The United Nations has issued a stark warning regarding its financial future, stating that it faces imminent collapse unless member nations, particularly the United States, fulfill their outstanding financial obligations. According to senior officials at the UN, the international organization may exhaust its funds by July, forcing it to shut down its headquarters in New York as early as August.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres communicated this urgent message in a recent letter to ambassadors from all 196 member states, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the current financial crisis. He noted that this situation jeopardizes essential programs aimed at maintaining international peace, sustainable development, and human rights.
The financial turmoil could have far-reaching consequences, including the cancellation of the annual General Assembly of world leaders scheduled for September and the closure of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which plays a critical role in responding to global emergencies. Guterres expressed deep concern, stating, “The crisis is deepening, threatening program delivery and risking financial collapse,” and underscored the urgency for action.
The United States bears a significant responsibility, accounting for approximately 95% of the UN’s outstanding dues, equating to around $2.2 billion. This debt comprises unpaid annual dues for the fiscal years 2025 and 2026. In a recent budget allocation, the UN General Assembly approved $3.45 billion for the 2026 budget, yet the financial commitments from certain member states, particularly the U.S., remain unresolved.
The U.S. mission to the UN has deferred inquiries to the State Department, but a senior UN official indicated that while the U.S. is poised to contribute $160 million for active peacekeeping missions, it will not fulfill its financial responsibilities toward international tribunals.
Farhan Haq, a UN spokesman, reinforced the critical nature of the situation, declaring, “When it comes to paying, it’s now or never.” He highlighted that a shutdown could severely hinder humanitarian operations globally and disrupt the work of civilian staff. While agencies like UNICEF and the World Food Program may continue functioning independently, the overall coordination of relief efforts would suffer.
Richard Gowan from the International Crisis Group noted that morale among UN personnel is already low due to previous layoffs and budget cuts. He expressed concern that if funding issues persist, staff may be pressured to work without pay temporarily, which could further complicate ongoing conflict mediation and peacekeeping tasks.
Historically, similar warnings from the UN have prompted responses from significant donors, and experts suggest that Guterres is likely seeking a renewed commitment from these countries to avert a financial crisis. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely to see whether prompt action will be taken to secure the UN’s vital operations.
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