On April 30, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the billions of dollars owed by the United States to the United Nations are “not negotiable.” His remarks followed reports indicating that Washington had set conditions for the disbursement of these funds.
According to Reuters, the US had issued two diplomatic notes demanding nine “rapid” reforms as prerequisites for additional financial support. Among these demands are further budget cuts and measures to counter China’s influence within the UN.
“The funds in question are referred to as assessed contributions. Assessed contributions are the obligation of member states. They are not subject to negotiation,” Guterres told reporters in response to inquiries regarding these reports.
Guterres, who is under pressure from member states, particularly the US, to implement reforms, emphasized that the UN would strive to be as efficient and cost-effective as possible while fulfilling its mission. However, he clarified that financial obligations and organizational reforms are distinct issues.
According to Devex, a publication focused on international development, the US demands include a review of the UN pension system, a ban on business-class flights for certain high-ranking officials and all mid-level staff on long-haul trips, additional cuts among UN leadership, and a 10% reduction in long-term and ineffective peacekeeping missions.
The publication also reported that one of the requirements is to block China from directing tens of millions of dollars annually to the discretionary fund in the UN Secretary-General’s office, a move aimed at countering Chinese influence.
The US Mission to the UN did not comment on these reports. Washington has repeatedly asserted its intention to push for reforms within the UN, having announced its withdrawal from dozens of the organization’s bodies this year and cutting funding by millions of dollars last year.
In February, the UN reported that the US had paid approximately $160 million of over $4 billion owed to the organization. In January, Guterres warned that the UN faces an “inevitable financial collapse” due to unpaid contributions, the majority of which are owed by the US.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has asserted that the billions owed by the US to the UN are non-negotiable, responding to US conditions for funding. The US has outlined several reform demands, including budget cuts and measures against China's influence.