Ambassador Patrick Kennedy
Senior Advisor for Management and Reform
New York, New York
October 22, 2021
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I would like to thank His Excellency the President of the General Assembly Abdulla Shahid for his remarks. I would also like to thank the Controller, Mr. Chandru Ramanathan, for presenting the report of the Secretary-General, the Chair of the ACABQ, Mr. Abdallah Bachar Bong, for presenting the Committee’s related reports, as well as Mr. Lionel Berridge, his excellent team, and all Secretariat staff who are supporting us throughout these negotiations.
The United States expresses its deepest appreciation for the important efforts carried out by the special political missions around the world, and we pay tribute to the UN personnel who have worked tirelessly to advance our shared priorities, often in the most difficult environments, and despite the additional challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Working together with national actors as well as UN development and humanitarian entities, special political missions play a fundamental role in preventing and resolving conflict, and advancing complex political transitions. That is why the United States remains fully committed to ensuring that special political missions have adequate capacities and resources to deliver on their mandates. It is our collective responsibility to provide the political and financial support that will enable these Missions to translate the mandates set forth by the Security Council — which include facilitating the implementation of political agreements, promoting human rights, and supporting rule of law institutions, among other critical functions — into effective operations on the ground. We also are supportive of efforts to consider the environmental footprint of these missions, and promote more effective and sustainable use of resources.
Successful operations also depend on efficient support arrangements, strategic integration with other UN entities, and accountability. The United States looks forward to working with all delegations to ensure effective management of Mission resources and welcomes the opportunity to discuss new ways of enhancing performance measurement for certain categories of special political missions.
Mr. Chairman, the United States reiterates its firm and unequivocal commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, as laid out in Resolution 1325, and we look forward to working with all delegations to support women’s equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security, and to increase women’s role in decision-making with regard to conflict prevention and resolution.
Thank you.
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