Sixty-first General Assembly

Fifth Committee

39^th Meeting (AM)

Budget committee takes up report on progress implementing

 

strengthened, unified United Nations security system

 

Also Considers Joint Inspection Unit’s 2007 Work Programme

The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) today discussed progress being made in further strengthening and unifying the United Nations security system following the establishment of the Department of Safety and Security some two years ago, with speakers stressing that effective safety provisions for staff at duty stations and in the field were of paramount importance to the functioning of the Organization.

David Veness, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security, said that the achievements of the Department of Safety and Security in the past two years represented a formidable example of the success of a cross-cutting approach.  The focus was on risk assessment, the Organization’s relations with host countries, access control projects, and recruitment for security posts worldwide.

Presenting the Secretary-General’s reports on the matter, he reiterated that their message was “continued support of the Assembly and follow-up by Members is sine qua non to achieving the long-term goals” of:  making security considerations an integral part of the United Nations system planning and budget process; improving understanding and cooperation with host-country authorities; and achieving integration among all 150 offices, duty stations and field locations of the United Nations.

While applauding the efforts to establish a system of strengthened and unified security management, the representative of Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China, stressed the need to set clear criteria for determining security needs and clear standards for threat and risk assessment on a worldwide basis, which could justify additional requirements for the Department of Safety and Security.  It was also imperative to identify time frames for the completion of various projects agreed by the General Assembly, particularly in the context of forthcoming discussions on the new projects under the standardized access control system and expected effects of the Capital Master Plan, as well as the proposals of the Secretary-General for realigning the Department of Peacekeeping Operations.

Regarding the standardized access control project, the representative of Germany, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said that swift action was needed to ensure compliance with Headquarters minimum operating security standards for perimeter protection and electronic access control.  He would, however, welcome clarification on the financial resources needed to implement the first phase of the project and on the proposed conversion of 134 temporary posts to established posts in the Security and Safety Service.

On the Secretary-General’s proposal to establish a crisis management capability, the representative of Japan supported the Department’s willingness to gradually take on a leading role in crisis response and crisis management for the United Nations system.  In that connection, she expressed interest in finding out about the outcome of the review conducted by the Department on the operation of an interim team and expected coverage of such capability.

The Committee also took up the 2007 proposed programme of work of the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU), which was introduced by the Unit’s Chairperson, Deborah Wynes.  She said that the focus of the year’s programme was clearly on management issues, with most of the 11 topics selected being of system-wide nature or relevant to several organizations of the United Nations system.  Requested by the Assembly to continue submitting an advance version of its programme of work at the first part of its resumed session, the Unit had modified its annual planning last year, revising and streamlining the process.  The Unit had asked all participating organizations to submit their proposals for 2007 by the end of August 2006 and approved its 2007 programme of work in December.

The representative of Pakistan, on behalf of the Group of 77, welcomed the Unit’s “responsiveness” to the reform process, as well as better coordination and improved information-sharing with other oversight bodies in an effort to avoid duplication.  The United States representative also stressed the importance of the implementation of the Unit’s recommendations by participating organizations, which was critical to ensuring that its work bore fruit in the form of improved efficiencies, financial savings, enhanced coordination and increased accountability.  He looked forward to discussing the information that the Unit would provide on the benefits to be derived from full implementation of its recommendations during the next session.

The Committee will take up the issue of after-service health insurance at 10 a.m. Friday, 9 March.

Background

The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) met this morning to take up the Organization’s new strengthened and unified security management system and the work programme of the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU).

Before the Committee was the report of the Secretary-General on a strengthened and unified security management system for the United Nations (document A/61/531), which calls for closer cooperation with host countries, and a coordinated approach to issues of staff security.  Continued support of the Assembly and follow-up by Members is sine qua non for achieving the long-term goals of:  making security considerations an integral part of the United Nations system planning and budget process; improving understanding and cooperation with host-country authorities; and improving interaction and integration with security elements of agencies, funds, and programmes to ensure coherent utilization of resources throughout the system.

