U.S. Representative for Management and Reform to the United Nations Ambassador Joseph M. Torsella today reported that for a decade now, the United Nations regular budget has grown dramatically, relentlessly, and exponentially: from $2.6 billion in 2001-2002, to $5.4 billion in 2010-2011.
In his remarks to the Fifth Committee on the UN Budget, Mr. Torsell highlighted that UN budget growth has significantly outpaced the growth of the budgets of almost all the Member States that comprise the UN.
“It’s true that some of this growth can be justified by new mandates that we all proudly support. But it’s also true that those mandates do not account for the disturbingly persistent ten-year trend of increases in the UN budget.” -Mr. Torsella
He cited that the General Debate that has just concluded made it clear: Member States around the world are under financial strain. He said this is not a phenomenon of one or even several donor nations, but a global reality, north and south, east and west. From Asia to Europe, from Africa to Latin America and North America, heads of state spoke of the enduring impact of the global financial crisis.
“That crisis has made financial resources ever more scarce, made efficient outcomes ever more important, and made leaders – including every one of us in this room today – ever more accountable to the citizens we represent for the fiscal decisions we make.” -Mr. Torsella
He stated that the world is facing reality that in a time of scarce resources, the United Nations cannot afford business as usual.
According to Mr. Torsella, the United States renews its objection to receiving the UN budget proposal in a piecemeal fashion, and with too little real financial analysis. He also called for a comprehensive makeover to streamline budgets and the budget process for transparency, flexibility, managerial accountability, and analyzable, actionable information.
