HIGH NUMBER OF VACANT POSTS IN REGIONAL COMMISSIONS MATTER FOR CONCERN, SPEAKERS STRESS IN FIFTH COMMITTEE

Press Release
GA/AB/3335

HIGH NUMBER OF VACANT POSTS IN REGIONAL COMMISSIONS MATTER FOR CONCERN, SPEAKERS STRESS IN FIFTH COMMITTEE

Committee Continues Part-by-Part Consideration of Proposed 2000-2001 Programme Budget

The high number of vacant posts (the vacancy rate) in United Nations regional commissions was a serious concern, particularly for those commissions located in the developing world, the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) was told this morning, as it commenced its consideration of regional cooperation for development under its part-by-part discussion of the United Nations programme budget for 2000- 2001.

The representative of Guyana, speaking on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China, called on the Secretary-General to take measures to solve this problem. The level of resources proposed for the budget section on economic and social development for Africa -- which finances the work of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) -- was insufficient, he added. In addition, that Commission’s information and technological capacity lagged behind other United Nations entities.

The section on economic and social development for Africa was the most important section of the budget, the representative of Uganda said. Reform of the regional commissions was a fundamental issue, as was cooperation among them. He asked why vacancies in all the commissions, but particularly in the Africa Commission, weren’t being filled.

He added his voice to the call for additional resources for this budget section, and also called for the establishment of new posts for the Africa Commission –- posts that were filled, and not just established on paper.

The representative of Nigeria told the Committee that many countries in Africa spent far more on debt servicing that on social services. This was a desperate problem that required drastic measures to solve. He welcomed reforms undertaken to improve the effectiveness of the ECA, and stressed that all posts there must be filled.

The representative of the United Republic of Tanzania said the organizational structure of the ECA, compared with other regional

Fifth Committee - 1a - Press Release GA/AB/3335 29th Meeting (AM) ` 8 November 1999

commissions, included no real functions. Rather the Commission was broken down into geographical units; like North, South, East and West Africa. He asked where the real programmes of that Commission were -– the tangible programmes on trade and development, and on water for example.

In the process of answering questions about the budget proposal, the United Nations Controller, Jean-Pierre Halbwachs, explained that the structure of the ECA had been established by Member States in the medium-term plan –- the major policy document produced by Member States to guide the Secretariat in carrying out mandated activities. The budget merely reflected this Assembly decision, which had been recommended to it by the Fifth Committee, he said.

This morning, the Committee also concluded its first reading of part IV of the budget proposal -– on international cooperation for development.

The representatives of Brazil, Cuba, Turkey, Algeria, United States, Japan, Republic of Korea, Philippines, Mexico, Australia, Egypt, Zambia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Namibia, Israel, Kenya and Sudan also spoke on budget matters.

The Chairman of the Committee for Programme and Coordination, Tommo Monthe, introduced the relevant sections of that body’s report and answered questions from delegates. C.S.M. Mselle, the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions Chairman, introduced that body’s comments on section 16 of the proposal.

The Committee will meet again this afternoon, to continue its part-by- part consideration of the 2000-2001 budget, commencing with further Member States’ comments.

Committee of Work Programme

The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) met this morning to continue its part-by-part consideration of the proposed programme budget for 2000-2001, commencing with the completion of consideration of part IV, and then moving on to consideration of part V. Part IV of the programme budget concerns international cooperation for development, and part V covers regional cooperation for development.

Part V

The Committee had before it Part V of the Secretary-General's proposed budget for 2000-2001 (document A/54/6/Rev.1). This part relates to regional cooperation for development, with sections on economic and social development in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Western Asia, and economic development in Europe and the regular programme of technical cooperation. It also had before it the related comments of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) (document A/54/7).

The Secretary-General proposes a total of some $381.2 million for this part of his budget.

The ACABQ notes some elements common to the proposals for the budget sections of Part V. It welcomes changes made to harmonize the format of presentation of the programme of activities of the regional commissions, but it believes there is room for further standardization. It recommends that the commissions start compiling workload indicators for each of the substantive subprogrammes they undertake for presentation in the next proposed programme budget.

A common characteristic of budget part V is the redeployment of resources among subprogrammes, and greater transparency is needed on these. Reasons for changes must be clearly explained.

The ACABQ notes high vacancy rates in the regional commissions, particularly at the Professional level, and that procedures to transfer staff between units, reclassify posts and manage vacancies are excessively cumbersome and time- consuming. Long delays in recruitment, reclassification, placement and transfers between units in the system create serious shortcomings in delivery of outputs. Steps should be taken by the Office of Human Resources Management to address the commissions' concerns by ensuring they are accorded priority, when reviewing likely candidates for transfer to offices away from Headquarters. Contractual obligations of the staff regarding assignments to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations must be enforced where needed.

While each commission must decide on the basis of legislative guidelines from its policy-making organs, care should be taken to avoid duplication of activities for gender mainstreaming, the ACABQ reports.

