According to Reuters reported on October 9th, sources said that the United States has pledged to provide tens of millions of dollars in funding for several United Nations organizations stationed in Geneva. Diplomats stated that this move indicates Washington still wishes to maintain a certain level of contact with this global institution, which it has repeatedly criticized.
Two diplomats and a United Nations source told Reuters that the United States has sent letter of intent to several United Nations organizations, including the World Meteorological Organization based in Geneva, as well as agencies related to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which regulates the trade in wild animals and plants.
The United States Department of State confirmed that it has paid a sum to the United Nations, but did not disclose the exact amount. A spokesperson for the Department of State told Reuters: “This payment should not be misinterpreted as satisfaction with the current situation. It reflects recognition of the reforms that have been made, as well as expectations for further reforms in the future.”
It is reported that the Trump administration significantly cut funding for the United Nations and owes a large amount of promised payments. It also accused the United Nations of having problems such as “wastage, inefficiency, and failing to fully realize its potential to facilitate peace agreements”.
But since the beginning of this year, the United States has been taking measures to repay a significant portion of its debts, with the aim of maintaining its influence in the election of the new Secretary-General of the United Nations, and securing its voting rights.
According to Article 19 of the United Nations Charter, if a member state's debt exceeds the total amount due for the previous two years, that state will lose its voting rights in the United Nations General Assembly.
The US donation comes at a time when US Ambassador Todd Stergda arrived in Geneva in September. Stergda is a lawyer and was once a naval pilot.
Reuters said that the delay or non-payment of contributions by the United States could be a severe blow to United Nations agencies that rely on Washington as their major donor for a long time, forcing some agencies to re-evaluate their priorities.
The World Meteorological Organization was established in 1951, responsible for coordinating global meteorological data. The organization confirmed that it has received 15.1 million Swiss francs (approximately 122 million RMB) to settle the US debt owed to the organization for the year 2024. This payment secured the US's voting rights at the organization.
The institution stated that Washington has also committed to an additional donation of 2.2 million Swiss francs; however, a spokesperson said that the United States' dues for the 2025 and 2026 meetings have not yet been paid.
CITES also confirmed that it received a funding commitment from the United States on September 24, but did not disclose the amount.
Washington owes the International Labor Organization over 250 million Swiss francs (approximately 2.015 billion yuan); a spokesperson for the organization stated that no donations have been received yet.
Diplomats welcomed these donations, stating that it indicates that the United States remains committed to United Nations affairs to some extent. These donations involve fields such as meteorology and wildlife, which are generally not considered priority areas for the United States.
A diplomat stated: “This at least indicates they have a political interest in maintaining the operation of this system.”
It is currently unclear what proportion of the total debts of various United Nations agencies these funds represent.
In terms of the United Nations regular budget, the United States paid $725 million this month. However, according to data disclosed by the United Nations in May this year, the United States owes more than $4 billion, and this payment is less than one-fifth of the total debt. Nevertheless, Washington has stated that the actual debt owed by the United States is much smaller.
