UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned member states that the United Nations could face an imminent financial collapse. According to him, the crisis is caused by massive non-payment of membership fees, as well as a budget rule according to which unused funds must be returned to states, writes Reuters.
António Guterres. Photo: AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura
In a letter dated January 28, Guterres noted that the financial situation continues to worsen, jeopardizing the implementation of UN programs. By the end of 2025, the total outstanding contributions reached a record $1.57 billion. If the situation does not change, the organization could run out of money by summer, and then it will have to radically revise its financial rules.
The main difficulties arose after the US — the largest UN donor — significantly cut funding and refused mandatory payments to the core and peacekeeping budgets. In addition, US President Donald Trump announced the creation of an alternative Peace Council, which, in his opinion, could replace the UN.
By the end of 2025, 48 countries had not paid their contributions in full, including the US and Russia, although Russia later transferred the remaining $71 million. China, on the contrary, fulfilled all obligations in full. The size of contributions depends on the economic weight of the country: the US provided about 22% of the UN budget, China — about 20%.
To remedy the situation, last year Guterres initiated a UN reform (UN80 project) aimed at reducing costs and increasing efficiency. As a result, the organization's budget for 2026 was reduced by 7%, to $3.45 billion.
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