New Delhi, July 1: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the General Assembly’s decision to amend financial rules related to unused budget funds.
In a statement, Guterres expressed, “I welcome the Assembly’s decision to improve financial regulations that threatened the organization’s stability. The Assembly has agreed to adopt a new approach for a four-year trial period. This aims to ensure that unused funds are returned to member states only when actual cash is available.”
According to a report by the Xinhua News Agency, under a financial rule, the UN is required to return unused budget allocations to member states as credits at the end of each budget period, including outstanding amounts. The Assembly’s decision on Tuesday has modified this rule.
Guterres stated, “This decision will allow us to manage resources, particularly regular and peacekeeping budgets, in a more predictable and responsible manner. Additionally, we will be able to better fulfill the mandates received from member states.”
He noted that he has been advocating for this change since the beginning of his tenure. Guterres emphasized that this adjustment is crucial for the smooth and uninterrupted functioning of the global organization, especially for peacekeeping missions.
“I have been calling for this change since the start of my term, and I am grateful to member states for taking this important step,” he added.
The UN Secretary-General mentioned that this significant change will greatly benefit his successor, who will no longer be compelled to return funds that they often never received. It is noteworthy that Guterres’ term will conclude at the end of this year.
He thanked the member states that have fulfilled their financial contributions and reiterated his appeal for all countries to meet their responsibilities under the UN Charter.
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