Ambassador Ariel R. Peñaranda, Deputy Permanent Representative, calls for adequate resources to support the development pillar of the United Nations during the opening plenary of the Fifth Committee of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) main session (Photo Credit: New York Philippine Mission).
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 2 October 2023 – Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative Ariel R. Peñaranda called for adequate resources to support United Nations operations for development initiatives at the opening plenary of the Fifth Committee at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) main session, held today at the United Nations headquarters.
"Building upon the central theme of the recent High-Level Week of the 78th UNGA, which emphasized the importance of advancing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Philippines calls for increased resources in 2024 and beyond to support the UN's development objectives," DPR Peñaranda stated.
He highlighted the essential need for funding the UN's operations in 2024, with the Committee currently considering a budget of approximately USD $3.40 billion. This budget will support the UN in its crucial role as the global institution addressing matters of peace, security, and various facets of development, including health, humanitarian aid, economic growth, and culture.
Recognizing the importance of aligning budgets with General Assembly mandates, DPR Peñaranda reiterated that budget proposals must correspond to the programs and activities mandated by the Assembly to ensure their effective implementation and meet global development needs.
As the Fifth Committee begins deliberations on several significant issues in the coming weeks, the Philippines remains committed to engaging in discussions on key agenda items, including 'Investing in the Prevention and Peacebuilding,' which has faced multiple deferrals.
"Given the ongoing debate on funding sources, we express our support for Member States' efforts to find innovative solutions and reach a consensus for substantial, predictable, and sustainable financing for peacebuilding," DPR Peñaranda said.
The Philippines remains optimistic that collaborative efforts within the Committee will lead to mutually beneficial solutions, including strengthening peacekeeping operations and peacebuilding for the benefit of all member states.
The Philippines actively participates in UN peacekeeping operations, reflecting its commitment to global peace and security. While the UN peacekeeping budget is not the primary financial aspect of the Philippines' collaboration with the UN, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), among others, has a notable budgetary allocation for the country. The UNDP supports the Philippines in various development projects, including poverty reduction, sustainable development, governance, and disaster resilience. END