The Finance and Budget Network Report provides a summary of the twice yearly meetings of the network. Each report includes the list of participants, updates on the progress of the working groups and conclusions and action points.
The Finance and Budget Network (FBN) held its 34th session on 19th November 2019 via videoconference. The FB Network discussed the following issues: HLCM cross-functional Task Force on Risk Management; Update on EU-UN FAFA negotiations; Harmonized principles for cost recovery; Task Force on Accounting Standards (TFAS) - Update on IPSAS 23 discussions; Follow up from the HLCM discussion on the Future of the UN Workforce; Centralized treasury investment management function; Format and agenda of the 35th session (08-09 July 2020 hosted by ICAO in Montreal); Any other business;
The FB Network discussed the following issues: After-service health insurance; the United Nations Panel of External Auditors and Independent Audit Advisory Committee; System-wide harmonization of risk management practices; Innovation of Financial Management in the UN system and future of the Finance function; Developments in the IPSAS Board; Cost recovery policies; EU-UN FAFA revision implications; Implications of UN reform; Innovative financing; and Common Treasury Services.
The FB Network discussed the following issues: System-wide harmonization of risk management practices; Innovation of Financial Management in the UN system; Task Force on Accounting Standards and IPSAS 23; and “The UN data cube” standards for system wide reporting of financial data.
The FB Network discussed the following issues: After-service health insurance; the United Nations Independent Audit Advisory Committee; System-wide harmonization of risk management practices; Innovation and Reform of Financial Management in the UN system; Administrative and Financial Relations with International Financial Institutions; Developments in the IPSAS Board; “The UN’s future data cube” including reporting of financial flows against the SDGs and common data standards; Cost recovery policies; and Reporting fraud to donors.
The FB Network discussed the following issues: UN System Data Cube; UN Relations with the World Bank and other International Financial Institutions; After-service-health insurance (ASHI); Common definitions of implementing partner, grant recipient and vendor; Common treasury services; Task Force on Accounting Standards; Funding model for jointly financed security costs.
The FB Network discussed the following issues: After-service-health insurance (ASHI); Measuring the cost and impact of oversight and accountability mechanisms in the UN system; Common treasury services; Funding model for jointly financed security costs; Cost sharing methodologies for JFA budgets; US tax reimbursement methodologies; Developments in External Audit; Global service centres; Task Force on common definitions related to fraud and implementing partners; Risk management and fraud risks.
The FB Network discussed the following issues: After-service-health insurance (ASHI); Revised Terms of Reference of the Task Force on Accounting Standards; Quantifying the cost of oversight and accountability mechanisms in the UN system; Health support plans for duty stations world-wide; Common treasury services banking harmonization project; Governance of jointly financed security costs; Presentation of the FB Network Co-Chair to the Panel of External Auditors Technical Group.
The FB Network discussed the following issues: Quantifying the cost of oversight in the UN system; Common treasury services banking harmonization project; New and revised audit standards; Update from the Task Force on Accounting Standards; Update on the review by UN agencies od PAGoDA2; Best practices and system-wide actions while engaging with implementing partners; After-service-health insurance (ASHI); Governance of jointly financed security costs; Cash distribution to beneficiaries; UNFCU restricted savings accounts for national staff; Financing for development: UN Po
The FB Network discussed the following issues: After-service-health insurance (ASHI); Quantifying the cost of oversight in the UN system; Enterprise Resource Planning interoperability study; UNFCU restricted savings accounts for national staff; Update from the Task Force on Accounting Standards; Common definition of operating costs and standardized system of cost control; Governance of jointly financed security costs; Panel of External Auditors; ICSC compensation review.
The FB Network discussed the following issues: After-service-health insurance (ASHI); update on ICSC compensation review; Cost-recovery rate for pooled fund mechanism; Common definition of operating costs and a common and standardized system of cost control; Consultative process on 2016-2017 UNSMS budget; Proposal for an agreement on medical emergency evacuation; Review of the implications of IPSAS adoption for jointly-financed activities; Review on the implementation by UN agencies of PAGODA; Quantifying the cost of oversight in the UN system; Common Treasury Services – P
The FB Network discussed the following issues: The UN system-wide IPSAS project proposal beyond 2015; Cost-recovery rate for pooled fund mechanims; After-service-health insurance (ASHI); Common Treasury Services – Progress report; 2016-2017 budget process of Jointly Financed Activities; update on ICSC compensation review; recent development in the EC-UN negotiations; development of a proposal for a unified system-wide policy for medical emergency evacuation.
