The Secretary-General addressed us Member States in January. He made the task in front of us very clear, telling us that Member States must either agree to overhaul our financial rules or accept the very real prospect of the financial collapse of our organisation. Today, we have made a landmark decision by heeding the call from the Secretary-General to overhaul the system by which the organization returns credits to member states. We remain concerned about the lack of progress on other priorities, such as on the important reports on prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse across the United Nations system that the Committee had before itself. Sexual exploitation and abuse has no place in the United Nations system, and it is regretful that the Committee could not come to an agreement on a resolution on this item. Still, the Committee has been able to successfully come to a conclusion on budgets for all peacekeeping missions. We had heavy, difficult negotiations, with all delegations trying their best to achieve their goals for the negotiations. Towards the end of such negotiations, the disagreements can be small, even minute. I have made myself difficult previously over a single word in negotiations.— so I know how easy it is to dig oneself into what is in reality small changes in the larger scheme of things. Yet, the adoption of the revised methodology for the return of credits to Member States shows all of us that when this Committee decides to, when all Member States work in concert, we can work together to achieve a larger goal. This achievement means that the organisation, will have halted what has up until now been an absurd situation where regretful non-payments by member states have been compounded into a deep liquidity crisis by the organization's own rules. We spend quite a considerable amount of time as delegates in this committee criticizing our own working methods. This is understandable. They mean long, even sleepless nights, hours, weekends, and holidays away from family, friends, and loved ones, even at hours of the day when most people are asleep. There are good reasons to change this. Still, the long-lasting face-to-face negotiations that are a hallmark of this committee also produce a group of people who know each other and who are ready to work together to achieve a common goal. And I think our ability to come to a consensus-based conclusion on the credit return methodology shows everyone the best side of the Fifth Committee, a committee that gets things done, that delivers when it matters. I would like to thank you as chair of this committee, the entire Bureau, colleagues, and in particular colleagues who are finishing their term in the committee. Thank you to the secretariat of the committee and to Kelvin and Chandru for following us all the way to achieve the results we have. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. As this is my last time addressing you as chair of this committee, allow me to say that it has truly been an honor to serve under your leadership. I'd like to also thank the Secretariat for all of their hard work and support, particularly Shandru, Kelvin, and our 5C Secretariat. Particularly through the long days and even longer nights. This session has shown that when there is a will and a genuine commitment to the functioning of this organization, the Fifth Committee can come together and make real progress. And perhaps it also shows to us that when we are focused on working more together, we can make this organization better. At the same time, this session has also reminded us that the working methods of this committee must remain centered on making progress wherever possible. Too many important issues continue to be left unresolved. The cross-cutting resolution, for example, has not been adopted for 4 years, leaving questions without agreed guidance from the General Assembly. This is not the only challenge. It is also that some issues currently addressed through cross-cutting require a broader and more dedicated approach. Sexual Sexual exploitation and abuse is one such example. In the Fifth Committee, SEA is addressed primarily in the context of peacekeeping, even though peacekeeping represents only one part of the issue across the UN system. If we are serious about strengthening accountability, then SEA must be considered in a way that reflects the full scope of the issue. Madam Chair, the Fifth Committee has a central role to play in ensuring that the United Nations is more effective more accountable, and better equipped to deliver on its mandates. As we conclude the work of the 80th session and look ahead to the 81st, my delegation hopes that we can build on the progress made and continue working together to improve the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations. Thank you.

I thank you, and as I see no further requests for the floor, Before I open the floor, I would like to give the chance to ASG Controller Chandru to say a few words to the Committee.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I don't see a clock, that's good. I can't emphasize enough the decision that you've made and I think in a way the distinguished delegate from Norway stole my thunder even though my boss said she would not and she left the building. Just want to make a point here, a few points. One is that we started off with the SG's appeal in January pointing to an imminent financial collapse. Just to put these things in context, what we were faced with is a return of $1.5 billion in less than 12 months. Which would have really, really made it extremely impossible for us to keep us running. Thanks to your decision, now we are looking at maybe returning $320 million over the next 12 months, and that means we have an additional liquidity of more than $1.2 billion. That's just putting things in context for you. More imminently, the decision that you made means that in this session, We would have returned $224 million, we end up returning $131.2 million and we don't return $92.4 million. The reason being that the year for which we calculated was a good year in which we collected a fair amount of cash. Okay. Moving on to more general stuff. I have been a confirmed optimist all my life. But I must confess that yesterday there were times I began to wonder whether in fact we'll finish, not on time, that I knew would, but whether we will come up with a good result. And this is in the context of my genuine fear of what's going to happen to peacekeeping. Again, to give you context, we have today $227 million of cash for peacekeeping. And we still owe $292 million for COE, so net negative cash. Imagine returning another $225 and struggling, but more importantly, planning for a looming $900 million return in less than 12 months. This would have been an impossible task. An $800 million reduction this year, was a 25% reduction in troops. Imagine implementing an additional $1.3 billion reduction, a $1.1 billion reduction within 12 months. It would have been very, very tragic for peacekeeping, and I'm deeply grateful that you have managed to avoid that situation. So again, going back to my confidence and optimism, I've always said that the Fifth Committee— I've seen this committee seen good times and bad times. And there have been times when I've seen ambassadors walk out— PRs walk out of the