Steps must be taken to ensure that the Integrated Management Information System (IMIS), once installed, is adequately maintained in all regional commissions, it states. It also notes that maintenance costs for computers and help line costs are treated differently in each regional commission. The degree of year 2000 computer system compliance of external entities with which commissions interact is not clear and the ACABQ has asked for a report from the Secretary- General on the contingency work carried out in this regard. There is still a high ratio of programme support to programme of work, the ACABQ points out, but as technology and innovations are applied to support activities, the number of posts required for those should stabilize, which would allow more resources for substantive activities. It recommends the further exploration of the use of remote translation which would reduce costs.

For economic and social development in Africa (section 16), the Secretary- General proposes some $80.84 million for 2000-2001, up $230,000 from 1998-1999. Eight additional posts are proposed -- three at the P-4 level and two at the P-3 and the remainder at local level converted from general temporary assistance posts. The reclassification of one P-3 post to P-4 is also requested.

Extra-budgetary resources of the Economic Commission for Africa are estimated at some $16.36 million, compared with some $15.84 million for 1998-1999. This includes a decrease in funding from funds and programmes, and an increase in funding from bilateral sources. A total of 60 extra-budgetary posts are proposed for the Commission, compared to 70 posts for 1998-1999.

The ACABQ states it was advised that the expected increase in extra-budgetary funds was a consequence of active fund-raising.

It notes that two new subprogrammes have been established for the Commission: Promoting the advancement of women; and Supporting subregional activities for development; bringing the total of subprogrammes to seven.

It again recommends efforts be made to ensure clear delineation of responsibility between the development centres and the Commission secretariat to avoid duplication of functions.

It notes considerable redeployment of staff and other resources between subprogrammes. It also notes that 34.8 per cent of the resources proposed for programme of work activities are to go to the new subprogramme on supporting subregional activities for development, because, it was advised, no extra-budgetary resources had yet been identified.

In response to an enquiry, the ACABQ reports that the total cost for running the Addis Ababa Conference Centre was estimated at some $3.2 million for the biennium, on the basis of experience. Income from other users was estimated at $801,000. The Committee was informed of the need for a marketing strategy for the Centre, which would require a study for which no resources were available at present. The existence of a potential market and opportunities for success should be taken into account before committing resources for such a strategy.

It notes that the Commission has no interpreters, and that the editorial service is not adequate. Some remote translation has taken place, but further expansion has been hindered by the lack of efficient telecommunication facilities. It trusts that the installation of the VSAT system will allow the Commission to further explore remote translation possibilities.

Regarding the Regional Commissions New York Office (budget section 16B), the ACABQ notes that, with the exception of a small decrease ($1,100) under posts and a small increase under general operating expenses ($5,900), the proposed resource for the Office are at maintenance level.

For economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific (section 17), the Secretary-General proposes some $56 million for 2000-2001, down $218,000, or 0.3 per cent, from 1998-1999. No additional regular budget posts are proposed for the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

The reduction proposed is a result of a range of adjustments, with $896,100 less required for posts following the abolition of 24 posts in 1999 and a proposed decrease for supplies and materials of $32,500. These decreases would be partially offset by a proposed reclassification of the Chief of the Editorial Section P-4 post to the P-5 level, the conversion of one Field service post to the P-4 level to supervise the Electronic Services Section and required functions to implement Oversight Office recommendations regarding the Commission's technological environment security, and increases in non-post expenditure of $678,100.

Some $21.4 million is expected in extra-budgetary resources. The total number of proposed extra-budgetary posts was 51, down from 70 in 1998-1999. This reduction included the phasing out of 25 gratis personnel.

The ACABQ explains that it was informed that declines in extra-budgetary resources -- largely due to decreases in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and bilateral contributions -- had affected delivery of technical cooperation programmes, but that the Commission is working on renegotiating and attracting additional funding.

One of the challenges faced by the Commission, according to the ACABQ, is that it sometimes loses staff members to other duty stations, and, as with the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), it recommends that the Office of Human Resources Management take steps to ensure it is accorded priority when reviewing likely candidates for transfer to offices away from Headquarters.

It recommends the use of technology in programme implementation be better explained in future, the ACABQ report states, as there is no indication on the role of new technology in programme implementation.

It notes that increases in travel resources are requested under a number of subprogrammes, and that these increases are in effect a redeployment of resources. The ACABQ has no objection to these requests, but recommends proposals for such changes be clearly explained under each subprogramme in future.

Following a review of publications, the ACABQ report it was informed that non-recurrent publications have been reduced from 116 during 1997-1998 to 66 anticipated for 2000-2001, and recurrent publications should fall from 194 to 167. It recommends this review continue, and that budget implications of reviews be indicated in future submissions. It also notes that many recipients of Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) publications do not have the capacity to shift to electronic modes or receipt, and suggests this should be taken into account when decisions on distribution are made.

It notes that repairs to the collapsed ceiling section of the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok have been undertaken by the original contractor at no cost to the United Nations, except a $2,150 fee for an independent counsel.

It reports it was informed that from 1998 to April 1999, 550 ESCAP meetings and 140 non-ESCAP events occurred at the Conference Centre, for a total reimbursement of $131,700, and that 530 ESCAP events and 160 non-ESCAP events are expected, with reimbursement estimated at $230,000.

