UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said the world body is at risk of imminent financial collapse due to member states not paying their fees. In a letter sent to all United Nations member states, Mr Guterres said the UN could run out of cash for its regular operation as early as July, a situation that could severely disrupt its work.

The financial crisis occurred as the United States, the largest contributor, failed to pay its mandatory dues for the previous year. According to a UN official, the US currently owes 2.19 billion dollars to the United Nations’ regular budget, with an additional 767 million dollars for this year. Mr Guterres said the UN ended 2025 with a record 1.56 billion in outstanding dues, more than twice the amount outstanding at the end of 2024.

The UN Chief added that unless payments drastically improve, the United Nations will not be able to fulfil the 3.45 billion dollar regular budget for 2026, approved unanimously in December by the assembly’s 193 members.