The objective of this briefing is to provide an opportunity to Geneva-based diplomats to enhance their understanding of UN budgeting processes, specifically with regards to the UN General Budget and specialized UN agencies. It builds on UNITAR past workshops in New York and Geneva and aims at allowing a more in-depth view into this complex and evolving topic.

Budgeting and funding are the backbones of operational activity by any organization. The UN System as well as UN Specialised Agencies are mainly financed through assessed and voluntary contributions from Member States. UN Funds and Programmes, in turn, are financed through voluntary contributions. As a result, each nation is in a position to influence the focus of the UN’s work significantly, and in turn financing UN operations has the capacity of affecting matters of national concern such as security, for example by means of Peacekeeping operations. Therefore, this makes it fundamental for state representatives to fully understand the complex dynamics of UN financing and budgeting, and the specificities of agencies based in Geneva.

Thanks to the generous support of the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and to the other international organizations in Geneva, the briefing can be offered free of charge and upon application for diplomats from Geneva's Permanent Missions.