The report describes the scope of the operations of the Department of Safety and Security as unique, with a biennial budget of $400 million.  Among the recent developments, it lists the recruitment of three of the six staff for the Policy, Planning and Coordination Unit; production of an updated Field Security Handbook; a number of specialized security directives; and a variety of training initiatives by the Field Support Service.  There were important improvements in software programmes deployed to all security personnel to provide reliable communications and continuity, although the report acknowledges the need for an in-house information management and communication capacity.  Of the 383 Security Officer posts, there were 99 vacancies resulting from officers being on mission assignment and delays in recruitment.  Of a total of 1,830 posts worldwide, 84 per cent have been filled, with delays in recruitment resulting from the large number of candidates and the intensive screening required.  Significant difficulties have been experienced in recruiting qualified women officers.

The document suggests a number of personnel changes, including establishing a deputy at the Assistant Secretary-General level to replace the existing D-2 Deputy to the Under-Secretary-General.  That was crucial for the smooth functioning of the Department and to provide continuity of operations in the absence of the Under-Secretary-General.  The report also recommends conversion of 134 temporary positions to established security posts, as well as endorsing establishment of a crisis management capability.

In the area of accountability, the framework submitted to the High-Level Committee on Management created concerns within several specialized agencies regarding the accountability of executive directors to the Secretary-General.  However, further negotiations enabled agreement by all organizations with the exception of the World Bank.  Cooperation with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations has been strengthened, but financial, personnel, and administrative integration remains a significant challenge due to different conditions of service of security officers in the field.  Although the Department has a crisis management structure in place to handle a crisis of limited scope, plans are still being developed for a crisis management network if the Organization were to experience a major crisis.

Finally, there have been practical problems with implementing cost-sharing arrangements, which could result in the Department facing a significant shortfall in funding.  The World Bank disagrees with the cost-sharing formula and is withholding its $11 million contribution, and all other agencies, funds, and programmes say they have no additional funds to absorb the potential shortfalls, fundamentally impacting on the Department’s ability to operate in the areas of regional field operation coordination and field support.

The Committee also had before it a report of the Secretary-General on measures to improve operational administration of existing cost-sharing arrangements for safety and security (document A/61/223).  Under the present cost-sharing system, field-related costs are apportioned among participating organizations while the central costs of management and direction of security operations are assumed by the United Nations.

The High-Level Committee on Management decided in April 2005 that field costs should be apportioned on the basis of the actual percentage of field staff, with a minimum amount of $75,000.  (Field staff includes all personnel based in countries not members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for whom the United Nations has a responsibility in terms of security and safety, irrespective of the type or duration of their contract.)  Previously, the minimum contribution was $25,000 for those organizations with less than 0.5 per cent of the total number of personnel covered by the United Nations security management system.  The Committee decided to raise the floor on contributions to support the significant increase in the field-related security budget.

The World Bank has stated that it disagrees with the cost-sharing formula for safety and security and has withheld its contribution, the report notes, adding that discussions with the organization are ongoing.  The potential shortfall could have an impact on the operations of the Department of Safety and Security.  Consultations are under way between organizations participating in the cost-sharing arrangements to discuss the strategic direction of the security management system and the scope of operational requirements for field-related activities, and to agree which inputs would be subject to cost-sharing.

The Committee also had before it a report on standardized access control at all main locations of the Organization (document A/61/566), which proposes a two-part approach to the project.  In the first phase, measures will be taken to rectify identified shortcomings and gaps in perimeter protection and electronic access control.  The total related estimated requirement of $23.68 million would be met by commitment authority to be reported in the context of the second performance reports for the tribunals and the programme budget for the biennium 2006-2007.

The second phase of the project is designed to provide a full package of protection beyond the perimeter and “into the multiple internal layers of protection”.  This would include closed-circuit television, optical portals, revolving doors, door alarms, intrusion detection, emergency intercoms and panic alarms.  All devices would be fully integrated into the existing central monitoring control centres.

Commenting on the Secretary-General’s report, the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), in document A/61/642, says that reclassification of the D-2 post of Deputy to the Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security should be considered in the context of the proposed budget for the next biennium, but has no objection to the proposed continuation of the D-2 position of Director, Headquarters Security and Safety Service.

With regard to the proposed conversion of temporary posts, the Advisory Committee recalls that the Assembly, by resolution 59/276, decided to establish 383 new Security Officer posts, of which 249 are established posts and 134 are temporary posts.  Additional information provided to the Advisory Committee indicates a marked improvement in the vacancy situation.  Recognizing the continuous nature of functions assigned to these 134 posts, the Advisory Committee recommends approval of the proposed conversion.

