UN chief Guterres regrets US decision to withdraw from some UN entities

UNITED NATIONS — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regrets a US decision to withdraw from dozens of UN entities, his spokesperson said on Thursday (Jan 8), stressing that the US funding for a "large number" of those bodies was mandatory.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States would withdraw from dozens of international and UN entities, including a key climate treaty and a UN body that promotes gender equality and women's empowerment, because they "operate contrary to US national interests."

A "large number" of the 31 UN entities on the US list are funded by the regular UN budget, said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, adding that the UN has not received any formal notification from the Trump administration. He noted the US had listed some treaty organisations that it plans to withdraw from, which would require official letters.

"All United Nations entities will go on with the implementation of their mandates as given by member states," Dujarric said. "The United Nations has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us."

The United States is the top contributor to the UN regular budget, paying the maximum 22 per cent according to assessments agreed upon by the General Assembly. These payments are mandatory. The US made no payments to the regular budget last year, Dujarric said. Washington currently owes some US$1.5 billion (S$1.9 billion).

"Assessed contributions to the United Nations regular budget and peacekeeping budget, as approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all member states, including the United States," Dujarric said.

The regular budget — which for 2026 is US$3.45 billion — includes political, humanitarian, disarmament, economic, social affairs and communications work. Contributions to most UN agencies, funds and programmes — such as the World Food Programme and children's group Unicef — are voluntary.

Trump has described the UN as having "great potential" but said it is not fulfilling that. He wants to slash US funding. Guterres launched a reform task force in March, known as UN80, which seeks to cut costs and improve efficiency.

[[nid:727859]]