Media: UN struggles amid US funding freeze, cuts services, operations

The United Nations (UN) has been forced to implement austerity measures after the US administration froze its funding contributions, leading to significant operational disruptions.

The funding shortage has severely impacted the UN's ability to carry out its usual functions, prompting a series of cost-cutting measures, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Notably, the duration of live broadcasts of plenary sessions has been shortened, evening meetings beyond 6 p.m. have been canceled, and working hours for interpreters have been reduced. In addition, the issuance of official documents has been delayed, and reports have been trimmed by 10 per cent. To further economize, the building's temperature has been lowered to save on heating costs.

A letter from Earle Courtenay Rattray, Chef de Cabinet (CDC) to the United Nations Secretary-General, outlines the financial challenges the organization is facing. The letter highlights that without drastic cost reductions, the UN will be unable to meet its financial obligations between September and December. Rattray described the current situation as one of "unprecedented uncertainty," which threatens the UN’s ability to fulfill its mission.

Among the projects affected by the funding freeze is an artificial intelligence initiative designed to improve access to archival documents. Additionally, purchases of new equipment, apart from essential items, have been halted, and scheduled repairs have been postponed.

While the US is the most significant contributor to the funding freeze, China has also delayed payments, exacerbating the financial strain. In response, the UN has limited its leverage to a provision that removes the voting rights of member states that fail to fulfill their financial obligations for more than two years.

The funding shortfall is putting the UN's long-term viability and effectiveness in jeopardy, as it continues to navigate the financial challenges in the absence of full contributions from its member states.

By Vafa Guliyeva