For economic development in Europe (section 17), the Secretary-General proposes some $43.6 million for 2000-2001, up $40,500 from 1998-1999. The increase would be largely the result of one proposed additional P-4 post for planning and execution of all information activities of the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), following the abolition of such a post provided to it by the United Nations Office at Geneva, and the proposed reclassification of one P-4 post to P-5 and three P-3 posts to P-4. A decrease under grants and contributions for computer processing, telecommunications, data storage and other specialized services to the ECE is also expected.

Extra-budgetary resources were expected to fall to about $10 million, down from some $12.71 million for 1998-1999, mostly as a result of decreases in funding from the UNFPA and the UNDP. Five extra-budgetary posts are proposed, down from is nine in 1998-1999.

Resources for administration and general services for the Commission are included under the budget sections relating to the United Nations Office at Geneva (section 27A), and General Assembly affairs and conference services (section 2).

The ACABQ commends the Commission for the care with which its budget proposal narratives have been presented, and welcomes attention paid by ECE legislative bodies to the Commission's publications programme. It states that the effect of further reviews should be indicated in workload indicators in future.

On the fall in extra-budgetary funds expected, the ACABQ reports it was informed that in part this was due to several projects finishing.

It recommends acceptance of the proposal to establish a new post and reclassify the three others. It also notes that the total of travel resource requested for the Commission are maintained at the same level as the appropriation for 1998-1999, and that the increase under programme support corresponds to a redeployment of resources.

It also reports that it agrees with a proposed reclassification of one P-4 post to the P-5 level for the Chief of the Administration and Common Services Unit, as recommended by the Office of Internal Oversight Services.

For economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean (section 18), the Secretary-General proposes some $83.07 million for 2000-2001, up $389,200, or 0.4 per cent, from 1998-1999. Regular budget staff levels would remain the same. The resource increase would mainly come about as a consequence of a proposed reclassification of three local level posts to posts at the P-2 level and additional requirements equivalent to one P-4 and one local level post for 14 months under general temporary assistance for IMIS support and maintenance.

Some $16.15 million in extra-budgetary resources are expected, down some $5 million from 1998-1999. Extra-budgetary posts will decrease from 42 in 1998-1999 to 36.

The ACABQ reports it was informed that the reduction in voluntary funds would have a negative impact on technical cooperation projects. It notes that the budget proposal includes the full integration of the Latin American and Caribbean Centre for Demography into the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

The ACABQ welcomes the ECLAC secretariat's intention to continue its efforts to develop a more efficient and effective secretariat and trusts that the reform process will be carried out in close cooperation with the Commission's members and will be fully consistent with General Assembly.

It asks for a clear presentation of functions carried out by local staff in the next programme budget submission, and recommends that, in future, estimates be provided under each subprogramme of the use of modern technology in programme implementation.

Despite welcoming the increased use of electronic information transfers, it suggests that electronic methods of distribution only be targeted to those with the capacity to receive or supply information electronically.

For economic and social development in Western Asia (section 19), the Secretary-General proposes some $49.99 million for 2000-2001, up $242,100, or 0.4 per cent, from 1998-1999. Regular budget staff levels would remain the same. The requested increase reflects, among other things, the proposed reclassification of one P-3 post to P-4 in response to rising needs for automation and electronic data-processing and communication and the increased complexity of the work involved, support for IMIS, and the provision of contract security for the Economic and Social for Western Asia (ESCWA) premises.

Extra-budgetary resources are expected to decrease to $481,200 from some $3.88 million in 1998-1999. Only one extra-budgetary post anticipated.

The ACABQ advises that it was informed that the fall in estimated extra- budgetary resources reflects the fact that the projections for the coming biennium are based on confirmed contributions, as projections indicated in the last budget had proven unrealistic. Additional resources received would be reflected in the next presentation.

Despite an improvement in the presentation of the narratives for this section, the ACABQ recommends that the role of automation and of information technology in programme implementation be more clearly spelled out in the estimates.

It notes the some $1.45 million reduction proposed under executive direction and management relates to redeployment of the Programme Planning and Coordination Unit posts to programme support. It also notes that the proposed increase of $112,500 listed under programme of work relates to additional general temporary assistance for statistical data-related tasks, and an increase of $48,100 for consultants and expert group meetings, and an additional $36,000 sought for travel.

The ACABQ recommends approval of the reclassification proposed. It reports it was advised that 24 additional security guards and three sergeants were being contracted out because of increased demonstrations and security needs at the ESCWA new building.

It reports it was advised that the total costs for the move to the permanent headquarters of the regional commission in Beirut, which took place during the fourth quarter of 1997, amounted to some $14.91 million. Extra-budgetary resources received for the move totalled some $12.06 million. The building housing ESCWA headquarters in Beirut (United Nations House) is provided rent-free by the Government of Lebanon.

