The United Nations (UN) said on Monday it is awaiting clarification from the United States (US) on the timing and size of payments toward its overdue budget contributions, following Washington’s pledge last week to make an initial payment within the coming weeks.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters that discussions with US officials are ongoing but concrete details are still pending. “We’ve seen the statements, and frankly, the secretary-general has been in touch for quite some time on this issue with Ambassador Mike Waltz,” Dujarric said. “Our budget controller has been in touch with the US; indications were given. We’re waiting to see exactly when payments will be made and in what amounts.”
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The issue has taken on greater urgency after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned in a January 28 letter to member states that the 193-member organisation is at risk of “imminent financial collapse” due to mounting unpaid contributions.
“You’ll certainly see an initial tranche of money [towards billions owed by the #US to #UN] very shortly. It’ll be significant .. down payment on our annual dues. I don’t believe the ultimate figure is decided, but it’ll be in a matter of weeks” – @USAmbUN https://t.co/Qs4JvCsdgI pic.twitter.com/HpGuuvKY2B
— The UN Times (@TheUNTimes) February 8, 2026
The United States, the UN’s largest contributor, is responsible for more than 95% of the outstanding dues to the organisation’s regular budget, according to UN officials. Washington currently owes around $2.19 billion toward the regular budget, in addition to approximately $2.4 billion for current and past peacekeeping missions and $43.6 million for UN tribunals.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said on Friday that an initial payment would be made soon. “You’ll certainly see an initial tranche of money very shortly,” he told Reuters, describing it as a “significant down payment” on annual dues. He added that while the final amount has not yet been decided, payments would begin within weeks.
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UN officials said the US did not contribute to the regular budget last year, leaving arrears of $827 million for 2025 and $767 million for 2026, with additional unpaid amounts from previous years.
When asked whether the payment would address past arrears or future obligations, Waltz said it would go toward arrears and reflect progress on UN reforms. As of last Friday, only 55 countries had paid their regular budget contributions before the February 8 deadline.