UN urges clarity on US funding to global development initiatives

UN Requests Clarification on Unpaid Budget Dues from US

The United Nations has requested further information from the United States regarding unpaid budget dues. According to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the US ambassador, Mike Waltz, stated last week that payments would begin within weeks, but no specific details were provided.

Dujarric confirmed that the secretary-general had previously communicated with Ambassador Waltz on this issue and that the UN’s controller has been in touch with the US. The spokesperson added that the UN is waiting to receive confirmation on when payments will be made and in what amounts.

The US owes the UN approximately $2.19 billion, along with an additional $2.4 billion for peacekeeping missions and $43.6 million for UN tribunals. Last year, the US failed to pay $827 million towards the budget, and this year’s payment of $767 million is also outstanding.

The Trump administration cut off contributions to certain UN agencies in 2025. The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Turk, has expressed concerns about the impact of these shortfalls on his office’s operations.

In a recent statement, Ambassador Waltz mentioned that a significant payment towards US dues would be made soon, citing reforms implemented by the US as a reason for this move.

Source: Al Jazeera