The United Nations (UN) is facing a severe financial crisis, forcing it to cut spending, freeze hiring, and scale back some services.
The global organisation is struggling with a growing shortfall in contributions, with member states owing $2.4 billion in unpaid regular budget dues and $2.7 billion in peacekeeping funds.
Member states have urged countries to pay their dues, warning that the deepening financial crisis threatens the UN’s ability to carry out vital work.
Switzerland’s delegate, speaking on behalf of Liechtenstein, emphasised that “each delay in payment, each hiring freeze, each cancelled service chips away at trust in our ability to deliver”.
However, some delegates, including those from Kazakhstan, Norway, and the United Kingdom, stressed that these temporary measures would not solve the underlying problem of late or non-payment of dues.
Norway urged member states to support bold financial reforms.
Singapore noted that the UN’s liquidity problems have become routine, citing the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s (ESCAP) needed to shut its offices for three months and suspend travel and hiring ¹.
A significant concern is that one country, reportedly the United States under President Donald Trump, is responsible for over half of all unpaid dues, withholding funds due to political reasons.
Russia has called for more transparency in how the UN manages cash-saving measures.
