Fifth Committee Concludes Session Amid Disappointment
The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) wrapped up the first part of its resumed seventy-ninth session today, approving five draft resolutions without a vote. However, many delegates voiced their dissatisfaction with the outcomes, labeling them as minimal and disappointing. Concerns were raised about the lack of progress on key issues such as organizational efficiency and accountability, prompting calls for more effective engagement in future sessions.
Key Resolutions Approved, Yet Concerns Persist
During the meeting, the Fifth Committee approved several draft resolutions, including those related to the programme budget for 2025, human resources management, and the Joint Inspection Unit. Additionally, a decision on deferred questions was also sanctioned. Despite these approvals, the atmosphere was marked by disappointment among delegates, who felt that the resolutions did not adequately address pressing issues facing the United Nations.
The representative of the European Union, speaking as an observer, highlighted the Committee’s critical role in managing budgetary matters. However, she pointed out that the lack of resolutions focused on improving the Organization’s efficiency was particularly troubling. She emphasized the need for the Committee to rethink its approach to become more effective, stating that the extended session was a waste of resources without yielding substantial results.
Delegates Express Frustration Over Inaction
Frustration was echoed by the representative of the United States, who noted that five weeks of deliberation resulted in minimal outcomes. He expressed specific concern regarding the absence of action on crucial topics such as supply-chain management and organizational resilience. The U.S. delegate stressed the importance of proper oversight to ensure the UN adapts to evolving challenges, urging the Committee to streamline processes for more impactful results.
The United Kingdom’s representative also lamented the lack of decisive action, attributing some of the inaction to a single delegation’s obstruction. While the Committee did reach a consensus on financing a resolution to combat Islamophobia, the failure to address the liquidity crisis raised further questions about the Committee’s effectiveness in fulfilling its technical responsibilities.
Mixed Reactions to Outcomes and Future Directions
Japan’s delegate expressed disappointment over the missed opportunity to present a unified stance to the Secretariat, criticizing the Committee’s working methods as inefficient. He acknowledged the efforts made to reach compromises but insisted that all members must strive for better outcomes. Meanwhile, Israel’s representative highlighted the constructive engagement among delegates, particularly regarding the resolution aimed at combating religious discrimination.
Pakistan’s delegate welcomed the consensus on the resolution addressing Islamophobia, noting its significance during Ramadan. He expressed hope for continued collaboration among member states in future sessions. Conversely, Iraq’s representative, speaking for the Group of 77 and China, expressed concern over the lack of substantive resolutions on human resources management and accountability, emphasizing the need for timely payment of assessments to resolve the liquidity crisis.
Chair’s Closing Remarks and Outlook
In her closing remarks, Egriselda Aracely González López, Chair of the Fifth Committee, acknowledged the challenges faced during the session. She encouraged delegates to focus on the collective achievements rather than shortcomings, stating that the agreements reached are vital for the Organization’s ongoing operations. Despite the frustrations expressed, she urged members to maintain a positive outlook and continue working collaboratively to fulfill their mandates.
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