The Advisory Committee was informed, upon enquiry, that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through a bilateral agreement with the United Nations, administers and supports the Department of Safety and Security field security personnel (250 Professional and 369 local-level General Service posts).  There are differences in the total compensation package under UNDP and those under the United Nations, including benefits and allowances, for non-family duty stations.  The Advisory Committee sought clarification as to why those staff members were provided conditions of service that were different from those of other Secretariat staff serving in other non-family duty stations.  As this information had not been received at the time of the preparation of the present report, it should be provided directly to the General Assembly.

The ACABQ further notes the establishment of the crisis management structure and trusts that, where appropriate, related functions will be developed in cooperation with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations.  The Advisory Committee understands that the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009 will provide detailed information on the project and its costs.

On the World Bank’s participation in the cost-sharing arrangements, the Advisory Committee encourages the High-Level Committee on Management in its efforts to expeditiously resolve this matter.  United Nations bodies share a common responsibility for the security and safety of their staff and it is in their interest to provide adequate and assured funding for security.  The ACABQ also welcomes the initiative by the High-Level Committee on Management on the establishment of a governance system that would ensure that all organizations participating in cost-sharing arrangements would be periodically consulted on each step of the formulation and revision of shared budgets.

The Committee was informed, upon enquiry, that while the new access control system would generate real-time information on entry/exit of card holders and, accordingly, on their presence on United Nations premises, that data would not be used for purposes other than entry/exit control.  The Secretary-General indicates that access control records relating to entry, exit and movement within the premises are not shared except in the event of an emergency. The Advisory Committee trusts that effective measures will be put in place to guarantee the highest level of protection of personal data available in the system.

Noting that the cost estimates of $23.68 million reflect the resources needed to raise each duty station to the level of Headquarters access control standards, the Advisory Committee has also sought information on the implementation of security enhancement projects at all main duty stations.  The information was not received by the time of the preparation of the report.

The Advisory Committee has no objection to the proposal that the Assembly approve the proposed course of action and authorize the Secretary-General to enter into commitments of some $20.21 million under the 2006-2007 budget, $1.5 million under the budget for the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and $1.98 million under the budget for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, to be reported on in the context of the respective second performance reports.

Joint Inspection Unit

The Committee also had before it the 2007 proposed programme of work of the Joint Inspection Unit, which is contained in Chapter II of the Unit’s annual report (document A/62/34).  The programme contains 11 reviews, including those on corporate consultancies at the United Nations; the national competitive examinations as a recruitment tool; United Nations Humanitarian Air Service; common services in Nairobi and at regional commissions; and reviews of the World Tourism Organization, International Maritime Organization and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.  Four of those reviews are of a system-wide nature; three reviews concern common services; and four reviews concern a single organization.

Seeking to submit future programmes of work to the Assembly at an earlier stage, the Unit modified its annual planning last year, asking all participating organizations to submit their proposals for 2007 by the end of August 2006.  During its November-December session, the Unit considered the proposals in detail, taking into account the request of the Assembly that it focus on issues of system-wide interest, value and relevance.  Early adoption of the programme enabled the Unit to discuss the planned reviews with the Board of Auditors and Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) at the 14 December 2006 tripartite meeting, and to ensure that there is no overlap between the work planned by the three oversight bodies.

Introduction of Reports

Under-Secretary-General for Safety and security, DAVID VENESS, introduced the Secretary-General’s reports on the strengthened and unified security management system, measures taken to improve the cost-sharing arrangements, and standardized access control.  He stressed that the achievements of the Department of Safety and Security represented a formidable example of a cross-cutting approach to the development of a unified safety and security management system.  The Department sought to move to a position where security was provided to all parts of the Organization, focusing on implementing recruitment and growth of the Department; achieving integration among all 150 offices, duty stations and field locations; and achieving operational effectiveness, primarily through working with host countries.  He regarded the development of a new set of guidelines for host countries as a highly effective initiative.  Among the Department’s main achievements during the first two years of its existence, he noted significant rationalization of policy, improved training of personnel, introduction of threat and risk analysis, and development of an emergency response to natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

