UN warns of "imminent financial collapse"
Amid escalating geopolitical divisions and deepening global crises, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued his strongest warning yet, asserting that the international organization faces the risk of “imminent financial collapse” that could paralyze its ability to carry out its essential tasks. In an urgent message to member states, Guterres emphasized that the current financial situation is “fundamentally different” from any previous difficulties, attributing the primary cause to the failure of some countries to pay their mandatory contributions to the organization’s regular budget.
Roots of the crisis: historical context and troubled financing
The United Nations relies primarily on mandatory contributions from its 193 member states for its funding. Each country's contribution is determined by the size of its economy and its ability to pay, with the United States historically being the largest contributor. Financial crises are not uncommon for the organization; in the past, some countries, most notably the United States, have used freezing or delaying their contributions as leverage to pressure for administrative or political reforms. However, the current crisis is more serious, with the funding gap reaching $1.6 billion last year, placing unprecedented strain on the organization's liquidity.
Expected impacts on international peace and security
The repercussions of this financial shortfall extend far beyond accounting figures, striking at the very heart of the United Nations' work and its global impact. The severe liquidity shortage directly threatens the continuation of peacekeeping operations in conflict zones around the world, undermines efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to millions affected by wars and natural disasters, and hinders development programs and initiatives to combat climate change. Guterres warned that the organization could reach a point where its regular budget runs out by July, potentially forcing it to freeze recruitment, reduce operations, and delay payments—measures that would no longer be sufficient to address the scale of the crisis.
Urgent call to avert disaster
Faced with this critical situation, the Secretary-General called on member states to “fully and promptly pay their dues” to avoid financial collapse. He also raised the option of a “thorough review” of the organization’s financial rules to ensure its future sustainability. This warning comes at a time when the world is witnessing “destructive geopolitical divisions and flagrant violations of international law,” making the role of the United Nations, despite the challenges, more vital than ever in maintaining a minimum level of global stability and addressing shared challenges that no single country can confront alone.
