The United States has made a partial payment of approximately $160 million toward the more than $4 billion it owes the United Nations, according to a UN spokesperson, in a move that comes amid renewed debate over Washington’s financial commitment to the international body.
The payment, received last week, was allocated to the UN’s regular operating budget. Despite this contribution, the United States remains by far the organization’s largest debtor, with outstanding arrears that include billions owed to both the regular budget and peacekeeping operations.
UN officials have warned that delayed payments from member states — particularly Washington — have placed the organization under significant financial strain and risk disrupting its global activities.
The announcement coincided with the first meeting of the Peace Council initiative hosted by Donald Trump, who pledged continued financial support while simultaneously promoting a new international framework that some analysts believe could rival or weaken the UN’s traditional role in conflict resolution, reports Al-Rai daily.
Although the United States remains the largest contributor to UN funding overall, the Trump administration has previously withheld mandatory payments and reduced voluntary contributions to several UN agencies, reflecting longstanding criticism that the organization has failed to fully realize its potential.
Observers note that while the latest payment signals a degree of re-engagement, the scale of outstanding dues continues to raise concerns about the UN’s financial stability and the future balance of global multilateral cooperation.
