Statement by H.E. Ambassador Yukio Takasu
Proposed programme budget: biennium 2008-2009

22 December 2007

Thank you, Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General,

Japan welcomes the adoption of the biennial budget for 2008-09. This is indeed a result of the dedicated and painstaking efforts of representatives of Member States and the Secretariat. I would like to congratulate warmly the Secretary-General for approval of his first proposed programme budget. The timely approval of the budget is essential for ensuring financial stability of the United Nations. My delegation is particularly pleased that the initial appropriations are contained at the level of the revised budget of the current biennium.

The budget we have just adopted is only the initial step for financing UN activities for the next two years. Some of deferred items and additional requirements including Special Political Missions have to be considered in the course of next year. Japan has been advocating that the Secretary-General should present as early as possible the vision and totality of necessary requirements he envisages for the next two years.

To enhance predictability on the total financial responsibility of member states and examination of possibility of redeployment, an early indication of a comprehensive picture will be helpful and facilitate inter-governmental negotiation.

I would like to reiterate the need to exercise restraint in requesting additional requirements and to meet those requirements through cost effectiveness and redeployment from low-priority activities to the extent possible. We strongly hope that in preparing and implementing the budget, the Secretary-General will make every effort to further strengthen the unity and coherence of the Secretariat and its overall financial control.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Related Information (United Nations)
Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations Official Web Site