United Nations Faces Risk of Financial Collapse

UN Secretary-General Issues Urgent Funding Warning

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the organization is at risk of bankruptcy and could face a cash crunch by July, calling on member states to pay their dues. In a letter sent to countries on Friday, Guterres described the situation as an 'imminent financial collapse.'

Chronic Budget Problems and Debts

According to the Secretary-General's statements, the UN is experiencing chronic budget problems. Some member states do not pay their mandatory contributions in full, while others do not pay on time. This situation is forcing the organization to freeze hiring and implement cuts. The year 2025 closed with $1.6 billion in unpaid contributions. This figure is more than double the amount from 2024.

In his letter, Guterres stated, "The current trajectory is unsustainable. This situation exposes the organization to structural financial risk."

Changes in US Contributions

The warning coincides with the final months of the Trump administration, which reduced funding to some UN agencies and refused or delayed some mandatory contributions. Trump frequently questioned the UN's importance and criticized its priorities. Guterres, referencing the deep cuts made to UN agency budgets under the Trump administration's 'America First' policies, also criticized the 'wholesale cuts in development and humanitarian aid.'

Deadlock in the Security Council and New Initiatives

Meanwhile, tensions among the veto-wielding permanent members of the Security Council—the US, Russia, and China—have paralyzed the organization's top decision-making body. Another factor increasing tensions in international diplomacy is the 'Peace Council' initiative launched by Trump this month, which critics accuse of being intended to rival the UN. The challenges in global cooperation are becoming more complex, alongside leadership changes in major economies.

"A Kafkaesque Cycle" and Urgent Call

The UN is also facing the obligation to reimburse member states for unspent funds. Farhan Haq, one of Guterres's spokespersons, highlighted this related issue at a press conference. The Secretary-General described this situation in his letter with the words: "We are trapped in a Kafkaesque cycle where we are expected to return cash that does not exist."

Guterres said, "The practical reality is stark: If collections do not improve fundamentally, we will not be able to fully implement the 2026 program budget approved in December." He added: "Worse, based on historical trends, regular budget cash may run out by July."

Guterres, who will leave his post at the end of 2026, delivered his final annual speech this month, outlining his priorities and stating that the world is being torn apart by 'self-sabotaging geopolitical divisions and the reckless violation of international law.'