On the negative side, he said that the Department had not achieved as much as wished in the delivery of safety, particularly vehicle safety for staff.  There was also an urgent need to have the capability to deliver surge capacity in a situation of crisis.  Further, not much had been accomplished in achieving gender balance.  Cost-sharing arrangements had also presented a problem, leading to a protracted budgetary debate.  He urged all parts of the United Nations system to make it work in a practical and operational way.  Also, as the Department had inherited a wide range of contractual arrangements throughout the system, it had a challenge in relation to cohesion.  The issue also had an impact on staff morale.  More cohesion was needed in that regard.  As a result, while mandated by the Assembly to deliver an integrated and unified security management system, he had had difficulty in achieving that goal.  Enhancement of crisis management was also needed.

In connection with the documents before the Committee, he also reported that, endeavouring to take a strategic approach to the development of security crisis management in the most challenging environment, the Department was engaged in projects in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Sudan and, most recently, Somalia.  As for the development of a standardized access control system, he said that the Organization was now “in the unwise position” where more advanced security arrangements had been introduced at Headquarters than at other locations.  A unified and integrated system was most needed at the country level.

In conclusion, he said that, while commendable work had been conducted by the Department and the Organization’s broader management system, some aspects had become apparent, where support of Member States, and in particular host countries, was needed.

The Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, RAJAT SAHA, introduced a related report of the Committee.

Statements

IMTIAZ HUSSAIN (Pakistan), speaking on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China, said that the Group would continue to support measures aimed at ensuring a coherent, effective and timely response to all security-related threats and other emergencies.  While the reports before the Committee responded to a great extent to the Assembly’s requests, more information should be sought throughout the course of negotiations.  He also recalled that the Assembly had emphasized that the primary responsibility for ensuring safety and security of United Nations Staff and premises rested with the host country.  It was thus imperative to have a clear idea about the status of formal arrangements between the United Nations and host countries, in accordance with the role, responsibilities and obligations of those countries.

While applauding the efforts by the Department of Safety and Security and the Under-Secretary-General to establish a system of strengthened and unified security management, he said that there was still a need to set clear criteria for determining security needs and clear standards for threat and risk assessment on a worldwide basis, which could justify additional requirements for the Department.  In the same context, the Group had emphasized the importance of identifying time frames for the completion of various projects previously agreed by the General Assembly.  That was even more imperative now, especially in the context of the forthcoming discussions on the new projects proposed under the first phase of standardized access control and expected effects of the Capital Master Plan, as well as the proposals of the Secretary-General for realigning the Department of Peacekeeping Operations.  In addition, a comprehensive framework for the enhancement of system-wide security was needed, especially in relation to the two-phase approach of standardized access control, so as to enable Member States to take informed decisions in that important area.

He said that the Group shared the views of the ACABQ regarding standardized access control and underlined the importance of assuring Member States that effective measures were in place to guarantee the highest level of protection of personal data available on the system and that it was not shared with other entities or authorities, unless otherwise agreed by Member States.  He also expressed concern over the high rate of vacancies in different divisions of the Department of Safety and Security and looked forward to receiving further information on the current situation, as well as the efforts made to meet the agreed benchmarks on equitable geographic and gender distribution there.

Turning to the issue of cost-sharing, he said that the Group shared the views of the Advisory Committee on the matter and emphasized that it was the responsibility of the organizations participating in the United Nations security management system to pay their share of the costs of security support extended to them.  He also wanted to have more information on the organizations refusing to pay their share and the reasons behind their positions.  And finally, he assured the Committee of the Group’s willingness to work constructively with all delegations, while emphasizing that increased funding for safety and security should not be to the detriment of funding for other critical programmes and priorities of the United Nations.

UDO FENCHEL ( Germany), speaking on behalf of the European Union and associated States, regretted that the Committee had deferred the item a number of times, as that might be putting staff safety at risk.  Given the importance of safety and security for maintaining and enhancing the well-being and productivity of United Nations staff, that situation was regrettable and any further delay would simply be unsustainable.  The Union considered the issue of safety and security as a priority in the resumed session.  The ACABQ, through its recommendations, had once again acted as a most welcome beacon in the night.  With the Advisory Committee’s guidance, the Committee was now in a good position to move forward on the item.

