António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, in his letter to member states warned of the threat of an inevitable financial collapse of the organization amid a severe funding shortfall and unpaid contributions, according to media reports.
Guterres noted that the liquidity situation has become critical, raising doubts about the UN's ability to carry out important programs and commitments.
He also indicated that by the end of 2025, the UN will face a record amount of unpaid mandatory contributions. The current budget rule, which requires the organization to return unspent funds to member states, creates a "paradoxical situation" in which the UN is forced to return funds that were never received.
The Secretary-General added that the financial crisis is worsening, and if states do not begin to fulfill their obligations fully and on time or if UN financial rules are not revised, the organization could run out of cash by July 2026.
In his letter, Guterres also noted that the United States, as the largest contributor, has significantly reduced both mandatory and voluntary payments, negatively impacting the financial condition of the organization. Specific debtor countries were not mentioned in the text.
Guterres urged member states to fulfill their financial obligations or agree on budgetary reform to avoid serious consequences for key areas of UN work, including peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, and development.
