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.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was warned about the "reputational risks" of appointing Peter Mandelson as U.S....
New Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said Iran should continue ‘blocking the Strait of Hormuz’...
Iran should continue ‘blocking the Strait of Hormuz’, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, sai...
Fifteen Turkish-owned vessels remain stranded in the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, Türkiye’s Transport an...
Freight transport on the China–Europe Railway Express grew strongly in the first two months of 2026, highlig...
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was warned about the "reputational risks" of appointing Peter Mandelson as U.S. Ambassador due to his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, files released on Wednesday (11 March) show.
New Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said Iran should continue ‘blocking the Strait of Hormuz’ in his first statement since his election, read out on Iranian State television on Thursday (12 March).
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has set recognition of Tehran’s inalienable rights, payment of war compensation, and international guarantees against any future invasion as conditions for ending the U.S.–Israel war with the Islamic Republic.
At least 64 people have been killed in southern Ethiopia following recent landslides and floods, the regional government’s communications office said on Thursday (12 March), citing local police
The 32 countries belonging to the Internatioanl Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil on Wednesday (11 March), in efforts aimed at bringing down the price of crude oil, which has soared since fighting between Iran, Israel and the U.S. started at the end of February.
Iran should continue ‘blocking the Strait of Hormuz’, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said in his first speech since being elected on Thursday. His words were read out by a broadcaster on state Iranian television. Khamenei has still yet to be seen in public since his election.
A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and part of a key highway as volcanic ash and debris fell over nearby areas.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
More than 68,000 children in eastern Afghanistan have been displaced after clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces intensified along the border, according to a new report by Save the Children.
Freight transport on the China–Europe Railway Express grew strongly in the first two months of 2026, highlighting the growing importance of rail links between Asia and Europe. The network moved about 352,000 shipping containers between January and February, a 25% increase from a year earlier.
At least 64 people have been killed in southern Ethiopia following recent landslides and floods, the regional government’s communications office said on Thursday (12 March), citing local police
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 12th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
Oil prices continue to fluctuate as a result of the conflict in the Middle East with Iran and the insecurity of ships sailing through the key Strait of Hormuz route. Iran has said it will target any ship linked to the U.S., Israel or their allies.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment