UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the Fifth Committee in New York. He revealed that 145 member states have paid their 2025 dues fully. Nigeria joins 144 others in this group. Additionally, China completed its payment on October 29.
Nigeria Sets an Example
Nigeria paid its full dues on September 25. This action shows commitment to the UN’s goals. However major nations like the United States and Russia have not yet paid.
Financial Strain Persists
The UN faces severe cash shortages. Guterres warned that arrears total $1.586 billion. The organization ended 2024 with $760 million unpaid, mostly from the US. Moreover it has not received $877 million for 2025.
Budget Reductions Loom
Guterres proposed a 2026 budget of $3.238 billion. This cuts $577 million, or 15.1 percent, from 2025 levels. Therefore the UN will eliminate 2,681 posts, an 18.8 percent reduction.
Impact on Operations
These cuts affect special political missions by over 21 percent. The UN plans to consolidate payroll and administrative hubs. Furthermore it will relocate functions to lower-cost sites.
Guterres Urges Action
Guterres appealed for timely payments. He stressed that liquidity remains fragile. Consequently the UN operates below approved budgets.
Commitment to Development
Despite challenges, Guterres protected Africa-related programs. He emphasized the UN’s focus on development. In fact cuts hit support functions more than frontline work.
Path Forward
Member states praised the reforms. Yet they noted uneven cuts and tight timelines. In conclusion, full payments are vital for the UN’s stability.
