Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I congratulate you on your election as the Chair of this important Committee and commend your efficient conduct of the proceedings. I thank the Secretary General for his kind presence here today and for presenting the proposed programme budget for 2024.
Bangladesh aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Group of 77 and China.
Mr. Chair,
As the world is marred by multiple, complex and cascading challenges, bringing unprecedented difficulties, we need to act fast to reverse this descending trend and for the timely implementation of the SDGs in the countries, bearing the brunt of the crises most.
We find merit in Secretary General’s proposal to enhance allocation for five key areas including the UNRWA, LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS and human rights and humanitarian assistance. Bangladesh has voluntarily contributed $ 50,000 this year to UNRWA to express solidarity with the Palestinian Refugees. It is heartening that allocations have also been increased for Peacekeeping Operations, Special Political Missions, Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, and UN-Women.
However, we are concerned that allocation for the Office of the Special Envoy on Myanmar was curtailed owing to a vacancy rate of 41.7 per cent. Also, unfortunately the post of Special Envoy remained vacant since June this year. Necessary measures need to be taken to fill these vacancies at the earliest to facilitate the safe, sustainable and voluntary repatriation of the 1.2 million Rohingyas from Bangladesh to Myanmar without further delay.
Mr. Chair,
Successful implementation of the Budget depends on our collective efforts in meeting our financial obligations in full and on time. At the same time, the Secretariat also needs to strengthen its budgetary performance by rigorously enforcing strict financial discipline.
Let me highlight a few specific points that we need to prioritize during our consultations in the consideration of the proposed budget for 2024:
First, we note with appreciation the improvement in gender parity and equitable geographical distribution. However, we still need to ensure gender parity and equitable geographical representation at all levels, particularly at the senior and policy making levels. We hope that the upcoming revised geographical diversity strategy of the UN will help us to achieve this goal.
Second, during our discussion on the Scale of Assessments, we urge everyone to be considerate about the Member State’s ability to pay. This process should not become a mechanical exercise on the basis of statistical data and we should not deviate much from our current practices.
Finally, it is imperative to review and assess the overall budget proposal with objectivity and ensure that it reflects the priorities of the Member States, and conforms to the mandates of the organization.
I thank you all.