Summary
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the United Nations is facing a serious financial crisis due to unpaid dues from its member states. Guterres sent a letter urging these countries to either pay their dues or agree to change how the UN handles its finances. This warning comes as the US, under President Donald Trump, has reduced its financial contributions to the UN.
Key Facts
- The UN is facing financial problems because member states have not paid their dues.
- Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a letter to all UN member states about this issue.
- Guterres asked member states to pay their dues or change the UN's financial rules.
- President Trump has reduced US contributions to the UN and announced plans to leave some UN agencies.
- The US contributes 22% of the UN's core budget, while China contributes 20%.
- As of now, 36 out of 193 member states have paid their 2026 dues.
- By the end of 2025, there was $1.57 billion in unpaid dues.
- The UN budget for 2026 was reduced by 7% compared to the previous year.
