Amid global divisions, an imminent financial collapse threatens the future of the United Nations
Guterres reminded, in an email circulated to member states, that the United Nations "It has already been exceeded" Difficult stages on the financial level, but he warned that "The current situation is radically different".
He pointed out "decisions" It was taken by some countries that he did not name "By not fulfilling mandatory contributions that finance a large portion of the approved regular budget".
"Financial hit" American
The United States, in particular since Donald Trump’s return to the White House at the beginning of 2025, has reduced its funding for some UN agencies, and has refused or delayed some mandatory payments.At the same time, on January 22, Trump launched an entity that he called "Peace Council"His goal was primarily to implement his peace plan in the Gaza, but its critics believe that it actually aims to become a rival organization to the United Nations.
Although more than 150 member states of the United Nations have paid their dues, the organization’s deficit last year reached $1.6 billion, more than double its deficit in 2024.
Guterres wrote that "The current path is unsustainable, as it leaves the organization exposed to structural financial risks"
The spokesman for the Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, explained during a press conference that the organization is facing… "Connected problem" This constitutes additional pressure on its financial capabilities, as it must compensate member states for unspent contributions.
"vicious circle"
Guterres said in this regard "We are stuck in a vicious circle, where we are expected to return money that does not exist"This budget deficit regularly forces the international organization to freeze recruitment, delay payments or reduce its tasks.
But the Secretary-General of the United Nations made it clear that these measures are no longer sufficient.
He expressed his fear of not being able to "Full implementation of the 2026 program budget approved in December"warning that "Worse still (…) the regular budget may run out of liquidity as of July"
Facing such a situation, Guterres, whose term expires at the end of the year, called on countries to "Fulfillment of its dues in full and without delay" In order to "Avoiding an imminent financial collapse"or acceptance "In-depth review" This month, Guterres delivered his last annual speech in which he set his priorities for the year 2026, warning that the world is witnessing… "Destructive geopolitical divisions and flagrant violations of international law"
He also denounced"Generalized cuts in development and humanitarian aid" In clear reference to the United States reducing its contributions to funding UN agencies in accordance with policy "America first" Which Trump follows.
The United Nations budget for the current year amounts to $3.4 billion, a 7% decrease from last year. Member states also approved the abolition of about 2,400 jobs, in one of the most austere financial settlements in recent years.
On paper, the United States remains the first contributor to the United Nations budget, as it secures 22% of it during the period 2025-2027, according to a calculation mechanism based on the financial capacity of each member state determined according to its national income. China came in second place with a rate of approximately 20%.
