Money worries
Shivering diplomats – the UN is turning down the heating
The United Nations headquarters in New York. photo
© Michael Kappeler/dpa
Thick sweaters and scarves in the UN headquarters on the East River: The United Nations has a money problem – and is making cuts.
Because it is cool in some conference rooms, many employees now wear thick sweaters to work. “We are trying to ensure that we have enough liquidity to ensure basic supplies,” Guterres spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday. The scarf he recently wore at a press conference was not a prop. He wears it “because I’m cold,” says Dujarric. Other UN employees also complain about cold rooms and cold fingers, but otherwise go about their work as usual. The reason for the austerity measures is arrears from UN member countries. The lack of cash has made “aggressive measures” necessary, as the UN says. Otherwise the money threatens to run out by August. In 2023, only around 82 percent of membership fees were received, and only 142 of 193 countries paid in full.
Germany has already paid
The most serious factor is the lack of a contribution from the United States: Washington owes the UN around one billion US dollars for the years 2023 and 2024, among other things because of budget problems in Congress. The entire UN budget, with the exception of money for peace operations, is more than three Billion dollars. Germany has already paid its contribution for 2024 of over $190 million as the fourth largest payer.
The UN is often cash-strapped and has to borrow money in the meantime to make up for late payment of contributions. But in 2023, the lowest payments were received in five years, which not only leads to limited new hiring. Working hours of security personnel at some entrances and of translators have also been restricted, which is also leading to changes in daily operations at the UN headquarters.
The number of weekly events has also been limited, according to the letter. At an important meeting of the World Security Council on Friday with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, the time was also limited until 6 p.m., which is why not all interested nations can speak at the meeting.