A slowdown in the US economy is set to intensify the austerity drive of the United Nations in the coming months.
In March, the UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon had proposed a three per cent cut in the UN Budget in 2012-13. However, the total cuts, as calculated by the different departments at the UN, show a 3.7 per cent reduction in the Budget, said Martin Nesirky, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
"There is a profound economic crisis that has affected every country, and countries have tightened their belts. It is obvious and proper that the UN should reflect that austerity and take it into account. Countries that had been strong contributors to the UN are feeling the pinch and they may very well decide that they may not be able to give the contribution they were able to give before," said Nesirky, on being asked if the recent economic slowdown would impact the UN funding.
However, the austerity drive would not translate into job, salary or aid activities cuts but would mean operational efficiency, said Nesirky.
At present, the US is the biggest donor to the UN. In 2010, the US provided $7.7 billion to the UN for peacekeeping and other programs.
The US government has proposed to cut more than a trillion dollar in spending over the next ten years, including $350 billion in security program and defence cuts.
EXPANSION OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL
Discussions on reforms of the UN Security Council have picked pace and a draft document is under way to narrow down the differences among the member states, said Nesirky.
India is seeking a permanent membership in the expanded Security Council.
"Member states are negotiating on the expansion and there are many competing views. The size of the membership and their status are big questions. The discussions are picking up pace. A document to narrow down the differences is under way," said Nesirky.
The UN Security Council is a 15-member body, having five permanent members who have veto rights and 10 elected for two-year terms on a regional basis. The Security Council was last expanded in 1965, when the non-permanent membership was increased from 6-10.
(The correspondent is in the US on a fellowship with the World Press Institute)
