Statement by Mr. Jun Yamada
Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations
On Financing the Core Diplomatic Training Activities of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research

The First Resumed Part of the Sixty-third Session
of the United Nations General Assembly
9 March 2009

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. Brook Boyer, Manager, Multilateral Diplomacy Programme, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and Ms. Susan McLurg, Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for introducing their respective reports. I would like to present my delegation's views on the report of UNITAR (A/63/592).

Mr. Chairman,

My delegation supports the undertakings of UNITAR to fulfill its mandate to enhance the effectiveness of the United Nations in achieving the major objectives of the Organization through its dual functions of providing training and conducting research. We take note with appreciation of the efforts made by UNITAR to meet the rising demand for core diplomatic training courses, as explained in its report. We hope that UNITAR will continue to fulfill its mandate with due regard for the provisions of its statute.

At the same time, my delegation is deeply concerned about the recommendation by the Secretary-General to provide UNITAR with an annual subvention of $600,000 in the context of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2010-2011. We are also concerned by his proposal to amend Article VIII, paragraph 2 of the Statute of UNITAR, to include subvention from the regular budget. Our concerns are based on the following three considerations.

First, Article VIII, paragraph 2 of the statute clearly states that the expenses of the Institute shall be met from voluntary contributions, and we believe that the proposals by the Secretary-General are in contravention of this principle. The rule governing the financing of UNITAR is unambiguous and has been followed and supported by both the Institution and the Member States. My delegation is strongly opposed to the proposals to make a subvention to UNITAR for the next biennium and to amend the Statute.

Second, it is our view that the Committee should not commit to a certain amount of expenses for the regular budget when the budget consultations have not yet begun. To approve the subvention for the next biennium at this time prejudges the approval of a certain amount of resources in the proposed regular budget for the biennium 2010-2011. Regardless of the amount, the expenditures for the next biennium should be considered in a comprehensive manner during the main part of the 64th session of the General Assembly.

Third, the management of resources by UNITAR should be given careful scrutiny. The report of the Secretary-General evokes many questions concerning the way UNITAR formulated its programme of work and budget for the biennium 2008－2009. We will examine this point in further detail during the informal consultations.

Mr. Chairman,

In closing, let me add that we will be pleased if the views expressed in this statement have provided some guidance for the forthcoming discussions.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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