Thank you, Mr. Chair,
We warmly congratulate you and other members of the Bureau on your election. We are confident that under your able leadership, we will have a fruitful session. We also thank the outgoing Bureau for their dedication and hard work. Our sincere appreciation is also for the Secretariat and the ACABQ for the early issuance of the significant percentage of the reports. We hope that the remaining reports would be published soon to facilitate the timely completion of this session. Bangladesh aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Group of 77 and China.
Mr. Chair,
At this moment the world is reeling from the fallouts of various conflicts around the globe, and the perpetual threat of the climate change. As a result, many countries are facing unprecedented difficulties with regard to political and economic instability, as their food, fuel and financial securities have been severely affected. We need to act fast to reverse this trend for the timely implementation of the SDGs. To do so, measures enunciated by the Secretary General during the recently concluded SDG summit including reform of the global financial system, and increased availability of liquidity to countries in debt distress need to be ensured. The global community must also ensure sufficient resources for these development priorities.
Mr. Chair,
Now more than ever, we must ensure that the UN is fitted with adequate resources. A well-planned budget and its effective implementation are critical in this regard. We must work collaboratively to review and assess the proposed programme budget for 2024 to ensure that it reflects the priorities of the Member States, and conforms to the mandates of the organization. In this connection, we reiterate G77’s principled position that mandates must determine budget proposals and not the other way around. Also the whole process needs to be driven by the initiatives of the Member States.
Mr. Chair,
Member States need to meet their financial obligations in full and on time, in accordance with their Charter obligations to ensure the smooth functioning of the organization. At the same time, we would request the Secretariat to continue to strengthen the comprehensive budgetary performance, improve internal control and rigorously enforce financial discipline. We expect the Secretariat to utilize the resources entrusted to it in a cost-effective, efficient and rational manner, and keep the member States informed on a regular basis, and maintain utmost transparency in its reporting.
Mr. Chair,
We are confident that under your able leadership, the Fifth Committee could be able to maintain its tradition of consensus-based decision-making principle. You can count on my delegation’s full support to all your efforts during the session.
I thank you all.
