Ban Ki-moon: UN's budget reflects difficult global reality

Mubasher: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon applauded United Nations member states on Wednesday night for adopting a budget of $5.4 billion for the UN to carry out its vital work during the 2016-2017 biennium.

During his speech, Ban noted how delegates had worked through the night and reached agreement earlier than in past years.

“The budget you have approved reflects the difficult global financial reality we have faced for a number of years. Funding continues to shrink while demands on the United Nations grow. Through it all, we are doing everything possible to fulfil the mandates you give us. We are guided by two pressing obligations: first our duty to respond to the needs of the world’s people and second our responsibility to make the most of the resources you entrusted to us,” Ban said.

Ban went on to say that the assembly had “wisely decided to add resources to strengthen the very important pillar of development. I commend the assembly’s decision to support the follow up and review of our efforts to reach the sustainable development goals and carry out the financing for the Development Agenda.”