The FB Network discussed the following issues: New template agreement between the EU and the UN; The UN system-wide IPSAS project proposal beyond 2015; Proposal of a reference risk management, oversight and accountability model for common positioning by the UN system with governing bodies; Common definition of operating costs and a common and standardized system of cost control; Harmonization of rules and regulations, policies and procedures at the country, regional and headquarters level in the functional area of finance; After-service-health insurance (ASHI); Common Treasury Services – Pr
The FB Network discussed the following issues: Common definition of operating costs and a common and standardized system of cost control; Proposal of a reference risk management, oversight and accountability model for common positioning by the UN system with governing bodies; implementation of statement on internal control in financial reports; FB Network terms of reference; after-service-health insurance (ASHI) - study of funding options; status and action of the FB Network initiatives from the HLCM Plan on Harmonization of Busienss Practices in the UN System - Common Treasury Services; co
Discussions were held on the medium-term plan for the FB Network; status and next steps of the common treasury services projects; cost-shared budgets for JFAs for 2014-2015; status and next steps of financial statistics project; preliminary agenda for the FB Network face-to-face meeting in June 2013.
The FB Network discussed the following issues: outcomes of the meeting of the Task Force on Accounting Standards; cost-sharing arrangements of the UNSMS (special session), status and action of the FB Network initiatives from the HBP; internal control in financial reports (risk management and accountability framework); accrual budgeting; system-wide anti-money laundering policy, harmonizition of practices and pooling & investment of ASHI funds; role of the FB Network in the next stages of delivering as one, QCPR negotiations, coordination with UNDG.
At the videoconference the following items were discussed: Common Treasury Services, After Service Health Insurance, Safety and Security Costs, Financial Statistics, IPSAS Task Force.
Follow-up to the Task Force on Accounting Standards meeting; Progress update from the Working Group on Common Treasury Services; Cost sharing arrangements for Jointly Funded Activities; Update from the Working Group on Safety and Security Costs; UN System-wide Financial Statistics Database and Reporting System; and Impact of IPSAS on budgeting.
Review and approval of the proposed plan of work for the FB Network for 2011 including Feasibility Study Project for Common Treasury Services, UN System-wide Financial Statistics Database and Reporting System project, UN system-wide implementation of IPSAS, Budgeting and IPSAS, Working Group on Safety and Security Costs, and Working Group on Financial Reporting; and Draft agenda FB Network face-to-face meeting, Turin, 21-22 September.
Update on the HLCM Plan of Action for the Harmonization of Business Practices including WG on Common Treasury Services; and the UN System-wide Financial Statistics Database and Reporting System project; JIU, ICSC and CEB Secretariat 2012-2013 budget proposals; DSS JFA Programme Budget proposal for 2012 - 2013; and Action points from the Task Force on Accounting Standards; WG on Safety and Security Costs.
Follow-up to IPSAS Task Force; Personal Financial Disclosure Programmes; Update from the joint FBHR network Working Group on Compensation for Service Incurred death, injuries and illnesses (Appendix D); UN operational rates of exchange (UNROE); Interim results from the Working Group on Safety and Security Costs; Common Services Centres; Progress report from the Working Group on Common Treasury Services; Progress report from the WG on Financial Reporting; Presentation of the UN System Financial Statistics 2010; Progress report from the WG on Harmonized Financial Rules and Regulations; and Up
Update on the HLCM Plan of Action for the Harmonization of Business Practices including WG on Common Treasury Services; the UN System-wide Financial Statistics Database and Reporting System project; the UNDG-HLCM WG on Cost Recovery Policy; status of the joint FBHR Network WG on Long Term Care; the joint FBHR network WG on Appendix D; WG on Staff Safety and Security; WG on Harmonized Financial Regulations and Rules; follow-up to the IPSAS Task Force meeting (Rome, Dec-2009) and IPSAS implementation progress; and organization of future FB Network meetings.
Follow-up to IPSAS Task Force; Recommendations of the HLCM Steering Committee on Staff Safety and Security; Cost Sharing Arrangements for Jointly Financed Activities 2010-2011; UNDG-HLCM Working Group on Cost Recovery Policies; UN System Financial Statistics – 2008 Edition; Common Treasury Services; and FB-related Projects included in the HLCM Plan of Action for Harmonization of Business Practices.