It was informed that official use of United Nations House conference facilities only began on 1 January 1998, it reports, and that use of the facilities and conference services was provided to other United Nations agencies during office hours at no charge. The ESCWA assumes 90 per cent of total expenses for maintenance, utilities, cleaning and security services, the rest being provided by other United Nations agencies. The Commission assured the ACABQ that the common services at United Nations House achieved savings for all concerned. Between 1 January 1998 to 31 May 1999, 67 meetings had been held there and 41 meetings were anticipated during 2000-2001.

For the regular programme of technical cooperation (section 20), the Secretary-General proposes some $42.66 million for 2000-2001, unchanged from 1998-1999. There are no regular budget posts under this section. The proposed budget includes some $19.43 million for sectoral advisory services, and about $25.71 million for regional and subregional advisory services.

The section covers three main types of cooperation activities; short-term advisory services, field projects and training. These activities arise from individual requests by governments. Thus, the resource estimates currently only reflect major areas of activity and the needs of Secretariat units charged with their implementation.

The ACABQ reports that it transmits the estimates under this section to the General Assembly for appropriate action.

[For an introduction to the proposed programme budget see Press Release GA/AB/3322 of 27 October. For background on part IV of the programme budget proposal see Press Release GA/AB/3331 of 3 November.]

Statements on Proposed Programme Budget

ALEXANDRE KOTZIAS PEIXOTO (Brazil) said he shared the concern that the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) required adequate, stable and predictable resources to carry out its mandate. Extra-budgetary resources were welcome, but the basic activities of UNEP should not depend on them. A strengthened role for UNEP could only be achieved with adequate resources. The same reasoning applied to the human settlements section.

EVA SILOT BRAVO (Cuba) said she had taken note of General Assembly resolution 53/242 relating closely to this budget section and appreciated the action taken by the General Assembly. But she asked whether what was in paragraph 2.10 truly reflected all the issues, which were included in the resolution. In the light of paragraph 2.10, there had been comments by other speakers and she was concerned over the decrease in resources in this area. She asked if this had been reflected in the distribution of resources.

Cuba had also noted a number of paragraphs in the introductory section and appreciated that there had been a readjustment in the light of the budgetary procedures, she said. On the annex to section 12, Cuba was concerned about including recommendations of the Office of Internal Oversight Services, which had not yet been adopted by the General Assembly. These included issues which was being examined by the General Assembly, including results-based budgeting.

Assistant Secretary-General for Programme Planning, Budget and Accounts and United Nations Controller, JEAN PIERRE HALBWACHS, responded to the question raised by Member States about the implementation of oversight recommendations. Oversight Office recommendations were internal recommendations, he said, and the Secretariat did not require approval of legislative bodies prior to implementing them. To take such action as the administration thought was required, arising from an internal recommendation, and then to report that in the budget was, he believed, the appropriate action.

DULCE BUERGO RODRIGUEZ (Cuba) said she noted this response and appreciated that the problem had to do with the way the Secretariat interpreted the Assembly’s decisions in this area. While now was not the appropriate time to return to these matters, she asked that the Secretariat be more careful when interpreting the decisions of the Assembly. In this case, the action went beyond the mandate of the Office, as it concerned a matter still before the Assembly.

The Committee then turned to consider section 13 of the budget, on human settlements.

TOMMO MONTHE, Chairman of the Committee for Programme and Coordination, then introduced his Committee’s comments. As he had previously stated, he said, during the Committee for Programme and Coordination’s thirty-ninth session, it had requested that the Secretary-General reformulate this section. He noted that, subsequently, a new description had been provided, and it was up to the Fifth Committee to decide whether the new description complied with the various medium- term mandates.

The Fifth Committee must also consider the technical structure of this section to see if it corresponded to the requirements, he said. It must ask whether the new narrative had clarity, and was precise and concrete. The Committee for Programme and Coordination had previously found that the narrative did not comply, and that was why it recommended it be reformulated.

FIKRET DEMIR (Turkey) said that the overall level of resources for this section, more or less, reflected the needs of the Organization and its mandates. But he was concerned that the overall amount of resources for the implementation of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) agenda was not sufficient, and there was too heavy a reliance on extra-budgetary resources. He asked for more detailed information regarding the sources of extra-budgetary resources.

Ms. BUERGO RODRIGUEZ (Cuba) said she appreciated that efforts had been made to adapt the narrative to the relevant resolutions. She was, however, concerned that overall spending depended on such resources -– there should not be a heavy reliance on such resources. She said there should be the necessary resources in order to enable the “Istanbul plus five” process to succeed.

NESTOR ODAGA-JALOMAYO (Uganda) said the comments he made on Friday, on the UNEP, applied also to this section of the budget. He was concerned about the use of the terms “outputs” and “accomplishments” -- better options were available. It was unfortunate that recommendations were included that had not been approved by the Assembly, and he sought an explanation for this.

The Controller, Mr. HALBWACHS, had explained why this and the previous section were highly dependent on extra-budgetary resources, he said, but extra- budgetary resources were unreliable, and so the Assembly should review its previous decisions on financing these important activities.

He was also concerned about a timing problem that seemed to apply to the two programmes, he said. He noted that, due to timing, it had not been possible to include aspects of the Centre in the medium-term plan. Whatever activities took place should be synchronized with the work of the Assembly, he stressed.

