U. S. Owes the UN: When Will the Money Arrive?

The United Nations is waiting to hear when the United States will pay its overdue budget. The U. N. said it wants details on timing and amounts after Washington promised a first payment soon. The U. N. ’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, told reporters that the secretary‑general has been talking with Ambassador Mike Waltz for a while. The U. N. ’s finance team is also in contact with the U. S. , and they are waiting for clear dates and figures. In a letter to all member states, Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres warned that the organization could face “imminent financial collapse” if dues are not paid. The main problem is that the United States, which accounts for over 95 % of the unpaid bills, has been slow to contribute. Under former President Donald Trump, Washington pulled back from many international agreements and demanded that the U. N. cut costs. Now it must pay a huge amount: $2. 19 billion for the regular budget, $2. 4 billion for peacekeeping missions, and $43. 6 million for tribunals. The U. N. also says the U. S. owes $827 million for last year’s budget and another $767 million for 2026, plus earlier arrears.Ambassador Waltz told Reuters that a “significant down payment” would come soon, but he was not sure if it would cover last year’s dues, next year’s, or both. He said the money will go toward clearing arrears and supporting reforms. Only 55 countries have paid their shares of the U. N. ’s regular budget before the February deadline, according to recent data. The rest are still waiting for a clear plan from Washington. The U. N. hopes the U. S. will settle its debts soon, or it could face serious budget problems that would affect programs worldwide. The situation highlights how a single country’s financial decisions can ripple through global institutions, reminding everyone that cooperation and timely payments are essential for international stability.