Follow-up to IPSAS Task Force; Lump Sum for Security Evaluation Allowance; Cost Sharing Arrangements for Jointly Financed Activities 2010-2011; Initial Observations of the Survey on Common Treasury Services; and FB-related Projects included in the HLCM Plan of Action for Harmonization of Business Practices.
Guidance on Consolidation; IPSAS and Budget implications; Off shoring of administrative functions; UNDGFB Network Coordination; Cost recovery policies; and Progress of work on Harmonization of Financial Regulations and Rules.
Briefing by the Office of the Controller of the United Nations on preparation for the upcoming meeting of the FAFA Working Group; IPSAS: issues from the Task Force; Progress of work on Harmonization of Financial Regulations and Rules; Cost recovery policies; and Coordination and distribution of work between the UNDG Management Group and the FB Network on financial management issues.
Joint session of the FB Network and the HLCM Task Force on Accounting Standards; Approval of IPSAS matters finalized in the Task Force meeting; Disclosure of information contained in Internal Audit Reports; and Contribution of the FB Network to the HLCM proposal for the harmonization of UN system-wide business practices.
Briefing on the status of the IPSAS project; Briefing on the activities of the UNDG working group on financial policies; UN system financial statistics: results of the survey; and Fraud prevention.
The Finance and Budget Network Report provides a summary of the twice yearly meetings of the network. Each report includes the list of participants, updates on the progress of the working groups and conclusions and action points.
Report of 34th session (19 November 2019)
The Finance and Budget Network (FBN) held its 34th session on 19th November 2019 via videoconference. The FB Network discussed the following issues: HLCM cross-functional Task Force on Risk Management; Update on EU-UN FAFA negotiations; Harmonized principles for cost recovery; Task Force on Accounting Standards (TFAS) - Update on IPSAS 23 discussions; Follow up from the HLCM discussion on the Future of the UN Workforce; Centralized treasury investment management function; Format and agenda of the 35th session (08-09 July 2020 hosted by ICAO in Montreal); Any other business;
Report of 33rd session (16-18 July 2019)
The FB Network discussed the following issues: After-service health insurance; the United Nations Panel of External Auditors and Independent Audit Advisory Committee; System-wide harmonization of risk management practices; Innovation of Financial Management in the UN system and future of the Finance function; Developments in the IPSAS Board; Cost recovery policies; EU-UN FAFA revision implications; Implications of UN reform; Innovative financing; and Common Treasury Services.
Report of the 32nd session (4 December 2018 VTC)
The FB Network discussed the following issues: System-wide harmonization of risk management practices; Innovation of Financial Management in the UN system; Task Force on Accounting Standards and IPSAS 23; and “The UN data cube” standards for system wide reporting of financial data.
Report of the 31st session (12-13 June 2018)
The FB Network discussed the following issues: After-service health insurance; the United Nations Independent Audit Advisory Committee; System-wide harmonization of risk management practices; Innovation and Reform of Financial Management in the UN system; Administrative and Financial Relations with International Financial Institutions; Developments in the IPSAS Board; “The UN’s future data cube” including reporting of financial flows against the SDGs and common data standards; Cost recovery policies; and Reporting fraud to donors.
Report of the 30th session (5 December 2017 VTC)
The FB Network discussed the following issues: UN System Data Cube; UN Relations with the World Bank and other International Financial Institutions; After-service-health insurance (ASHI); Common definitions of implementing partner, grant recipient and vendor; Common treasury services; Task Force on Accounting Standards; Funding model for jointly financed security costs.
Report of the 29th session (27-28 June 2017)
The FB Network discussed the following issues: After-service-health insurance (ASHI); Measuring the cost and impact of oversight and accountability mechanisms in the UN system; Common treasury services; Funding model for jointly financed security costs; Cost sharing methodologies for JFA budgets; US tax reimbursement methodologies; Developments in External Audit; Global service centres; Task Force on common definitions related to fraud and implementing partners; Risk management and fraud risks.
Report of the 28th session (21 November 2016)
The FB Network discussed the following issues: After-service-health insurance (ASHI); Revised Terms of Reference of the Task Force on Accounting Standards; Quantifying the cost of oversight and accountability mechanisms in the UN system; Health support plans for duty stations world-wide; Common treasury services banking harmonization project; Governance of jointly financed security costs; Presentation of the FB Network Co-Chair to the Panel of External Auditors Technical Group.
