UN under pressure: massive savings and impending relocations!
UN under pressure: massive savings and impending relocations!
The United Nations (UN) faces a significant financial upheaval. According to Kleine Zeitung Plant to make massive savings from January 1, 2026. This is done in the context of a comprehensive review of the UN structures and functions in order to meet the changes in the 21st century. UN Controller Chandramouli Ramanathan recently spoke about payment failures that are primarily due to a late payment of member countries, including the United States.
The United States is the largest contribution payer for almost a quarter of the annual UN budget. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the UN and shortened funds. Despite these tensions, there is no information about why the United States has suspended its payments. The UN are confronted with a liquidity problem: by the end of April 2023, the debt was $ 2.4 billion, with the majority of the USA, China, and other major economies. Overall, the outstanding peace security financing is $ 2.7 billion.
The UN80 Initiative
In the middle of these challenges, UN General Secretary António Guterres presented the UN80 Initiative, which aims at a fundamental reform of the UN operations. According to Un News , the initiative includes three main goals: the increase in operational efficiency, the examination of the implementation of mandates of the member states and the exploration of structural reforms within the UN system. This could bring a reduction in staff into political departments and in the peace security sector by up to 20 %.Guterres emphasizes that these measures should support the UN to effectively meet their mandate and offer their services more efficiently. In particular, the consolidation of counter-terrorism measures within the office for fighting terrorism (UNOCT) and the relocation of personnel items of expensive locations to more cost-effective cities are considered.
financing and challenges
The UN financing system is divided into three main columns: compulsory contributions to the ordinary budget, compulsory contribution levies for peace missions and voluntary contributions from the member states. The member countries are obliged to pay their contributions within 30 days of notification. The contribution key is recommended every three years by the contribution committee and adopted by the Member States. While the United States pays the maximum rate of 22 %, Germany does 8 %.
However, there are also considerable challenges for the UN. The system suffers from underfunding, which often results from late or incomplete payments. This situation is tightened by national savings programs and financial crises. Experts warn of a political crisis within the UN that urgently needs to be addressed.
In view of this complex situation, Gutrees' initiative is an attempt to strengthen the UN and its ability to efficiently fulfill its functions. However, the question remains whether the implemented measures will be sufficient to cope with the financial challenges sustainably.| Details | |
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| Ort | New York, USA |
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