We have just seen the blueprint of the 2018 budget released by the White House.

The budgetary process in the U.S. is complex and lengthy and it needs to be completed.

The Secretary-General is grateful for the support the United States has given to the United Nations over the years as the organization’s largest financial contributor.

The Secretary-General is totally committed to reforming the United Nations and ensuring that it is fit for purpose and delivers results in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. However, abrupt funding cuts can force the adoption of ad hoc measures that will undermine the impact of longer-term reform efforts.

The Secretary-General stands ready to discuss with the United States and any other Member State how best we can create a more cost-effective organization to pursue our shared goals and values.

The Secretary-General fully subscribes to the necessity to effectively combat terrorism but believes that it requires more than military spending. There is also a need to address the underlying drivers of terrorism through continuing investments in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, countering violent extremism, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, sustainable and inclusive development, the enhancement and respect of human rights, and timely responses to humanitarian crises.

The international community is facing enormous global challenges that can only be addressed by a strong and effective multilateral system, of which the United Nations remains the fundamental pillar.

Stéphane Dujarric
Spokesman for the Secretary-General
New York, 16 March 2017

Image: UN Photo/Lois Conner. The Government of Mexico donated to the United Nations a painting entitled “Brotherhood” by the Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo. This painting, which measures 29 feet by 13 feet, shows at the centre of the canvas a large fire, symbolizing love, surrounded by human figures with interlaced arms. On the right side of the canvas, the artist painted a modern lofty structure symbolizing technology and on the left side he introduced a little Mexican touch by painting a Mexican pyramid, which symbolizes the past. As the artist explained, this represents “eternity in which I hope brotherhood will prevail”.