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.
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