In brief
The United Nations is on the brink of financial collapse, according to Secretary General António Guterres. He warned that the organization's funds could run out by July if member states do not fulfill their payment obligations. The crisis has been exacerbated by significant cuts from major contributors like the US, which has refused to pay its regular budget and peacekeeping contributions. Guterres emphasized that to prevent this imminent collapse, either all member states must honor their obligations or the UN must overhaul its financial rules.
The United Nations is at risk of imminent financial collapse due to member states not paying their fees, the body’s head has warned.
António Guterres stated that the UN faces a financial crisis that is deepening, threatening program delivery, and that funding could run out by July.
In a letter directed to all 193 member states, Guterres emphasized the need for them to honor their mandatory payments or consider an overhaul of the UN’s financial regulations to avoid a collapse.
This warning comes amid significant reductions in contributions from some of the UN's largest member states, notably the US, which has cut its regular budget payments and withdrawn from various agencies it labeled as ineffective.
Guterres highlighted that even though the UN General Assembly approved changes to the financial system in late 2025, the UN still faces severe cash issues, with refund policies further complicating its financial stability.
At UN headquarters in Geneva, signs alerting staff of the financial situation are prevalent, alongside measures to save on energy costs like turning off escalators and reducing heating.
Guterres stated that the current crisis is unprecedented, with 77% of total owed contributions unpaid in 2025. He warned that the UN's credibility relies on member states fulfilling their financial commitments.
This alarming situation has led to UN agencies facing severe cuts, impacting humanitarian efforts globally, including in conflict-stricken regions such as Afghanistan and Sudan.
