9 December - Statement to UN General Assembly Fifth Committee - Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations

Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations

New York

Permanent Mission address: 150 East 42 Street, Level 33, New York, New York 10017 - Telephone: 1 212 351 6600 - Fax: 1 212 351 6610

UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY: FIFTH COMMITTEE
9 December 2011

Agenda items133, 134: Programme Budget 2010-2011; Proposed Programme Budget for the Biennium 2012-2013 – Capital Master Plan

Statement by Shannon White, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations
on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

Mr Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

I would like to thank the Assistant Secretary-General for the Capital Master Plan, the Controller, the Board of Auditors, the ACABQ Chair, the Under Secretary-General for Internal Oversight, and the Secretariat for introducing their respective reports on the Capital Master Plan.

Mr Chairman,

CANZ has been a strong advocate of the CMP since the Secretary-General first approached Member States with the proposal. We are encouraged by the tangible progress made over the reporting period, and take this opportunity to reaffirm our ongoing support for this important project. We note the advancements made in design and construction, and the continued progress of renovations to the Secretariat and Conference Buildings. And we look forward to the smooth and timely re-occupation of the Secretariat Building. However, we remain concerned about delays and cost overruns.

Mr Chairman,

As the CMP moves into a critical phase in the next biennium, CANZ delegations are encouraged by ongoing efforts by the Secretariat to review lessons learned and identify scope for further efficiency gains. We would urge the project to continue in this vein, and welcome ongoing detailed information on progress to this effect. Our delegations are also naturally concerned about the on-going question of associated costs and will look closely at the proposals before us on this matter.

Mr Chairman,

CANZ countries reiterate our strong support for the CMP, and we welcome progress to date towards a safer, healthier and more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable UN building complex.

Thank you, Mr Chairman.