Washington, DC – UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned member states that the international organization faces the risk of “imminent financial collapse.” This comes amid a worsening liquidity crisis stemming from unpaid dues. Financial rules also require the UN to return unspent funds.
According to a letter seen by Reuters, Guterres informed ambassadors in a letter dated January 28 that the current financial crisis is threatening the implementation of UN programs. He also warned that the situation is likely to deteriorate further in the near future. “The crisis is worsening, threatening the implementation of programs and putting us at risk of financial collapse,” he said in the letter.
The UN is facing increasing financial pressure after the United States, the largest contributor to the organization’s budget, reduced its voluntary funding to several UN agencies. In addition, the US has withheld mandatory payments related to the general budget and peacekeeping operations.
Guterres noted that “decisions have been formally announced to withhold assessed contributions, which fund a significant portion of the approved general budget,” without specifying the country or countries involved. No immediate comment was available from the UN spokesperson.
The Secretary-General stressed that the continuation of this situation leaves the organization with only two options: either member states fulfill their financial obligations in full and on time, or a fundamental reform of the UN’s financial system is undertaken to avert collapse.
Guterres warned that available funds could run out by July. This would directly impact the organization’s ability to carry out its core functions and humanitarian and development programs worldwide. This comes at a time of escalating international crises and humanitarian needs.
