The United Nations is in danger of facing “imminent financial collapse” because member countries are not paying their dues, according to the organization's Secretary-General, António Guterres. He stated that the financial crisis is worsening and is “threatening programme delivery,” with funding potentially running out by July. In a letter addressed to all 193 member countries, he urged them to meet their mandatory payment obligations or to revise the UN's financial regulations to prevent a collapse. This warning follows the refusal of the US, the UN’s largest donor, to contribute to both the regular and peacekeeping budgets, as well as its withdrawal from several agencies it labeled as “wasteful.” Other member states are also behind on payments or are choosing not to pay. Although the UN General Assembly approved a partial update to its financial system in late 2025, the organization remains in a severe cash crisis, further complicated by a policy that requires it to refund money it never actually received. At the UN headquarters in Geneva, notices about the financial situation are displayed prominently. In an effort to save money, the escalators are often turned off and the heating is lowered. In his letter, Guterres pointed out that while the UN has dealt with financial issues before, this situation is “categorically different.” He mentioned that some member states have formally announced their decisions not to fulfill their assessed contributions, which are essential for funding a large part of the approved regular budget, without naming specific countries. He emphasized that the “integrity of the entire system” relies on member states meeting their obligations under the UN charter to pay their “assessed contributions,” noting that in 2025, only 77% of the total owed was paid, leading to an unprecedented amount remaining unpaid.
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