The United States has paid approximately US $160 million toward the more than US $4 billion it owes the United Nations, officials confirmed on Thursday. The partial payment, made last week, was designated for the U.N.’s regular operating budget, according to a U.N. spokesperson.

The payment comes amid concerns over the organisation’s finances, with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warning that the world body could face an “imminent financial collapse” unless member states fully meet their funding obligations. Much of the arrears stem from the U.S., which accounts for roughly 95 % of overdue payments to the regular budget.

Breakdown of Outstanding Dues

According to U.N. figures:

• The United States still owes about $2.196 billion to the U.N. regular budget, including $767 million due for the current year.
• It also owes approximately $1.8 billion for peacekeeping operations, which fund missions around the world.

Despite the partial payment, U.N. officials have reiterated that substantial funds remain unpaid, prompting concerns over operational shortfalls and delays in key programmes.

Political Context

The payment coincides with the first meeting of the U.S. “Board of Peace,” a new initiative convened by Donald Trump that aims to address global conflicts and reconstruction efforts, including in Gaza. Critics argue the board’s creation and focus may overlap with or challenge traditional U.N. roles.

Trump has publicly criticised the U.N. in recent years, saying it has not lived up to its potential, while also scaling back U.S. financial contributions to several U.N. agencies and programmes. In 2025, the administration did not make any contributions to the United Nations, and withdrew funding from numerous U.N. bodies, including the World Health Organization and UNESCO.

Financial Impact and Outlook

U.N. officials have stressed that unpaid dues can hinder critical activities, including peacekeeping, humanitarian aid and global development programmes. Guterres’ warning has put added pressure on member states, particularly the U.S., to address long-standing arrears.

While the $160 million payment is a modest step toward settling obligations, it leaves the bulk of the U.S.’s outstanding commitment unmet. Observers say continued dialogue between Washington and U.N. leadership is likely as international leaders assess how best to ensure the organization’s financial stability going forward.

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