Remarks at a Meeting of the Fifth Committee on Agenda Item 140

Ambassador Patrick Kennedy
Senior Advisor for Management and Reform
New York, New York
October 28, 2021

AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Catherine Pollard for her presentation last week, as well as today, on the UN financial situation. I would also like to thank the Controller, Mr. Chandru Ramanathan, for his work.

Mr. Chairman,

Since the founding of the United Nations, the United States has been and continues to be the largest contributor to this Organization. Already this year, the United States has contributed $2.1 billion in assessed contributions, one billion dollars more than the next largest contributor.

I would also like to note, as other Member States and the Secretariat are aware, U.S. regular budget contributions occur at the beginning of our fiscal year. Our payment cycle has been consistent for 40 years and we continue to support this Organization even though our fiscal years do not align.

The United States recently contributed $200 million towards the regular budget, and we will make additional payments soon with the intention of paying our assessment in full. We call on 58 other Member States to join us in paying their assessed contributions as soon as their national legislation permits. These payments should contribute towards restoring the UN’s liquidity.

Thank you.

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