United Nations Radio


With UN finances "fragile", Ban urges member states to pay their dues

06/11/2008
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging member countries to pay their UN dues in full and on time to avoid possible cash shortfalls in the organization's budget.

In his latest report to the General Assembly on the UN's financial situation, Mr. Ban calls UN finances "fragile" and says under current projections, it may be necessary to borrow from reserve accounts in November and December.

As of the 24th of October, 133 of the 192 member states had paid their assessments to the UN regular budget in full. Of the 756 million outstanding for the regular budget, 94 per cent is owed by a single member state, and the rest by the remaining member states.

In addition to the regular budge, member states are assessed for costs of the UN international tribunals, peacekeeping and the $1.9 billion renovation of the UN headquarters, known as the Capital Master Plan.

The Secretary-General paid tribute to the 31 countries who have paid all their assessments in full, and encouraged other states to follow their example.

This is Diane Bailey reporting for United Nations Radio.

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