He noted a reference to “benchmarks” of security of tenure, which would be used as inputs for policy options and for capacity-building. He sought an explanation of what “benchmarks” meant in this context.

There were also references to good governance in the report, he noted. He asked how this “good governance” fit into the overall aims of improving sustainability and improving the living conditions of people -- the mandate of Habitat.

He asked to what extent the reform process for this activity under discussion in the Assembly, and the subsequent restructuring, had been taken into account by the Secretariat in preparing the budget proposal. The number of subprogrammes had been reduced from four to two, he noted, and he asked how this reduction had resulted in a revitalization of the Centre.

He also sought an explanation of how the resources used for activities now carried out for the Centre by the United Nations Office in Nairobi were revealed in the budget. In addition, he asked for a clear definition of programme support resources, as defined for the proposal.

The Assistant Secretary-General for Programme Planning, Budget and Accounts and United Nations Controller, Mr. Halbwachs, said Habitat had a very successful technical cooperation programme, which by its very nature was funded by voluntary contributions. On Istanbul plus five he said that a significant amount of resources had been added to this project. The United Nations Office at Nairobi provided resources to Habitat and UNEP, which had experienced a fall in costs as a result. The objectives of the programme for the biennium had been approved by the Human Settlements Foundation.

Mr. ODAGA-JALOMAYO (Uganda) said his delegation had been late and had missed some relevant information. He asked for it to be repeated in writing.

DJAMEL MOKTEFI (Algeria) noted under section 14, that a number of activities relating to the fight against terrorism were included in the working programme. He asked what the vacancy rate was for the professional category for the Vienna Centre.

Mr. PEIXOTO (Brazil) said he appreciated the extra resources that had been made available in this key programme area. He supported the additional P-4 post which had been created. He felt, however, that the vacancy rate was unusually high.

ALEXANDER PABB (United States) said the United Nations Centre for Crime Prevention in Vienna was very important to the United States, and it supported the redeployment a P-4 post to boost the effectiveness of the Centre. He asked when there would be details on accomplishments. He also asked why the printed version of a publication that was to continue to be available on the Internet was being scrapped. The United States felt that work on terrorism by the Crime Centre was not relevant and was outside its proper field.

TETSUO KONDO (Japan) said strengthening the programme to be carried out by the Crime Prevention Centre was important.

It was important, however, that mandates of legislative bodies were followed, he said. The Committee for Programme and Coordination comments on division of labour among United Nations bodies should be followed. Japan was prepared to consider the proposed new post, but sought additional information to justify it.

Mr. ODAGA-JALOMAYO (Uganda) said he thought the level of resources proposed were commensurate with the importance of the activities. He hoped adequate resources were allocated to the tenth Conference on the Prevention of Crime.

It was important that the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and the Centre worked closely with regional bodies, he said, and he hoped to see enhanced cooperation with similar regional operations. He supported the programme activities, particularly those regarding trafficking in women and children.

He asked who reviewed the Commission’s programme of work, and he noted the Commission’s intention to reduce the number of reports to it and asked why.

Ms. BUERGO RODRIGUEZ (Cuba) noted the 11.1 per cent increase in resources proposed for this section. She unreservedly supported the comments of the Committee for Programme and Coordination on the matter.

Regarding the Commission’s decision to decrease the number of reports provided to it, she asked what impact would this have on the Commission’s programme of work.

Where reference was made to a special event to promote four international instruments, she asked what was meant by “special event”. She supported the concern about vacancies in the administrative capacity and asked for some update on the current level of vacancies.

She repeated her concern about implementation of Oversight Office recommendations that concerned matters that were still under the Assembly’s consideration. This was important when those recommendations went beyond the Oversight Office mandate, and particularly when they required resources.

HAE-YUN PARK (Republic of Korea) said his emphasis was on prevention of terrorism and was happy that a number of relevant activities had been included. However, he said the overall level of resources was insufficient for the range of activities required by the mandates. He supported the three new posts. He welcomed the inclusion of expected accomplishments but wanted more precise details.

MARY JO ARAGON (Philippines) said she supported the inclusion of gender mainstreaming at the Vienna Centre. She especially supported activities to combat trafficking in women and migrant workers.

Mr. HALBWACHS said at the time of the report to the ACABQ, there had been three vacancies; since then, all the posts had been filled and the vacancy rate was now zero. He then responded to other questions from Member States.

HENRY FOX (Australia) said the resources sought, under this section, were in keeping with the medium-term plan. He said the inclusion of Oversight Office recommendations in the budget papers was extremely helpful and he wished to encourage this practice.

The Committee then turned to section 15 of the budget proposal -- international drug control.

Mr. KONDO (Japan) said he was satisfied with the proposed budget, which reflected the outcome of the Assembly’s 1998 special session. In addition, he welcomed the proposed programme, which prioritized activities that were of great importance, such as those relating to amphetamine-type substances.

He was concerned about the increasing level of vacancies, he said. The normative or monitoring functions of the International Narcotic Control Board were essential and he proposed strengthening the functions and recommended a new post at the P-4 level for this be approved. Additionally, he believed the cost of strengthening these normative functions should be borne by the regular budget.

