Monday, March 31, 2008

The March 21 front-page story "Expenses at U.N. Balloon 25 Percent; U.S. Demands on Body Help Drive Up Budget" suggested that the United Nations recently "presented its top donors with a request for nearly $1.1 billion in additional funds." The implication is that spending is out of control and member states are saddled with the consequences.

But the General Assembly approved the $4.1 billion budget. All additional costs reflect new demands from members, notably the United States, particularly in peace and security. The United Nations does not "present" bills to its members; it acts upon their instructions.

A "doubling" of "administrative costs" is stated as part of the problem. The budget includes mounting costs of special political missions, including Iraq and Afghanistan. By no stretch can these be considered "administrative costs."

The costs of U.N. operations are spiraling upward because they have never been more in demand.

ALICIA BARCENA

Undersecretary General

Department of Management

United Nations

New York