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UN Secretariat |
The United Nations and all its agencies and funds spend about $27 billion each year, or about $4 for each of the world's inhabitants. This is a very small sum compared to most government budgets and it is just a tiny fraction of the world's military spending. Yet for nearly two decades, the UN has faced a financial difficulties and it has been forced to cut back on important programs in all areas. Many member states have not paid their full dues and have cut their donations to the UN's voluntary funds. As of December 31, 2008, members' arrears to the Regular Budget topped $418 million, of which the United States alone owed $394 million (94% of the regular budget arrears).
Many proposals for UN reform deal with restructuring the UN's funding. Some suggest that the UN must seek alternative financing sources to fund its programs. Proposals include instituting a global tax on currency transactions, while others propose environmental taxes and taxes on the arms-trade. However, member states responsible for the highest contributions are reluctant to reform the system, fearing they would lose political leverage. This section examines the UN's financial condition and offers proposals for Alternative Financing for the UN. Among others, the history of UN finance and a detailed chronology of the UN financial situation is found on the site of Background Information and Analysis on UN Finance.
Our sections on General Analysis, UN Documents on UN Finance and articles on Financing of UN Programs, Funds and Specialized Agencies will help to provide a deeper understanding of UN finance issues.
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| Picture Credit: UN |
A series of Tables and Charts and other data map the different aspects of Financing the UN. Among others, there are monthly updated tables and charts on member states' assesments, payments and debts to the UN budget. This section includes also data on the funding of UN programs, funds and specialized agencies as well as on the UN core budget and the systemwide buget.
