Core Points - The UN Secretary-General warned of a potential "bankruptcy crisis" if member states do not pay their dues on time and in full [1] - The UN's core functions are expected to shrink due to financial constraints, impacting various operations [1] - The UN's peacekeeping missions may face challenges as financial support for compensating troops, especially those injured or killed, could be affected [1] - Other UN agencies, while primarily funded by voluntary contributions, rely on the UN's regular budget for administrative support, which may be compromised [1] - The current fragile global security order could worsen, leading to increased bilateral, unilateral, or coalition actions in conflict resolution if UN funding falls short [2]

Core Points - The UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of a potential bankruptcy crisis for the UN if member states do not pay their dues on time and in full [1] - Guterres proposed a reduction of 18.8% in the UN's personnel budget for 2026, cutting 2,681 positions to a total of 11,594 [3] - The proposed budget for 2026 is set at $3.238 billion, a decrease of $577 million or 15.1% from 2025 [3] - The budget cuts aim to maintain a balance among the UN's three main pillars: peace and security, development, and human rights [3] Financial Situation - As of the end of 2024, member states owe $760 million in unpaid dues, with only 66.2% of the 2025 assessments collected by the end of September, down from 78.1% the previous year [6] - Even after a nearly $600 million reduction in spending, the UN may face a deficit exceeding $450 million by the end of 2025 due to uncertain revenue [6] Member States' Contributions - The United States is the largest debtor, with over $3 billion in unpaid dues, including more than $820 million for the 2025 regular budget and outstanding peacekeeping contributions [7][8] - Since President Trump took office, the U.S. has significantly reduced its payments, with 2024 dues still outstanding [8]

Core Points - The UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the organization faces a bankruptcy crisis if member states do not pay their dues on time and in full [2] Group 1: Budget and Staffing Proposals - Guterres proposed a reduction of 18.8% in the UN's personnel budget for 2026, which translates to a decrease of 2,681 positions, bringing the total to 11,594 [4] - The proposed budget for 2026 is set at $3.238 billion, a reduction of $577 million or 15.1% compared to 2025 [4] - The revised budget reflects the urgency of UN reforms and aims to balance the three pillars of UN work: peace and security, development, and human rights [4] Group 2: Financial Status and Member Contributions - As of the end of 2024, member states owe a total of $760 million in unpaid dues, with only 66.2% of the 2025 assessments collected by the end of September, down from 78.1% the previous year [6] - Even after cutting nearly $600 million in expenditures, the UN may still face a deficit exceeding $450 million by the end of 2025 due to uncertain revenue [6] Group 3: U.S. Contributions - The United States is the largest debtor, owing over $3 billion, which includes more than $820 million for the 2025 regular budget and outstanding peacekeeping contributions [7][9] - Since President Trump took office, the U.S. has nearly ceased payments, with 2024 dues still unpaid [7]

Core Points - The United Nations is facing a severe financial crisis that threatens its ability to fulfill core missions, with a current shortfall of approximately $2.4 billion in regular budget contributions and $2.7 billion in peacekeeping budget contributions [1] - The financial shortfall has led to spending cuts, hiring freezes, and the suspension of certain services, significantly impacting the UN's global operations [1] - A proposal has been made to allow the UN to retain unspent funds at the end of the year instead of returning them to member states, which would help maintain basic operations during periods of delayed contributions [1] Group 1 - The UN is experiencing a financial crisis with a total budget shortfall of $5.1 billion, including $2.4 billion in regular budget and $2.7 billion in peacekeeping budget [1] - The financial difficulties have resulted in operational challenges, including spending cuts and service suspensions [1] - The United States is believed to be a significant contributor to the funding shortfall, having unpaid contributions totaling $2.8 billion, which includes $1.5 billion in regular budget contributions [1] Group 2 - Some representatives support the conditional use of a "special commitment" mechanism to address urgent funding needs caused by delayed contributions [2] - However, several countries, including Kazakhstan, Norway, and the UK, emphasize that these measures are temporary solutions and the underlying issue is the persistent non-payment or refusal of contributions by certain member states [2]