US & allies secure key priorities in UN budget negotiations, approve $3.4 billion program

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US & allies secure key priorities in UN budget negotiations, approve $3.4 billion program
US & allies secure key priorities in UN budget negotiations, approve $3.4 billion program

New York, 20 January 2023 (TDI): United States (US) along with its allies and partners concluded the year 2022 with a number of successes during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 5th Committee session.

Ambassador of the US to the United Nations (UN) Chris Lu said that in the recent budget negotiations, the US and its allies have secured wins on key priorities.

The 5th committee approved a budget of $3.40 billion program for the United Nations. This fiscally responsible budget represents a 4 percent increase over the 2022 budget.

The funds will be distributed to the operation of the UN Secretariat, including functions vital to promoting human rights, disarmament, and international development, as well as special political missions and international courts.

The budget will also provide funding for numerous US priorities, including the office of the Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on combating sexual abuse and exploitation, and the Black Sea grain initiative to address global food insecurity.

Also read: UN High Commissioner prioritizes children’s rights

It also provides for the design of a new conference facility at the UN Office in Nairobi; and the Independent, Impartial Investigative Mechanism for Syria.

Full funding for Human Rights Council

The US & European Union (EU) called a successful vote (84 in favor) to fully fund Human Rights Council mandates (restoring $4.8 million in proposed cuts), defeating an effort by certain countries to zero out the budget for many of these mandates.

Restoring the integrity of the common system for Staff

The Fifth Committee also agreed on an expanded parental leave framework, increased the allowance for children with disabilities, and requested the Commission to restructure the children’s allowance to better meet the needs of lower-paid staff potentially an important step in addressing retention among female staff in lower grades.