US contributes $160m to nearly $4 billion UN debt

US Pays $160m Towards Outstanding Dues to UN

The United States has made a payment of approximately $160 million towards its outstanding dues to the United Nations. The payment is part of the organization’s regular operating budget, according to spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

The US owes around $2.196 billion to the UN’s regular budget and an additional $1.8 billion for peacekeeping operations. The organization has been facing a financial crisis due to a growing shortfall in contributions from its member states.

Each of the 193 member states is required to contribute based on their economic ability, with poorer countries contributing as little as 0.001 percent of the UN’s regular budget and wealthier countries reaching up to 22 percent. The unpaid dues have forced the UN to reduce its spending and services.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the organization faces an “imminent financial collapse” unless its financial rules are overhauled or all member nations pay their dues. The US is the largest donor to the UN, accounting for approximately 95 percent of the arrears to the organization’s regular budget.

US President Donald Trump has been critical of the UN in the past, questioning its effectiveness and criticizing its inability to meet its goals. However, during a recent meeting with his Board of Peace, Trump appeared to take a more positive stance towards the organization, stating that he planned to work “very closely” with it and acknowledging its financial distress.

The payment made by the US is seen as a step in the right direction for the organization, but critics remain concerned about the long-term implications of the UN’s financial crisis.

Source: Al Jazeera