building saying, "We won't want to come back this year." That is in December. And then they had to come back because unfortunately there was a commitment authority for a peacekeeping mission that was expiring in December. That's the only reason they came back, not because they wanted to come back. But over the years I've seen this committee grow from strength to strength, notwithstanding all the geopolitical divisions, notwithstanding all the challenges that you've seen, I have seen this committee finish its work on time, but more importantly, not only by consensus, very pleasantly. If you see the camaraderie in the room and the way people leave, that should give you tremendous cause for celebration. But coming back to the UN's own situation, What you have accomplished today is, we have a leaking boat almost on the verge of sinking and what you have done is plugged some of those holes to give us a chance to get to a shore and begin to fix the boat gradually. I was using AI and it told me once that my role of controller was like a pilot trying to fly a large and heavy aircraft running on fumes and trying to land it on an aircraft carrier. So I must say that you gave us a little bit extra fuel to land it more carefully, but we still have work to do in fixing some of the other challenges. More on a positive and a lighter note, I was reminded by some of the delegates that in all my future presentations, I have to remove the slide that has a skull in the middle. So I'm going to put an X on the skull because I want to remind you that the skull is removed but some of the underlying problems are still there and need to be addressed by you. Okay. So now with that having been said, let me thank many of you who've made many things happen. First I'll start with the chair. Thank you, chair. What you have done is— this is an impossible job. It's true. Probably a little bit better than mine. But you have done a remarkable task in— job in your tenure, having overseen so many significant changes. But I must say this time in particular, in the context of the return of credits, you have engaged so many people in so many fora and reached out to so many people to make this practical, and for many PRs, were at those launches, it must have been an eye-opening thing to realize, giving back what you don't have. So we are the most charitable organization on Earth, that we can actually give what we even don't have. So with that kind of situation, we've come a long way in terms of moving forward, so I want to particularly thank you and your entire team, Nikki in particular, for the support you've provided. And then I must also thank the President of the General Assembly, She was on our tail all the time, saying, "I would want to convene a plenary." And I had to keep it— keep telling her again and again, the 5th Committee is quite good at taking decisions, but only when it is told it has to make a decision. Otherwise it never— you give a 5% chance for not making a decision, the 5th Committee will find a way not to make a decision. And you just have to go to the first resume session. To see how many times you make a decision unless a budgetary matter is involved. So I'll leave it at that. So then we move on to the PRs and the DPRs, many of whom suddenly discovered that the UN actually had a problem with its finances, and many of them, when we were telling them what the problem was, their universal reaction was, "These are insane rules." And yet we've struggled with a really stupid rule, one that was recognized in the '50s that it did not make sense if everybody didn't pay in full and if we didn't have enough reserves, but it's still taken us 75 years to try and fix this, so that just goes to the enormity of your decision. Then to the delegates, I must say, I know most of you quite well, Spend a lot of time with you in those basements. And I must say, it was not only friendship, but it was also one of the most intellectually challenging to deal with this particular issue. It's such simple common sense. How can you return cash you haven't collected, right? The budget minus expenditure is what you give back. If you collected more than you have spent, You give back what you've collected. Should have been relatively simple, but putting it in the context of the UN, there was one supplementary information request from the UK to try and clarify some of the issues. I deliberately chose not to respond because every word in that particular request had at least a minimum of two meanings. I said, "I will never be able to explain this, and I can assure you, Developing simulations for the various methodologies that were put on the table have been some of the most difficult because what we presented to you was a fraction of the underlying challenge that we had to go through. So again, I must say, really remarkable how many of you were able to deal with the complexity in front of you. And then finally, I want to thank all the managers in the Secretariat that have supported me all the way from the Secretary-General down to many others, but also the staff that have supported me throughout with their calculations and in the engagement. And finally, on behalf of the staff, I want to make a sincere— I want to convey a sincere thanks to you for reducing the anxiety levels for staff. As I go through the building and I go everywhere, people only ask me— if they look at me smiling, they think the UN's finances are in good shape. So I keep reminding them I'm always smiling, so it is not a reflection of the state of the finances, but it's important to keep in mind that the anxiety levels of staff have been extremely high, so I think this decision of yours will send a lot of reinforcement to the many as to the soundness and your belief in them. On the 22nd of June, I did a global town hall. There were about 8,500 staff online. And at that town hall, I told them with a great deal of confidence that this committee will decide on this issue this time. And I'm thanking you for not having me proven me wrong. Finally, actions speak louder than words. You have shown how you can bridge differences, but also I can't resist saying this. You are in a way like the Secretariat— effective but never efficient. So, motivated by a common goal, you managed to find consensus, but that shows that you care for the UN, its resilience and sustainability. So I can only conclude by saying my most sincere gratitude on behalf of the Secretary-General Mr. Banerjee, whom I met 3 times yesterday, to update him on what was happening, and the look of concern was palpable in the conversation as well. So I must say that on his behalf as well, we are very, very grateful that the committee has taken a decision that at least will ensure that the organization has the breathing space to gather itself and look to improving in its delivery of its programmes. Again, a very, very sincere thanks to all of you. Thank you.

Since there are no further requests for the floor, I would like to conclude the session by informing delegations that the General Assembly Assembly will take action on the related Fifth Committee report immediately following the adjournment of this meeting in the General Assembly Hall. I declare concluded the work of the Fifth Committee during the second part of the resumed 80th session of the General Assembly. The meeting is adjourned.