The United Nations stated on Monday it is awaiting specific details from the United States on the timing and size of a promised payment toward its substantial overdue dues. The clarification is urgently sought as the world body warns of an “imminent financial collapse” due to unpaid contributions, the majority of which are owed by Washington.
The U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Mike Waltz, pledged last week that an initial “significant” payment would be made within weeks.
What Exactly Is the United Nations Waiting to Learn?
U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated the organization has received “indications” from U.S. officials but requires precise information. The key unknowns are the exact date the payment will be made and the specific dollar amount of the initial tranche. Dujarric confirmed that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the organization’s budget controller have been in direct contact with U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz regarding the overdue funds.
How Severe is the U.N.’s Financial Situation?
The crisis was deemed critical in a January 28 letter from Guterres to member states, warning of “imminent financial collapse.” The United States is responsible for more than 95% of all outstanding dues to the regular U.N. budget. As of February 1, the total U.S. debt includes:
- $2.19 billion for the regular U.N. budget.
- $2.4 billion for current and past peacekeeping missions.
- $43.6 million for U.N. tribunals.
What Did the U.S. Ambassador Pledge?
In a statement to Reuters on Friday, Ambassador Mike Waltz committed that an initial payment was forthcoming. “You’ll certainly see an initial tranche of money very shortly… It’ll be a significant … down payment on our annual dues… I don’t believe that the ultimate figure is decided, but it’ll be in a matter of weeks,” he said. Waltz indicated the payment would go toward arrears and “in recognition of some of the reforms that we’ve seen,” linking the funds to the Trump administration’s demand for U.N. cost-cutting and reform.
What is the Breakdown of the U.S. Debt?
U.N. officials provided a detailed breakdown of the overdue regular budget assessments. The U.S. did not make any payment toward the regular budget in 2025, creating two major arrears:
- $827 million owed for the 2025 fiscal year.
- $767 million assessed for the 2026 fiscal year.
The remainder of the $2.19 billion regular budget total consists of arrears accumulated from previous years.
FAQs: The U.N. Dues Standoff
Q: Has the U.S. completely stopped paying U.N. dues?
A: No, but payments have been delayed and are incomplete. The U.S. made no contribution to the regular U.N. budget in 2025, accruing significant new arrears on top of existing debt from prior years.
Q: What is the deadline for member states to pay?
A: The due date for member states’ 2026 contributions to the regular budget was February 8. As of last Friday, only 55 countries had paid in full for the current year.
Q: Why is the U.S. withholding or delaying payment?
A: The Trump administration has repeatedly called on the United Nations to carry out reforms and cut costs, using U.S. funding as leverage to demand operational changes and improved efficiency.
Q: What happens if the U.N. runs out of cash?
A: A cash crunch could badly disrupt global U.N. operations, including peacekeeping missions, humanitarian assistance programs, and daily work. The Secretary-General’s warning of an “imminent financial collapse” points to serious operational risk.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
