And thank you to Under Secretary-General Catherine Pollard for the briefing held last Friday and update today.
Norway is a consistent promoter of multilateralism and international cooperation. At the core of multilateralism, we find the United Nations. Our UN, turning 75 years next year. In order to solve today’s challenges, we need a strong, effective and efficient United Nations. We need an organization managing its financial resources soundly, but at the same time equipped to deliver in accordance with its mandates.
Chair,
Article 17 of the Charter states that the expenses of the Organization shall be borne by the Member States as appropriated by the General Assembly. Full and timely payment of our dues is essential for the financial health of the United Nations. The Organization depends on predictable and stable financing to fulfil its mandates in increasingly complex country situations. Predictable and stable financing is key to a relevant United Nations for all.
Today we are facing severe liquidity problems. In particular, the cash situation with regard to the regular budget is extremely alarming. This situation troubles us, and we share the Secretary-General’s concern. As a founding member of the UN, Norway urges all Member States to make every effort to pay their outstanding contributions.
Thank you.