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Mr Chairman,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand. I thank Ms Barcena for introducing the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the Capital Master Plan, Mr Rey for introducing the report of the Board of Auditors and Mr Saha for introducing the corresponding ACABQ report.
We would also like to extend a warm welcome to Mr Adlerstein to his first formal session of the Committee, and look forward to working closely with him.
Mr Chairman,
CANZ was surprised when we learnt that the Secretary-General planned to propose a revised implementation strategy for the project. The decision made by this Committee in June of last year to pursue Strategy IV, the phased renovation approach, came after many years of often difficult negotiations. Only 16 months later we are being asked to reconsider.
However, CANZ has carefully examined the accelerated strategy presented in the SG’s report and we agree with the ACABQ that it is the best way forward. Importantly, the accelerated strategy reduces many of the risks associated with the CMP, especially in regards to the health and safety of staff. The completion of the project sooner than planned also reduces interruption to the work of the Organisation and the chance of further cost escalation.
The accelerated strategy still leaves the CMP some $190 million over budget. We understand that the CMP office is working closely with the construction manager to identify where this cost over-run can be recovered, and we would appreciate an update on the progress of the ‘value engineering’ exercise to date.
We would also seek the assurance of the Secretary-General that, if the accelerated strategy is approved, the CMP can be delivered in accordance with the budget agreed by the GA last year.
We also note the comments by the Board of Auditors and ACABQ on the strong and effective leadership required, from the Secretary-General down, for the successful completion of the project. This leadership should include the proposed CMP advisory board, and we continue to urge its establishment.
Mr Chairman,
CANZ has been a strong supporter of the CMP since the Secretary-General first approached member states with the proposal in 2001. We hope to see some real progress in the coming 12 months towards providing a safe, healthy and efficient UN building complex.
Thank you, Mr Chairman.
