UN faces $5.5bn in unpaid regular and peacekeeping contributions

The UN had $1.46 billion in unpaid assessments for its regular budget and about $4.1 billion outstanding for peacekeeping operations at the end of September, delegates were told on 19 October. Speakers warned that late payments are disrupting financial planning and putting the delivery of UN mandates at risk. [1]

The figures were presented to the General Assembly’s Fifth Committee, which deals with administrative and budgetary matters. A further $87 million was owed for the UN tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, and the International Residual Mechanism that continues their work.

Uruguay, speaking for the Group of 77 and China, said the arrears undermine predictable funding and effective implementation of mandates. Although regular-budget collections had recently improved, the UN began 2026 with a record $1.568 billion in unpaid regular-budget assessments, the delegate said. The organisation had also drawn on its Working Capital Fund and Special Account earlier than in 2025, despite spending restrictions.

Singapore, speaking for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, said a temporary change to how credits are returned had provided “breathing space” but was not a lasting fix. Uncertain payment patterns complicate workforce planning, procurement and operational decisions, the delegate said.

Peacekeeping was a particular concern. Operations ended the 2025/26 financial period with more than $2.8 billion in arrears, delegates said. Outstanding claims for troops, police and equipment serving active missions had been settled by 30 September, but speakers warned that delays could return if contributions did not improve. Indonesia’s delegate said temporary measures such as borrowing between funds could not substitute for adequate funding.

The European Union’s representative called timely contributions a collective responsibility and urged states to reject conditions attached to payments. Cuba’s delegate said the revised credit methodology offered relief but did not address the underlying causes of the crisis.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance Catherine Pollard told the committee that 145 member states had paid their regular-budget assessments in full. For the international tribunals, the number stood at 127. A UN report cited by the organisation also paid tribute to 59 states that had paid all assessments due at the time it was prepared. [1]

Delegates also called for better use of available resources. China urged stronger implementation of the UN80 reform initiative and cost-saving measures, while Haiti called for a review of more predictable and flexible financing options.