Regarding the standard access control project, he recognized the intention to meet compliance with Headquarters minimum operating security standards for perimeter protection and electronic access control.  Swift action was needed to achieve that goal.  He would, however, welcome clarification on the financial resources needed to implement the first phase of the project and on the proposed conversion of temporary posts to established posts in the Security and Safety Service.

The Union appreciated the efforts of the High-Level Committee on Management and the Inter-Agency Security Management Network to further develop the current cost-sharing arrangements as regards safety and security expenditures.  He looked forward to hearing more advice on ways to overcome the difficulties of the current system.  Expressing continued encouragement to the Under-Secretary-General and his Department, he said the Union continued to stand ready to take on its responsibility for United Nations safety and security.

DAVID IBSEN ( United States) noted that effective safety and security provisions for United Nations staff at duty stations and in the field were of paramount importance to the Organization’s successful functioning.  He commended the Department for its efforts to achieve the objectives of:  ensuring a coherent, effective and timely response to threats and emergencies; establishing a coordinated security threat and risk assessment mechanism; developing and implementing effective security policies; and lastly, ensuring the most cost-effective provision and employment of security personnel.  The United States also appreciated the efforts of the Under-Secretary-General to increase his contacts with Member States and to maintain a high-level of direct involvement in operational matters in the field.  He supported, therefore, the proposed continuation of the D-2 position of Director, Headquarters Security and Safety Service, to provide and maintain a high-level of direction, guidance and supervision in the Department.

Regarding other posts, he noted that 84 per cent of the 1,830 posts worldwide had been filled, representing close to 85 nationalities.  The report had also indicated that the establishment of an additional 383 security posts had led to greater effectiveness in the deployment of staff.  Noting also that 99 of the security officer posts remained vacant, he encouraged the Department to fill those remaining posts without compromising the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity.  The development of a coordinated system-wide emergency response capacity to meet the challenges presented by the ever-increasing complexity of future crises and emergencies would be a large undertaking for the Department.  He looked forward to hearing more about the United Nations Crisis Operations Centre and the mandate of the small team that had been formed to explore the potential benefits of forming such a Centre.

He added that, while substantial improvements had been made in the context of strengthening safety and security over the past few years, the report also pointed out instances of insufficient security capacity -- something that would hopefully be addressed by the implementation of the first phase of the Department’s standardized access control project.  In that regard, he supported the Department’s efforts to raise the minimum Headquarters operating standards and to achieve those standards in a way that satisfied the interests of both “cost-efficiency and security effectiveness”.  He would seek elaboration from the Secretariat on the specific proposals and projects contained in the first and second phase of the standardized access control project.

Reiterating his firm support for the Department, he noted that, while his delegation might seek further information on some of the specific proposals, it firmly believed that a number of the Department’s proposals contained in the reports should be implemented as expeditiously as possible.  As the oversight body of the security function, the Committee owed it to the many United Nations staff deployed through the world to provide them with the security support they needed.

MISAKO KAJI ( Japan) noted that, at its fifty-ninth session, the Assembly had adopted a resolution establishing the Department of Safety and Security.  That was an important step towards achieving a unified security standard system-wide.  In the resolution, the Assembly had requested the Secretary-General to submit to it at its next session a comprehensive report on implementation.  Japan, therefore, welcomed the introduction of the report, regardless of the fact that it had taken more time to prepare than had been expected.  She also took note of the other reports introduced this morning.

On the issue of the review of posts, she said her delegation would like more clarification from the Secretariat as to why the introduction of technology had had no effect in reducing the number of security officers.  She was not totally persuaded by the explanation provided in the annex to the Advisory Committee’s report.  On the review of the level of deputy to the Under-Secretary-General, she agreed with the ACABQ that that issue should be taken up in the context of the next biennial budget.  It was also necessary to keep in mind what the performance reports had originally been intended for.

On the issue of the Secretary-General’s proposal to establish a crisis management capability, she supported the Department’s willingness to gradually take on a leading role in crisis response and crisis management for the United Nations system.  She would be interested, however, in finding out about the outcome of the review conducted by the Department on the operation of an interim team and expected coverage of such capability.  While acknowledging the importance of achieving compliance with the minimum operating standards of United Nations Headquarters, detailed information was needed on the second phase of the process creating standardized access control and the proposed date the report was to be submitted to the Assembly at its sixty-second session.  She reiterated Japans’ support for the principle of cost-sharing in the area of maintaining the safety and security of United Nations personnel.