Report of 27th Session (23-24 June 2016)
The FB Network discussed the following issues: Quantifying the cost of oversight in the UN system; Common treasury services banking harmonization project; New and revised audit standards; Update from the Task Force on Accounting Standards; Update on the review by UN agencies od PAGoDA2; Best practices and system-wide actions while engaging with implementing partners; After-service-health insurance (ASHI); Governance of jointly financed security costs; Cash distribution to beneficiaries; UNFCU restricted savings accounts for national staff; Financing for development: UN Po
Report of 26th Session (8 February 2016)
The FB Network discussed the following issues: After-service-health insurance (ASHI); Quantifying the cost of oversight in the UN system; Enterprise Resource Planning interoperability study; UNFCU restricted savings accounts for national staff; Update from the Task Force on Accounting Standards; Common definition of operating costs and standardized system of cost control; Governance of jointly financed security costs; Panel of External Auditors; ICSC compensation review.
Report of 25th Session (25-26 June 2015)
The FB Network discussed the following issues: After-service-health insurance (ASHI); update on ICSC compensation review; Cost-recovery rate for pooled fund mechanism; Common definition of operating costs and a common and standardized system of cost control; Consultative process on 2016-2017 UNSMS budget; Proposal for an agreement on medical emergency evacuation; Review of the implications of IPSAS adoption for jointly-financed activities; Review on the implementation by UN agencies of PAGODA; Quantifying the cost of oversight in the UN system; Common Treasury Services – P
Report of 24th Session (18 December 2014)
The FB Network discussed the following issues: The UN system-wide IPSAS project proposal beyond 2015; Cost-recovery rate for pooled fund mechanims; After-service-health insurance (ASHI); Common Treasury Services – Progress report; 2016-2017 budget process of Jointly Financed Activities; update on ICSC compensation review; recent development in the EC-UN negotiations; development of a proposal for a unified system-wide policy for medical emergency evacuation.
Report of 23rd Session (16-17 June 2014, IAEA, Vienna )
The FB Network discussed the following issues: New template agreement between the EU and the UN; The UN system-wide IPSAS project proposal beyond 2015; Proposal of a reference risk management, oversight and accountability model for common positioning by the UN system with governing bodies; Common definition of operating costs and a common and standardized system of cost control; Harmonization of rules and regulations, policies and procedures at the country, regional and headquarters level in the functional area of finance; After-service-health insurance (ASHI); Common Treasury Services – Pr
Report of 21st Session (24-25 June 2013, WFP, Rome)
The FB Network discussed the following issues: Common definition of operating costs and a common and standardized system of cost control; Proposal of a reference risk management, oversight and accountability model for common positioning by the UN system with governing bodies; implementation of statement on internal control in financial reports; FB Network terms of reference; after-service-health insurance (ASHI) - study of funding options; status and action of the FB Network initiatives from the HLCM Plan on Harmonization of Busienss Practices in the UN System - Common Treasury Services; co
Report of 20th Session (26 February 2013 & 1 March 2013)
Discussions were held on the medium-term plan for the FB Network; status and next steps of the common treasury services projects; cost-shared budgets for JFAs for 2014-2015; status and next steps of financial statistics project; preliminary agenda for the FB Network face-to-face meeting in June 2013.
Report of 19th Session (September 2012, UN, New York)
The FB Network discussed the following issues: outcomes of the meeting of the Task Force on Accounting Standards; cost-sharing arrangements of the UNSMS (special session), status and action of the FB Network initiatives from the HBP; internal control in financial reports (risk management and accountability framework); accrual budgeting; system-wide anti-money laundering policy, harmonizition of practices and pooling & investment of ASHI funds; role of the FB Network in the next stages of delivering as one, QCPR negotiations, coordination with UNDG.
Report of 18th Session Videoconference (16 February 2012)
At the videoconference the following items were discussed: Common Treasury Services, After Service Health Insurance, Safety and Security Costs, Financial Statistics, IPSAS Task Force.
Report of 17th Session (September 2011, ITC-ILO, Turin)
Follow-up to the Task Force on Accounting Standards meeting; Progress update from the Working Group on Common Treasury Services; Cost sharing arrangements for Jointly Funded Activities; Update from the Working Group on Safety and Security Costs; UN System-wide Financial Statistics Database and Reporting System; and Impact of IPSAS on budgeting.
