The UN Nears Bankruptcy, the US Promises to Pay Massive Arrears

   The United Nations (UN) is on the verge of a serious financial crisis following mounting unpaid dues by member states, particularly the United States (US). In response, the US has announced it will make an initial payment of billions of dollars in outstanding dues to the UN in the coming weeks.

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said the payment would be a significant initial installment to cover Washington's annual obligations. This statement follows a stern warning from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that the world body is at risk of "imminent financial collapse."

"You will definitely see initial payments in a very short time," Waltz said, as quoted by CNBC International, Monday (February 9, 2026).

"This will be a significant initial payment for our annual dues. The exact figure will be decided in the next few weeks," he said.

UN official data shows that more than 95% of the UN's regular budget arrears come from the US. As of early February, the US was recorded as owing approximately US$2.19 billion (Rp36.8 trillion) for the regular budget. In addition, the US is also in arrears for approximately US$2.4 billion (Rp40.3 trillion) for peacekeeping missions and US$43.6 million (Rp732 billion) for the UN court.

This funding crisis comes amidst the UN's 2026 regular budget of US$3.45 billion, approved by the General Assembly at the end of last December. This budget covers the operational costs of UN offices worldwide, including the New York headquarters, staff salaries, international meetings, and development and human rights programs Read more 1 2