Fiddling while the UN runs out of cash

The need to avoid business as usual in the Fifth Committee

On 25 June, the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly concluded the second part of its resumed 79th session without agreement on proposals to address the liquidity crisis. Despite the worsening cash shortfall, the Secretariat and Member States have been acting as if the current situation is business as usual despite all evidence to the contrary. Addressing the worsening financial situation requires going beyond platitudes and posturing to take bold measures and decisive action. It also requires that Member States stop allowing those countries that are the primary drivers of the liquidity crisis from weaponizing the working methods of the Fifth Committee to block the decisions required to ameliorate the situation.

The Secretariat

When asked what needs to be done to address the liquidity crisis, the Secretary-General has stated that the only solution to the liquidity crisis is for Member States to pay in full and on time. This is true—but it is also beside the point. The UN has had to c…