The United Nations is facing a deep financial crisis that could bring its operations to a standstill, Secretary-General António Guterres warned in a letter to member states. He urged countries to clear their outstanding dues and implement structural reforms to prevent a severe breakdown. UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said the organization currently lacks the liquidity to continue normal operations and called for immediate payments from member states.

According to official data, by the end of 2025, member states owed the UN a record 1.57 billion dollars. While no specific country was named, the ongoing global geopolitical situation was cited as a major factor. Analysts linked the crisis to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to cut funding to several UN agencies and pursue alternative international initiatives. Human rights experts warned that such reluctance from major powers could weaken global efforts to uphold international law and human rights.

Guterres also criticized the rule requiring the return of unused funds each year, calling it unrealistic under current conditions. Only 36 of the 193 member states have paid their full 2026 dues, raising serious uncertainty about the UN’s financial future.