Field Operations Official Presents Comprehensive Overview

As peacekeeping missions grow increasingly complex, the United Nations’ Fifth Committee is reviewing the budget for the support account that underpins these operations for the upcoming fiscal cycle. The committee is examining findings from a comprehensive review initiated by the Secretary-General, which aims to align support requirements at UN Headquarters with the needs of peacekeeping missions. This review is the most detailed assessment of the support account since its inception, focusing on staffing, technology, and operational support for the UN’s 17 field missions.

Comprehensive Review of the Support Account

The Secretary-General’s comprehensive review of the support account was launched in January 2024, following a request from the General Assembly in resolution 77/304. This review is designed to establish a methodological connection between the support needs at Headquarters and those in the field. Kelvin Ong, Director of the Field Operations and Finance Division, emphasized that this review is the most nuanced and data-driven analysis of the support account to date. He presented several reports detailing the budget performance for the current fiscal year and proposals for the next cycle. The review, supported by an external consultancy and an internal advisory group, concluded that the support requirements are influenced by both the scale of operations and various workload factors. The Secretariat plans to implement a new staffing model to optimize staffing levels and enhance efficiency.

Budget Implementation and Financial Overview

During the current fiscal year of 2023/24, the budget implementation rate for the support account reached an impressive 99.6% of the approved $386.2 million. The slight underexpenditure of $1.6 million was primarily due to lower costs associated with Umoja maintenance and after-service health insurance, among other factors. However, there were increased requirements for peacekeeping capability readiness and post resources, reflecting the dynamic nature of operational needs. The financial overview highlights the importance of maintaining a flexible and responsive support account that can adapt to the evolving demands of peacekeeping missions.

Proposed Budget for 2025/26 Reflects Significant Increase

Looking ahead, the proposed budget for the 2025/26 period stands at $427.1 million, marking an 11.2% increase from the previous cycle. This budget will support 1,534 posts, including general temporary assistance and United Nations Volunteer positions. The increase is largely attributed to standard adjustments in salary costs and the transfer of tenant units to the support account. While the proposal includes the creation of new positions to enhance operational capacity, it also suggests the abolishment of one post and the discontinuation of another temporary position. The overall increase underscores the need for adequate resources to meet the demands of peacekeeping operations while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Advisory Committee Recommendations and Delegate Concerns

The Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) has presented its reports, acknowledging the need for preparatory work to enhance collaboration with the African Union. The committee supports the approval of six new posts but recommends against restructuring the Office of Military Affairs at this time. Delegates, including representatives from Iraq, emphasized the necessity for predictable and needs-based backstopping capacity for peacekeeping missions. They stressed that any reforms should not compromise the quality of support provided to operations. The discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining accountability and oversight while ensuring that the support account remains adaptable to the complexities of peacekeeping mandates.

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