SECRETARY-GENERAL BRIEFING ON UN80 TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
STATEMENT BY H.E. JAMES LARSEN, AMBASSADOR AND PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE, PERMANENT MISSION OF AUSTRALIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
12 May 2025
Thank you, President.
In view of time, all courtesies observed.
This is obviously a pivotal moment which requires us to do things differently and decisively.
We agree the status quo is no longer viable.
Our efforts must be on preserving critical functions which support the key pillars of the UN system: peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development.
Member states elected you, Secretary-General, to guide this organisation, and we back you to set us on course.
On the three lines of effort for UN80.
First, we acknowledge efforts to move quickly to reduce costs and duplication. Our priority must be on the ground delivery of outcomes - a ‘one UN’ approach with one budget and one set of outcomes – in continuing our efforts to leave no one behind.
Second, the focus on mandates is a stark reminder that we can only reform together – UN80 must be an endeavour of both the UN leadership and Member States.
We as Member States establish mandates without sunsetting others. Meetings are getting longer and more complex. Agendas are overflowing. And we cannot expect the UN system to continue to absorb the impact.
Third, we consider the work on structures will have the most enduring impact. And we look for a UN which is streamlined, coordinated, effective and fit for the future. We look forward to the recommendations on the consolidation of agencies.
We have had many of these processes in the past. This one cannot be just another one, divorced from the real-time downsizing in other UN centres, especially Geneva, and field offices around the world. We can’t be New York-centric.
We ask the Secretary General to drive a connected agenda – to reform the UN, as one.
Importantly, no region can be left behind – Southeast Asia hosts UN hubs that should be considered in the use of lower cost duty stations.
Thank you very much indeed.