Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon applauded Member States for adopting a budget of $5.4 billion for the United Nations to carry out its vital work during the 2016-2017 biennium.
The 193-member General Assembly wrapped up its work for the main part of its seventieth session by taking action on a number of texts recommended by the Fifth Committee, which focuses on administrative and budgetary issues.
Assembly has “wisely” decided to add resources to strengthen the very important pillar of development, commending its decision to support the follow-up and review of the world body’s efforts to reach the Sustainable Development Goals and carry out the financing for development agenda.
The Assembly also decided to reduce resources under Public Information and Common Support Services even more than the efficiencies he identified.
Mr. Ban also applauded the consensus decisions taken on the revised scale of assessments for Member States for sharing the costs of the regular budget and peacekeeping operations, which is reviewed every three years, as well as the approval of a mobility framework for UN staff.
The President of the General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft, said he was very satisfied that the negotiations on the budget and other administrative items were concluded in such good spirit.
