AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank Mr. Rick Martin, Director, Field Budget and Finance Division, Department of Field Support, for presenting the report of the Secretary-General on the results of the revised survey to establish the base rate of reimbursement to troop-contributing countries, TCCs, and Mr. Babou Sene, Vice Chair of the ACABQ, for presenting the Committee’s related report.

Mr. Chairman, ensuring that United Nations peacekeeping continues to be an important tool for addressing conflict and protecting civilians remains a top priority for the United States. We recognize the dangerous environment in which UN peacekeepers operate, and we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in the cause of peace.

General Assembly resolution 67/261 on the Report of the Senior Advisory Group on rates of reimbursement to Troop-Contributing-Countries represented a watershed agreement that strengthened the peacekeeping partnership. The United States remains committed to the implementation of the Senior Advisory Group recommendations, including the revised survey process. We thank the Secretary-General and his staff for their diligence and commitment in producing quality and reliable survey data. We recognize and thank those ten Troop-Contributing-Countries for participating in the survey and for ensuring that it was completed in a timely and comprehensive manner. My delegation continues to study the results to determine whether an increase is justified.

As peacekeeping evolves, my delegation will continue to support the Organization’s efforts to align accountability with responsibility and identify and implement clear peacekeeping performance standards to ensure effective mandate delivery. The UN has taken important steps to enhance transparency in peacekeeping, including upholding the zero tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse; however, more remains to be done.

In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, we look forward to engaging constructively with all delegations in the coming weeks on this important issue. Thank you.

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