Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, has a message for the United States: pay up. The billions of dollars Washington owes the international body are not up for negotiation.
Guterres clarified that the outstanding amount—known as "assessed contributions"—is a mandatory obligation for all member nations, Reuters reported Thursday. While he continues to lead reform initiatives at the UN, especially under the scrutiny of the U.S., Guterres assured that the organization would strive to be as effective, cost-efficient, and capable of delivering for the people it serves. But he stressed that non-payment of dues and reforms are two distinct issues.
This isn't the first time Guterres has sounded the alarm. In January, he warned of a potential "financial collapse" of the UN due to unpaid dues, with the U.S. owing a significant chunk. By February, the UN revealed that America had paid only about $160 million of the over $4 billion it owes.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Trump Ties UN Funds to Reforms Push
Guterres' remarks came after a report in Devex earlier this week that the U.S. circulated two diplomatic notes calling for nine "quick-hit" reforms as a prerequisite for releasing additional funds. These proposed reforms include further cost-cutting measures and initiatives to counter China's influence at the United Nations.
The cost-cutting demands are specific: overhaul the UN pension system, end long-distance business-class travel for certain senior and all mid-level professionals, further reduce senior UN ranks, and cut 10% of long-standing and ineffective peacekeeping missions.
Earlier this year, President Trump issued a memo ordering the U.S. to withdraw from dozens of international bodies deemed against national interests, targeting 35 non-UN groups and 31 United Nations agencies. The move follows a 2025 executive order mandating a review of global commitments to identify those misaligned with U.S. priorities. Withdrawing from the UN involves stopping participation in its bodies and ending financial contributions.
Last month, Trump also mulled withdrawing from NATO amid the alliance's noncooperation with the U.S. in the war with Iran. However, that move is legally not possible without Congressional approval.
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by MarketDash editors.