He pointed out that 80 per cent of the resources Japan provided were for general purposes, and that these general purpose funds would contribute to strengthening the overall work.

The new posts sought in the Secretary-General’s budget proposal were mainly for headquarters, rather than for field offices, he noted. The strengthening of field activities should be further considered.

The World Drug Report, produced by the United Nations International Drug Control Programme was useful, he said, but he believed it would be beneficial if best practices of those that had succeeded were included. He supported the proposed establishment of one new P-3 post under the relevant subprogramme in this regard.

In all staffing matters, necessary steps must be taken to recruit best qualified staff with due consideration given to equitable geographic distribution, he concluded.

Mr. PABB (United States) said that, in general, the United States supported this activity. The drug threat was international and required an international response. The United Nations International Drug Control Programme had developed forward-leading and balanced approaches to the problem.

The United States however once again found the stated accomplishment in the proposal's narrative too vague, he said, and asked how they could be quantified, measured or evaluated.

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) planned 120 meetings during the biennium, and this appeared excessively high, he noted, even if it was in keeping with past practices. He asked why that body needed to meet more than once a week. In addition, it seemed to be given carte blanche on the number of reports it commissioned, and he sought an explanation for this. Eight newsletters were mentioned in the proposal as things that would be produced on youth and prevention, he said. He asked how this number was arrived at, and whether this many were necessary. Later in the proposal, two youth publications were proposed, and he asked why the material they contained could not be merged into one publication.

Mr. PEIXOTO (Brazil) said he was satisfied that extra-budgetary resources were expected to be forthcoming for this important activity. On the Committee for Programme and Coordination discussion, he agreed that there should be more balance between concentration on supply and demand, and that the links between money laundering and drugs should be given more attention. He supported the creation of the relevant P-4 post, and also the implementation of the Assembly special session recommendations.

Ms. SILOT BRAVO (Cuba) said the objectives elaborated in this section were both general and difficult to understand. She asked how they complied with medium- term plan objectives, and whether they could not be more specific and easier understood.

She repeated the importance Cuba placed on not implementing recommendations from oversight bodies that affected matters under discussion by the Assembly, noting that these matters could become the source of legislation contrary to the recommendations if the Assembly so decided.

Mr. HERRERA (Mexico) said he supported the Secretary-General’s proposals and also the conclusions and recommendation on the narrative made by the Committee for Programme and Coordination.

Ms. ARAGON (Philippines) said she supported the proposed increase in resources for the Vienna Centre, as well as the establishment of focal points for gender mainstreaming and the advancement of women.

Mr. Odaga-Jalomayo (Uganda) said he supported resources requested under this section; he hoped that extra-budgetary resources would be provided to countries like Uganda, which had become transit points for this kind of activity. He asked for clarification on extra-budgetary resources being used under this section.

Mr. HALBWACHS said the vacancy in the drug control programme –- five -- had not changed. The frequency of publications was a question of appreciation and assessment. He would give details later, in writing, on how the programme fit the medium-term plan.

Mr. FOX (Australia) said increases in resources were good and proper, but there were a number of very large items, including economic and social affairs and trade and development. He was surprised that the organizations were not able to raise resources through improvements and efficiencies.

When the Committee turned its attention to Section 16, the Chairman of the ACABQ, C.S.M. MSELLE, introduced the ACABQ’s comments on this section.

GARFIELD BARNWELL (Guyana), speaking on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China, said he noted with deep concern a high vacancy rate in regional commissions – particularly, in the developing world. He called on the Secretary-General to take measures to solve this problem. On section 16, the Group emphasized this section’s importance under the medium-term plan. The group was concerned that the increase in resources was insufficient. He was also concerned that the information and technological capacity of the ECA lagged behind other United Nations entities.

Under section 17, the Group noted with deep concern the continuing reduction in ESCAP’s budget over the last two biennia. The group agreed with the CPC’s recommendations that the General Assembly should keep the resources situation of ESCAP under review to ensure that the proposed reduction would not adversely affect the implementation of mandates.

Under section 19, the Group wished to acknowledge the initiatives being taken by ECLAC in addressing the new and emerging challenges facing the region. Provisions should be made to ensure that the redeployment of resources did not have a negative impact on programmes and activities of ECLAC. Among his other concerns on ECLAC were that adequate resources be allocated for disaster mitigation and to the smaller States in the region to enable them to fully benefit from ECLAC’s programmes, and that the idea of partnership between donors and recipients should not be seen as a substitute for technical cooperation.

AYMAN ELGAMMAL (Egypt) said he was extremely concerned about the increased number of vacant posts in the regional commissions, particularly those in developing countries. The economic commissions and the Human Resources Management Office should do everything possible to address the problem. It was also necessary to rationalize the procedure for nominating candidates.

He said Egypt was concerned by the ACABQ observation that the ECA still lagged behind other parts of the United Nations in the depth and scope of its automation, and in information technology, in particular. Despite the Commission’s study on this, the resources proposed were one-third less than the needs identified in the study. Adequate resources should be made available to update the Commission’s information technology.

