United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated on Thursday that billions of dollars owed to the UN are “non-negotiable,” following reports suggesting Washington has placed conditions for releasing these funds.
The money, referred to as assessed contributions, is an obligation of member states and cannot be altered, according to Guterres. He emphasized the UN’s commitment to reform efforts under pressure from member states, particularly the United States.
Devex reported that two diplomatic notes circulated by the US called for nine quick-hit reforms, including cost-cutting measures and actions to counter China’s influence at the UN. These included overhauling the UN pension system, ending long-distance business-class travel for some senior professionals, additional cuts to senior ranks, and a 10% reduction in ineffective peacekeeping missions.
The reports also noted demands to block China from channeling tens of millions of dollars annually into a discretionary fund within the UN secretary-general’s office. The US mission to the UN has not commented on these reports. The US has repeatedly pressured the UN for reforms following its withdrawal from dozens of UN bodies and reduction in funding last year.
Guterres warned in January that the UN faced “imminent financial collapse” due to unpaid fees, most of which are owed by the United States. In February, the UN reported that the US had paid about $160 million of the more than $4 billion it owes to the world body.