United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a warning on Friday, expressing concerns about the organization’s financial stability. Guterres highlighted the imminent risk of the UN running out of funds by July if member states do not fulfill their financial obligations promptly.
The UN is grappling with ongoing budget challenges due to some countries not meeting their mandatory contributions in full and on time. This situation has led to operational constraints, including hiring freezes and budget cuts. Guterres emphasized the critical need for all member states to honor their financial commitments promptly to avert a potential financial crisis.
Recent actions by the US administration, under President Donald Trump, have further exacerbated the financial strain on the UN. The US has reduced funding to certain UN agencies and delayed mandatory contributions, reflecting broader skepticism about the organization’s effectiveness and priorities.
Complicating matters, the Security Council, the UN’s principal decision-making body, is experiencing gridlock due to tensions among permanent members like the US, Russia, and China. This deadlock has hindered the Council’s ability to address key global issues effectively.
Meanwhile, President Trump unveiled the “Board of Peace” initiative, which critics view as a potential challenge to the UN’s authority and role in international affairs.
Despite some progress with over 150 member states meeting their financial obligations, the UN closed 2025 with a significant $1.6 billion in unpaid contributions, a figure more than double that of the previous year. Additionally, the UN is confronted with the task of reimbursing member states for unutilized funds, as highlighted by Farhan Haq, a spokesperson for Secretary-General Guterres, during a recent press briefing.
