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Mr. Chairperson,
We wish to thank the Secretary General for his useful and informative report
under this agenda item.
Madam Chairperson,
2. Pakistan attaches high importance to the promotion of training and research
at all levels in the United Nations. Such activities are of immense value not
only to the Organization but also to the Member States, particularly, the
developing countries.
3. We greatly value the significant contribution being made by the United
Nations System Staff College project, the United Nations University, and the
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), to the goal of
human resource development. While the UN Staff College meets the learning and
knowledge sharing needs of the staff of the UN system, the UN University,
through its research documents, is providing intellectual inputs into the work
of the United Nations.
4. The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has played a
leading role in providing training services to Member States of the United
Nations. UNITAR has been offering focused and interactive courses for members of
the delegations accredited to the major UN Offices. These training activities
have enhanced the capacity of the Member States to effectively contribute in the
activities of the United Nations. UNITAR's dedicated staff and the leadership
provided by the Board of Trustees have made this possible.
5. We have read the report of the Secretary-General on UNITAR contained in
document A/58/183 with great interest. We are heartened to learn that the
Institute conducted some 130 workshops, seminars and meetings, benefiting around
6,000 participants. We also noted with satisfaction that the institute has
focused more on capacity building aspect of its mandate. Similarly, the
Institute has not only increased collaboration and cooperation with departments
and funds and programmes of the United Nations but also with other relevant
national, regional and international institutions.
6. Pakistan welcomes the new programmes and initiaitives undertaken by UNITAR.
The decision of the Board of Trustees of UNITAR to open its Regional office for
Asia and Pacific in Hiroshima, Japan is a welcome initiative. We hope that the
Office would concentrate on building the capacity of the participants from
regional countries in their areas of interests.
7. With regard to the activities of UNITAR, we have observed that the Institute
conducts programmes in diverse fields - some requiring the involvement of highly
specialized experts. Considering the existing human and financial resources
available with the Institute, it is not clear as to how UNITAR manages to
conduct such activities. In our view, it would be more productive if the
Institute focuses on some priority areas in which it has necessary expertise.
Madam Chairperson,
8. We have heard again, today, about the “financial difficulty” of UNITAR. We
are concerned that despite its impressive track record, the Institute continue
to face financial constraints. It is particularly disturbing to see that while
the UNITAR continues to provide free training facilities to Member States, the
UN is still not ready to provide the Institute with a rent-free space. We hope
that during this session, the General Assembly would send a clear signal that
the Institute be provided with office space by the United Nations on a rent-and
maintenance-free basis.
I thank you, Mr. Chairperson.