COPENHAGEN - Procurement of goods and services by the United Nations reached $14.5 billion in 2010, up 5.4 percent on the previous year, as the UN responded to natural disasters, medical emergencies and the global food crisis.

The 2010 Annual Statistical Report on UN Procurement, compiled by UNOPS on behalf of the UN system, shows the largest sums were spent on food, pharmaceuticals, transport and construction, such as building schools and hospitals.