Heads up! The United Nations is feeling the pinch as the US falls behind by roughly $1.5 billion in membership fees this year 🌐💸. CMG’s Xu Dezhi recently pressed UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric on how these billions in unpaid dues are straining the world body.
Dujarric explained that, while the UN is still running, cash flow gaps are forcing emergency measures: tapping reserve funds, delaying payments to partners, and scaling back key programs—from peacekeeping missions to humanitarian relief 🚨. These hiccups could affect support for refugees, health drives, and climate initiatives that many young activists care about.
For context, the US usually covers about 22% of the UN’s regular budget. When that contribution lags, the ripple effects are felt across global operations. As early professionals and tech-savvy changemakers in South and Southeast Asia, you know that big ideas need solid backing—diplomacy included.
What’s next? Dujarric urged timely dues payment to avoid deeper disruptions and hinted at internal borrowing schemes and calls for other members to pitch in. Stay tuned as the funding saga unfolds—after all, keeping the UN’s wheels turning is a team effort, and right now the scoreboard’s looking tight!
Reference(s):
UN official answers query on impact of U.S. failure to pay dues
cgtn.com