The New York office was extremely important to the regional commissions’ work, he said, and human resources there needed to be adequately mobilized, particularly in the field of information.

ABDEL MALER BOUHEDDOU (Algeria) supported the programme of work for section 16, which was a medium-term plan priority. He welcomed the ECA’s reform procedures. The increase in resources proposed was not adequate given the needs of development of Africa, and additional resources should be made available. He noted the expected increase in bilateral resources, due to a rigorous fund mobilization campaign.

He was concerned about the high-level of vacancies in the commissions, he said, which might have negative effects on the implementation of their programmes of work. Providing resources for consultants was not really a solution, he said. He sought information on the current levels of vacancies.

He was happy to see the inclusion of two new subprogrammes in section 16, he said. Their financing should have involved increasing the overall level of resources available under this section, not redeployment of them. Technological capacities should be expanded, and the Addis Ababa conference centre should have the opportunity to be more creative in its efforts to improve levels of use.

He endorsed the ACABQ recommendations and comments on coordination between regional centers, he said. He noted that the ECA had no interpreters and that services to it were not fully adequate. He also supported the ACABQ statements on the need to more clearly identify the reallocation of resources in the budget proposal, and on the need for the Office of Human Resources Management to use all means possible to fill vacancies.

Mr. KONDO (Japan) asked for further justification of new posts -- especially on advancement of women. On other redeployments, he asked for detailed job descriptions.

THOMAS REPASCH (United States) said he was concerned about an apparently rising vacancy rate, despite improved recruitment. He asked what progress had been made in further improving recruitment. Given the high vacancy rate, what was the justification for new posts? he asked. As far as the conference centre run by the ECA was concerned, he wondered where the resources for the subsidy was coming from, if not from rental income. The United States was concerned about issues raised in the Oversight Office report, on marketing strategy and other issues. The United States could not support a proposal for continuing subsidy until this situation was turned around.

Mr. ODAGA-JALOMAYO (Uganda) said this was the section of the budget from his delegation’s point of view. Reform of the regional commissions was a fundamental issue, as was cooperation among them. He was concerned about continuing high vacancy rates in the ECA. Why weren't vacancies being filled, he asked.

He agreed with the view expressed by the representative of Guyana that the resources provided under this section were inadequate, and supported the establishment of new posts -– and not just on paper. He welcomed the inclusion of two sub-programmes for women and regional development. He was concerned about redeployment of staff within the various sub-programmes. The ECA still lagged behind many United Nations agencies in the field of new technology and wanted to know whether the Secretariat intended to equip the centre with up to date facilities. The subsidy provided to the centre should be continuous to enable it to be better marketed. He was also concerned about over-reliance of consultants. He was pleased that the ECA was addressing the question of private sector involvement but was concerned about use of expensive freelance interpreters.

MATHIAS DAKA (Zambia) said he was concerned about the high vacancy rates in the regional commissions, and in the ECA, in particular. He sought information on the current vacancy rate. Regarding the increase sought for freelance interpretors and translators, he asked whether it was cheaper to have freelance interpretors, or to provide a permanent team of interpretors for the ECA.

Mr. PARK (Republic of Korea) said he noted the measures taken to address high vacancy rates by the Office of Human Resources Management, and encouraged the continuation of these measures. Serious efforts must be made to redress the long delays in recruitment, placement and transfer within the Secretariat. He also noted regional commissions’ efforts, particularly those of the ESCAP, to reflect gender equality in their programmes.

As the ACABQ had recommended, more information about the deployment of resources between programmes should be provided in the budget proposal, he said.

HAILE SELASSIE GETACHEW (Ethiopia) said the budget section relating to the ECA was of the highest importance. He noted, with approval, the reform process that had been carried out in that Commission, but was concerned about the very modest increase in resources proposed for it. These resources would be quite inadequate and showed a lack of recognition of the importance of the development of Africa.

Ethiopia supported the inclusion of two new subprogrammes in the Africa Commission’s programme of work, he said, and also the establishment of five new posts for them, but the new activities should have been financed by increased resources. He also supported the increased modernization of that Commission, which was still far behind other United Nations offices in automation and information technology.

He was concerned over high vacancy rates in the commissions, he said, and supported Human Resources Office efforts to address them, as well as ACABQ recommendations about them. In addition, the Addis Ababa Conference centre should be given proper priority by the Secretariat to ensure its full use.

Ms. BUERGO RODRIGUEZ (Cuba) said she wished to focus more attention on the eradication of poverty in Africa, and was concerned about the modest increase in resources available in this area. This did not correspond to the challenges of the mandate. Cuba was also worried about the decrease in resources for subprogrammes.

Cuba was concerned about the excessive dependence on extra-budgetary resources, which were key for development and deserved a greater allocation from the regular budget, she said. She asked what the impact of measures limiting documents would have on various programmes.

Cuba also wished to add its voice to those delegations that had expressed concern over the continuing high vacancy rate, she said. On the New York office for the regional commissions, she added that Cuba wished to strongly support the activities of this office. It appreciated that there had been an increase in the volume of work there.

