Opinion – With arrears in UN budget, the US again sets a negative example of ‘international leadership’
Recently, Deputy Spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General Farhan Haq revealed that the US currently owes a total of $2.8 billion, of which $1.5 billion is for the regular budget of the UN. As one of the UN’s most important members, the US’ nonpayment once again sets a negative example of « international leadership. »
As the world’s largest economy, the US’ long-standing failure to pay its UN dues cannot be ignored. For a superpower capable of spending billions of dollars to support wars, the $2.8 billion owed to the UN seems to be an insignificant figure. The selective attitude reflects the US’ stance on international rules: It supports those that serve its own interests while shirking the responsibilities befitting its great power status.
« US arrears in the UN regular budget weaken the UN’s role, » Lü Xiang, an expert on US studies and research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times. The UN’s operations heavily rely on dues revenue, and insufficient funding could hinder its ability to effectively advance humanitarian aid, peacekeeping operations, and other global agendas. Timely payment of dues is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of member states within the UN framework.
TANIKO Madagascar 