In a statement from the UN press service, it is indicated: "As we have repeatedly emphasized, contributions to the UN regular budget and the peacekeeping operations budget are legally binding for all member states, including the US."
The memorandum signed by Trump mandates US executive bodies and agencies to immediately begin the process of withdrawing from numerous international organizations, conventions, and agreements that Washington deems inconsistent with its interests.
According to the document, this decision affects 31 UN structures and agencies, including:
- The UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which focuses on maternal and child health protection and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence;
- The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which promotes international cooperation in combating climate change;
- The UN Democracy Fund, which supports civil society projects in the field of democratic development;
- Other UN divisions located both in New York and elsewhere that deal with issues of child protection in armed conflict and combating sexual violence in war.
Withdrawal from the UN implies "suspending participation in the activities or funding of these structures to the extent permitted by law," as stated in the memorandum.
Guterres added in his statement: "All UN structures will continue to fulfill their mandates provided by member states. We are accountable to those who rely on our work and will continue to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to us."
According to the UN Charter, contributions to the regular budget and the peacekeeping operations budget are approved by the General Assembly and are mandatory for all member countries.
For 2026, the General Assembly approved a regular budget of $3.45 billion, which is significantly lower compared to previous years, including a 15% reduction in financial resources and a nearly 19% decrease in staff numbers.
In response to the US decision to withdraw from the UNFCCC, the executive secretary of the convention, Simon Stiell, noted that this is a step back in global climate cooperation.
Stiell emphasized: "The US played a key role in establishing the Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement, which fully align with their national interests."
He added: "While other countries move forward, this step back in global leadership and cooperation on climate and science may negatively impact the economy, employment, and living standards in the US, especially in the face of increasing natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and droughts. This represents a serious own goal that will make the US less safe and less prosperous."
Stiell also noted that the UNFCCC will continue its work: "The doors will always remain open for the US to return in the future, as has already happened with the Paris Agreement."
Photo on the main page: UN/M.Elias.