Joint Inspection Unit

Introducing the Joint Inspection Unit’s work programme, its Chairperson, DEBORAH WYNES, said that the focus of the programme was clearly on management issues.  Most of the 11 topics were of system-wide nature or relevant to several organizations of the United Nations system.

She elaborated on the reviews that the Unit intended to conduct this year and added that the programme was based on what the Unit could reasonably expect to achieve with current resources.  The current post structure, with only 8 research officers supporting 11 Inspectors, involved some serious limitations for the optimal planning and implementation of projects.  The Unit had, therefore, submitted, in its budget submission for 2008-2009, a proposal for the conversion of two General Service posts to research officer positions.  She was convinced that proposed changes would greatly improve the structure and would increase the Unit’s productivity.  That was critical for the Unit and she was very pleased that the Controller had accepted that request to be included in the Secretary-General’s 2008-2009 budget proposal.

IMTIAZ HUSSAIN ( Pakistan), speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 developing countries and China, said the Group attached great importance to the Unit’s work, as the sole independent, external oversight body of the United Nations system.  The Unit had demonstrated its responsiveness to the reform process by acting expeditiously on the provisions of General Assembly resolutions with regard to its role in the United Nations system.  A clear example of that was the submission of its annual report and programme of work for 2007 to the Committee at the beginning of the year, taking into account the essence of the discussion on the issue last year.  The Group welcomed the Unit’s efforts to focus its 2007 programme of work on issues of system-wide interest, value and relevance to the efficient functioning of all organizations to which it provided services, in accordance with the Assembly’s request.  In that context, he said the 11 reviews the Unit intended to prepare for 2007 would benefit the United Nations as a whole.

As part of the ongoing attempts to avoid duplication of efforts, he commended the Unit for promoting interaction with the Office of Internal Oversight Services and the Board of Auditors, as well as for promoting dialogue with oversight bodies at other organizations of the United Nations system.  The early adoption of the work programme had enabled the Unit to discuss in detail the planned reviews with the Board of Auditors and the OIOS at the 14 December 2006 tripartite meeting, as well as to ensure that there was no overlap between the work planned by the Board, the OIOS and the JIU.

Concluding, he emphasized the understanding that the Assembly would take note of the Unit’s 2007 programme of work, adding that the Committee was “not here to review or to change the programme”.  The Union reiterated its support to the Unit’s continued relevance, mandate and important role as an oversight body in the United Nations system.  He also took note of the important request for different resources, noting that the Union would look favourably at the request in the context of the discussions on the budget for the next biennium.

ANDREW HILLMAN ( United States) said that his delegation had been particularly pleased to learn that, by advancing its own annual planning process, the Unit had enjoyed a number of benefits, including better coordination and improved information-sharing with other oversight bodies.  The fact that the Unit had been able to discuss in detail its proposed reviews with the Board of Auditors and the OIOS at the December tripartite meeting, in order to help avoid overlap in the work of those three oversight bodies, was a positive outcome of the Unit’s decision to advance its annual planning process.  As called for in resolutions 60/258 and 61/238, the Unit’s ongoing efforts to strengthen follow-up with participating organizations on the implementation of the Unit’s recommendations remained critical to ensuring that its work bore fruit in the form of improved efficiencies, financial savings, enhanced coordination and increased accountability.  He looked forward to discussing the information that the Unit would provide on the benefits to be derived from full implementation of its recommendations when the Committee considered the Unit’s report in full during the next session.

In reviewing the Unit’s proposed programme of work for 2007, the United States noted with interest the Unit’s plans to assess the World Tourism Organization and corporate sponsoring in organizations of the United Nations system, he said.  At the same time, other reviews planned by the Unit raised questions concerning the proposed objectives and scope, for which the United States would welcome additional information.  He looked forward to further discussions in informal consultations on the review of the common services at United Nations regional commissions; review of the International Maritime Organization; review of Special Representatives of the Secretary-General and Resident Coordinators; and review of the common services in Nairobi.

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