NEW YORK, The United Nations has said the United States is responsible for more than 95% of unpaid contributions to its regular budget, raising serious concerns about the organization’s financial stability and prompting renewed calls for clarity from Washington on when the money will be paid.
UN officials say the lack of a clear payment timeline from the United States, the UN’s largest financial contributor, is putting pressure on the organization’s ability to function smoothly. While the U.S. has indicated it plans to make payments, the UN says it has not yet received firm details on the amounts or exact timing, leaving budget planning uncertain.
At a press briefing, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said discussions with U.S. officials are ongoing, but stressed that the organization needs clearer commitments. “We are waiting for more precise information on when the payments will be made,” he said, noting that uncertainty makes it difficult to manage day-to-day operations.
The UN’s regular budget pays for essential activities, including staff salaries, political missions, humanitarian coordination, and administrative costs at headquarters and offices around the world. When major contributors delay payments, the UN is often forced to borrow from other accounts or delay spending.
According to UN figures, the United States owes billions of dollars in unpaid dues, including contributions for previous years and the current budget cycle. UN officials warn that if the situation continues, the organization could face serious cash shortages later in the year.
Secretary-General António Guterres has already cautioned member states that the UN could run out of funds within months if outstanding payments are not resolved. Such a scenario could lead to delayed payments to staff and contractors, reduced services, and possible scaling back of some activities.
U.S. officials have said they intend to make an initial payment toward the arrears, describing it as a first step rather than a full settlement. However, they have also emphasized the need for reforms within the UN, arguing that the organization must improve efficiency and accountability.
The funding issue reflects a broader debate over the role of the United States in multilateral institutions. In recent years, Washington has reduced or delayed funding to several international bodies while calling for structural reforms and cost controls.
Diplomats at the UN say while reform discussions are important, unpaid dues create immediate problems. They argue that withholding funds weakens the organization at a time when global cooperation is needed to address conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate change, and health emergencies.
Most UN member states have already paid their assessed contributions for the current year, making the U.S. arrears stand out because of their size. Although a few other countries also owe money, their debts are small compared to the U.S. share.
Under UN rules, countries that fall too far behind on payments risk losing their voting rights in the General Assembly, though the rule is applied with flexibility to major contributors. Still, officials say persistent delays undermine confidence in the UN’s financial system.
As negotiations continue, UN leaders are urging Washington to provide a clear payment schedule. For now, the organization is operating under financial pressure, hoping that concrete commitments from its largest donor will arrive before the budget situation becomes more severe.
