The United Nations faces the risk of “imminent financial collapse” because of unpaid contributions, including substantial arrears from the United States, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned.
In a letter to member states dated 28 January, Guterres said the organisation’s liquidity crisis was worsening and could begin to disrupt programmes within months.
“The crisis is deepening, threatening programme delivery and risking financial collapse. And the situation will deteriorate further in the near future,” he wrote.
The letter highlights the UN’s reliance on assessed contributions, particularly from major economies.
The United States, which accounts for 22% of the regular budget, has reduced voluntary funding to UN agencies and has not fully paid its mandatory contributions, according to UN officials. China follows with 20% of the core budget.
By the end of 2025, unpaid dues reached a record $1.57 billion, though Guterres did not specify which countries were behind the arrears. UN officials estimate the United States currently owes $2.19 billion for the regular budget, $1.88 billion for active peacekeeping missions, and $528 million for past operations.
Under current rules, the UN must return unspent contributions to member states, creating what Guterres called a “Kafkaesque cycle.” Even as states agreed to reduce the 2026 budget by around 7% to $3.45 billion, the Secretary-General warned the organisation could run out of funds by July.
Guterres urged member states to either meet their financial obligations in full and on time or fundamentally reform the UN’s budget rules to avoid collapse.
Founded in 1945, the United Nations has 193 member states and is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, coordinating humanitarian aid, and fostering social and economic development.
The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Guterres’ letter.
Russian attacks on Ukraine's southern ports killed at least five people, damaged foreign-flagged civilian vessels, and further disrupted Black Sea gra...
The United States launched a seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iran as Tehran targeted U.S. allies in the Gulf, while tensions remain high in th...
Aid organisations in Afghanistan are struggling to keep women in work as Taliban restrictions force them to spend more on male guardians, transport an...
The United States launched a seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iran as Tehran targeted U.S. allies in the Gulf, while tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz.
At least four people have died and four others remain missing after flash floods swept through a mountainous village in northern Vietnam, as days of heavy rain continue to batter the region.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 18th of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Israel killed at least eight Palestinians in an airstrike that hit mourners attending a funeral in central Gaza on Friday, according to local health officials, in one of the deadliest attacks reported in the strip since a ceasefire took effect last October.
The half-time interval during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final is expected to be extended to around 30 minutes to accommodate the tournament’s first-ever major half-time concert.
The U.S. military announced that it has completed a new wave of strikes against Iranian military targets under U.S. President Donald Trump's orders. The operation targeted command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance sites across multiple locations.
Nineteen years ago, at Barcelona's Camp Nou, Lionel Messi posed for a charity photo shoot with a five-month-old baby he had never met. On Sunday, that baby, Lamine Yamal, will face Messi in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final as Spain take on Argentina. A full-circle football story.
The U.S. military said it completed a sixth consecutive night of strikes on Iran late on Thursday, targeting logistics infrastructure and maritime capabilities. Iran responded by launching strikes at U.S. bases in neighbouring countries.
SpaceX's Starship rocket aborted its 13th flight test just seconds before liftoff in Texas on Thursday after some of its 33 engines failed to start. CEO Elon Musk said the company is likely to make another launch attempt early next week.
Russian attacks on Ukraine's southern ports killed at least five people, damaged foreign-flagged civilian vessels, and further disrupted Black Sea grain exports, while Ukraine launched drone strikes targeting Russian logistics and infrastructure.
At least four people have died and four others remain missing after flash floods swept through a mountainous village in northern Vietnam, as days of heavy rain continue to batter the region.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 18th of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Israel killed at least eight Palestinians in an airstrike that hit mourners attending a funeral in central Gaza on Friday, according to local health officials, in one of the deadliest attacks reported in the strip since a ceasefire took effect last October.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded 2,181 confirmed Ebola cases, including 864 deaths, according to government data released late on Friday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment