The United Nations (UN), tasked with ensuring global peace and security, is currently facing serious financial difficulties. This situation, which affects the sustainability of the organization's operations, is linked to member states not fulfilling their commitments. This article will explore the UN's financial situation, its causes, and issues concerning the organization's future.
According to Redaksiya, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stated in a letter to member states that the organization is under threat of an "imminent financial collapse." Reuters reports that Guterres has called on member states to either fulfill their obligations fully and on time, or to reconsider financial rules. The Secretary-General emphasized that the situation will worsen in the near future, posing a threat to the implementation of programs and increasing the risk of financial collapse.
The root of the UN's financial problems lies in member states, particularly the main donor, the United States, not making payments on time or reducing them. This situation leads to a decrease in the organization's budget and a limitation of its activities. Guterres stressed the importance of taking urgent measures to protect the organization's future by calling on member states to either fulfill their obligations or change financial rules. Furthermore, the UN's budget for 2026 has been reduced by approximately 7% to $3.45 billion. According to Guterres, the organization's financial situation is so critical that it could run out of money by July.
Previously, it was reported that plans were in place to reduce the number of peacekeeping contingents in nine UN missions worldwide by approximately 25%. This means the reduction of about 13-14 thousand military, police, and civilian personnel, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Former US President Donald Trump had criticized the UN for not playing a sufficient role in international conflicts, especially in Russia's war against Ukraine. Trump called on the UN to be more active in ensuring peace, highlighting the organization's ineffectiveness in current crises. Guterres established a working group on reforms last year to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
The worsening financial situation of the UN could negatively impact various aspects of the organization's operations, including peacekeeping operations, humanitarian aid, and development programs. The Secretary-General stressed the importance of taking urgent measures to protect the organization's future by calling on member states to either fulfill their obligations or change financial rules. Guterres stated in his letter to member states that either all member states must pay their dues fully and on time, or the financial rules must be fundamentally reconsidered. This is a necessary step to prevent the organization's financial collapse.