The UN Secretary-General has warned that $1.6 billion in unpaid dues from Member States is threatening operations, despite deep budget cuts for 2026.
NEW YORK: The United Nations is confronting its most fragile cash position in years, with nearly US$1.6 billion in unpaid dues from Member States. Secretary-General António Guterres issued the warning to the UN’s Fifth Committee, highlighting the growing strain on operations despite substantial cost-cutting under next year’s revised budget plan.
As of late November, only 145 of the UN’s 193 Member States had paid their 2025 dues in full. With US$760 million in 2024 arrears and an additional US$877 million still outstanding for 2025, the total backlog now stands at approximately US$1.586 billion. Major contributors, including the United States and Russia, have not yet fulfilled their financial obligations.
Guterres said the Organisation has already adopted significant structural reforms under the UN80 initiative, aimed at boosting efficiency and reducing costs. The proposed 2026 regular budget stands at US$3.238 billion, reflecting a 15.1 percent cut compared to 2025. The plan includes the elimination of 2,681 staff positions, a near 19 percent reduction.
Special political missions are also expected to see a 21 percent funding reduction due to mission closures and streamlined staffing. Administrative restructuring will include consolidating payroll into three global hubs and relocating support functions to lower-cost duty stations.
Since 2017, lease terminations in New York alone have saved the Organisation US$126 million, with an additional US$24.5 million in annual savings projected through 2028. While many Member States praised the reforms, several raised concerns about compressed timelines, impacts on junior staff, and potential imbalances across the UN’s three core pillars.
The Secretary-General reassured delegations that development programmes, particularly in Africa, are largely protected, with deeper cuts targeting support services rather than frontline delivery. The revised budget estimates are currently under review, with final approval expected from the General Assembly later this month.