LESLIE KOJO CHRISTIAN (Ghana) sought an explanation for the high vacancy rates in the ECA. He acknowledged, however, that steps were being taken to reduce it to 5 per cent. He also welcomed the inclusion of two new subprogrammes, but was not convinced that the allocated resources were sufficient.

GEBHARD KANDANGA (Namibia) said he noted that the level of increase in resources proposed under the budget section on economic development for Africa did not represent appropriate recognition of the importance of Africa’s development. Adequate resources should be provided.

He was also concerned about the high vacancy rates at this Commission and the proposed increase in use of consultants, he said. In-house expertise should be developed to reduce the high dependence on consultants. He also welcomed the inclusion of a subprogramme on the advancement of women. The Addis Ababa conference centre should be provided with adequate resources, he added.

FOLORUNSO MICHAEL OSEWA (Nigeria) welcomed reform measures taken by the ECA to improve its effectiveness. He pointed out that sub-Saharan Africa had the lowest level of private sector investment. Many countries in Africa spent far more on debt servicing that on social services; this was a desperate problem which required drastic measures to solve. He, too, asked what the Secretariat was doing about the high vacancy rate in the ECA.

RON ADAM (Israel) was concerned that the programme of work had been reduced over the previous biennium. He was also concerned about the lack of extra- budgetary resources.

JOHN NYAMIOBO (Kenya) said the ECA required more resources to be able to carry out its mandate. On the vacancy rates in Addis Ababa, he asked for a progress report on the reduction of vacancy rates.

SIDDIQ ABDALLA (Sudan) was also concerned over the very small increase in resources, which did not reflect the importance of the issue. Reducing vacancy rates was also extremely important, and the ECA had to be brought up to date technically.

MUHAMMAD YUSSUF (United Republic of Tanzania) said he had looked at the proposed organizational structure of post distribution of the ECA and compared it with various other commissions. For Africa, there were no real functions listed, just North, South, East and West Africa. What were the real programmes of the ECA? he asked. He asked for tangible programmes: trade and development, water, for example.

Mr. MOKTEFI (Algeria) said that, at the first meeting on the proposed budget, the Secretariat had been asked questions about the content of programmes. The representative of the United Republic of Tanzania had asked whether the substantive heads of the various programmes would be present to answer questions. He asked what the normal practice in regard to this was.

Assistant Secretary-General for Programme Planning, Budget and Accounts and United Nations Controller, Mr. HALBWACHS, said the number of interventions underscored the importance to Member States of this section.

The work practices of the Fifth Committee were up to the Committee itself, he said. However, the normal practice was that the programme managers spoke to the Committee for Programme and Coordination during its considerations and the budget officials addressed the Fifth Committee.

The structure of the ECA reflected what had been established in the medium- term plan, and the structure was not changed, as it had been chosen and approved by the General Assembly. It should not be a surprise to the Fifth Committee as it had been approved by the Fifth Committee.

On vacancy rates, assistance had been provided by the Office of Human Resources Management to speed up recruitment; however, the information he had was that the rates were currently higher than those reported in the budget proposal.

He assured Member States that adequate funds were available in the budget proposal to maintain the Addis Ababa conference centre.

There appeared to be confusion about the income figures, he said. The some $800,000 listed as income from the conference centre was part of about $1.4 million in total income listed for the section. The remainder was income generated by outside use of other parts of the Commission premises. As was the case in New York, not all of the Commission’s premises was used by the Commission, and rent was received for occupation of other areas as well.

At present, he explained, the volume of meetings held in Addis Ababa was not sufficient to warrant the establishment of a full team of interpreters, so the use of freelance interpreters was cheaper.

The new subprogrammes under this section, had been created by separating off part of old subprogrammes, he said. Thus, the resources requested for the subprogrammes from which the new subprogrammes had been split were reduced and those resources were to be allocated to the new subprogrammes. The need for additional resources was, therefore, not high. Responding to questions posed about VSAT, he explained this was a satellite communications system. He had been told that all the issues about this system had been settled, and the final details of how and when it was to be turned on were under discussion right now at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Regarding resources for information technology and computing for the Commission, some $970,000 had been requested for beefing up this area in the budget proposal, and a further some $1.5 million was also to be used for this process, as would be seen in the performance reports. The Commission would be provided with the best possible resources in this area, he stated. Mr. MONTHE, Chairman of the Committee for Programme and Coordination, responding to the matters raised by the representative of the United Republic of Tanzania, explained that during the discussion of the revised medium-term plan during the thirty-eighth session of the Committee for Programme and Coordination, the work of the ECA had been discussed in depth, and the questions raised were not without foundation.

However, the current budget proposal was not the forum to discuss this matter, he said. During the fortieth Committee for Programme and Coordination session next year, a new medium-term plan would be examined. A number of ideas proposed during the thirty-eighth session would be raised at that time, and a battle could be fought. Rather, the answer to the basic question of how the Africa Commission met the criteria for a solid regional commission should be discussed in the discussion of the medium-term plan.

It was important to stress, he noted, that lessons could be learned through comparisons of the various commissions for the medium- term plan.

* *** *