As the United Nations faces the possibility of ending 2025 with a cash deficit, delegates in the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) considered ways to surmount the looming crisis, from delaying credit returns to tackling payment defaults by the United States.
General Assembly
Warning of the risk of bankruptcy amid shrinking resources and growing needs, the United Nations chief today briefed the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) on the Organization’s proposed budget for 2026, outlining the funding and staffing required to maintain peace and security, protect human rights, advance sustainable development and achieve other key objectives.
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) of the General Assembly on the proposed programme budget for 2026, in New York today:
With the world’s youngest population, abundant natural resources and infinite opportunities for growth, unlocking Africa’s potential requires global solidarity, renewed investments and a level financial playing field, the General Assembly heard today, as it met to discuss the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks on the UN80 Initiative, delivered at the General Assembly, in New York today:
No nation should be left behind due to its geography, the General Assembly heard today as it endorsed a declaration reaffirming the international community’s commitment to landlocked developing countries.
The United Nations’ cash position “unfortunately has not improved” since the last briefing in May, with 57 Member States still owing $1.87 billion out of the $3.5 billion in mandatory contributions as of 30 September — including $1.5 billion from the United States — the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) heard today.
Following are Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks to the General Assembly’s Sixth Committee (Legal), in New York today:
The General Assembly held a joint debate today on United Nations reform and Africa’s development, with delegates urging “comprehensive and coherent reform” of the Organization and backing a fourth Industrial Development Decade for Africa to drive the continent’s “transformation, equity and global solidarity”.
The General Assembly convened today following the recent veto in the Security Council to address the escalating crisis in Gaza and consider next steps for peace and accountability.