Report of 16th Session Videoconference (May 2011)
Review and approval of the proposed plan of work for the FB Network for 2011 including Feasibility Study Project for Common Treasury Services, UN System-wide Financial Statistics Database and Reporting System project, UN system-wide implementation of IPSAS, Budgeting and IPSAS, Working Group on Safety and Security Costs, and Working Group on Financial Reporting; and Draft agenda FB Network face-to-face meeting, Turin, 21-22 September.
Report of 15th Session Videoconference (February 2011)
Update on the HLCM Plan of Action for the Harmonization of Business Practices including WG on Common Treasury Services; and the UN System-wide Financial Statistics Database and Reporting System project; JIU, ICSC and CEB Secretariat 2012-2013 budget proposals; DSS JFA Programme Budget proposal for 2012 - 2013; and Action points from the Task Force on Accounting Standards; WG on Safety and Security Costs.
Report of 14th Session Videoconference (November 2010)
External Review Report and Recommendations of the CEB System-wide IPSAS Process and Project.
Report of 13th Session (September 2010, PAHO, Washington, D.C)
Follow-up to IPSAS Task Force; Personal Financial Disclosure Programmes; Update from the joint FBHR network Working Group on Compensation for Service Incurred death, injuries and illnesses (Appendix D); UN operational rates of exchange (UNROE); Interim results from the Working Group on Safety and Security Costs; Common Services Centres; Progress report from the Working Group on Common Treasury Services; Progress report from the WG on Financial Reporting; Presentation of the UN System Financial Statistics 2010; Progress report from the WG on Harmonized Financial Rules and Regulations; and Up
Report of 12th Session Videoconference (February 2010)
Update on the HLCM Plan of Action for the Harmonization of Business Practices including WG on Common Treasury Services; the UN System-wide Financial Statistics Database and Reporting System project; the UNDG-HLCM WG on Cost Recovery Policy; status of the joint FBHR Network WG on Long Term Care; the joint FBHR network WG on Appendix D; WG on Staff Safety and Security; WG on Harmonized Financial Regulations and Rules; follow-up to the IPSAS Task Force meeting (Rome, Dec-2009) and IPSAS implementation progress; and organization of future FB Network meetings.
Report of 11th Session (May 2009 Rome)
Follow-up to IPSAS Task Force; Recommendations of the HLCM Steering Committee on Staff Safety and Security; Cost Sharing Arrangements for Jointly Financed Activities 2010-2011; UNDG-HLCM Working Group on Cost Recovery Policies; UN System Financial Statistics – 2008 Edition; Common Treasury Services; and FB-related Projects included in the HLCM Plan of Action for Harmonization of Business Practices.
Report of 10th Session Videoconference (February 2009)
Follow-up to IPSAS Task Force; Lump Sum for Security Evaluation Allowance; Cost Sharing Arrangements for Jointly Financed Activities 2010-2011; Initial Observations of the Survey on Common Treasury Services; and FB-related Projects included in the HLCM Plan of Action for Harmonization of Business Practices.
Report of 9th Session (July 2008, UNICEF, New York)
Guidance on Consolidation; IPSAS and Budget implications; Off shoring of administrative functions; UNDGFB Network Coordination; Cost recovery policies; and Progress of work on Harmonization of Financial Regulations and Rules.
Report of 8th Session Videoconference (March 2008)
Briefing by the Office of the Controller of the United Nations on preparation for the upcoming meeting of the FAFA Working Group; IPSAS: issues from the Task Force; Progress of work on Harmonization of Financial Regulations and Rules; Cost recovery policies; and Coordination and distribution of work between the UNDG Management Group and the FB Network on financial management issues.
Report of 7th Session (June 2007, Geneva)
Joint session of the FB Network and the HLCM Task Force on Accounting Standards; Approval of IPSAS matters finalized in the Task Force meeting; Disclosure of information contained in Internal Audit Reports; and Contribution of the FB Network to the HLCM proposal for the harmonization of UN system-wide business practices.
Report of 6th Session (August 2006, IAEA, Vienna)
Briefing on the status of the IPSAS project; Briefing on the activities of the UNDG working group on financial policies; UN system financial statistics: results of the survey; and Fraud prevention.
Report of 5th Session Videoconference (February 2006)
Report of 4th Session (July 2005, New York)
Report of 3rd Session Videoconference (March 2005)
Report of 2nd Session Videoconference (September 2004)
Report of 1st Session (February 2004, Geneva)