The crisis is worsening, threatening the implementation of programs and increasing the risk of financial collapse, according to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. In a letter sent to ambassadors dated 28/1, Guterres stated the situation would deteriorate further in the near future.

Guterres cautioned that the United Nations could run out of cash by july, urging member states to fully pay their contributions. He emphasized, "All members must fulfill their payment obligations on time and in full, or fundamental financial rules must be reformed to prevent the imminent financial collapse."

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks in New York, United States on 29/1. *Reuters*

Established in 1945, the United Nations works to maintain international peace and security, promote human rights, foster socio-economic development, and coordinate humanitarian efforts. The organization currently comprises 193 member states. United Nations regulations stipulate that countries contribute financially based on their economic size, with the United States and China accounting for 22% and 20% of its budget, respectively.

The United Nations has long faced budget difficulties because some member states fail to pay their mandatory contributions in full or on time. By the end of 2025, the total amount of unpaid fees reached a record USD 1.57 billion, double the figure from the same period in 2024.

The United States recently cut funding for several United Nations agencies, declining to make mandatory contributions to both the regular and peacekeeping budgets. US President Donald Trump once described the United Nations as an organization with "great potential" that had not yet fulfilled its role.

Last year, Secretary-General Guterres established a task force, named UN80, to explore ways to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. Following this, member states agreed to cut the 2026 budget by approximately 7%, bringing it down to USD 3.45 billion.

Nhu Tam (According to Reuters, AFP)