15 hrs ago
US Pledges Millions to Geneva-Based UN Agencies
The United States has promised money to some United Nations groups based in Geneva.
The World Meteorological Organization said it received money for what the US owed for 2024, as well as a promise of extra funding.
CITES also confirmed it received a funding promise, but did not say how much.
The International Labour Organization said it had not received a promise.
US officials said the payment does not mean they are happy with how the UN works.
They said they recognize some reforms but expect more.
The promises come as UN agencies face funding pressures and the US seeks to maintain a role in the organisation.
The full amount of US debt to UN agencies represented by these pledges is not known.
The United States sent pledge letters to several UN organisations in Geneva, according to diplomats and a UN source.
The World Meteorological Organization confirmed receiving 15.1 million Swiss francs for US dues owed for 2024, plus an additional 2.2 million francs pledged.
CITES confirmed it received a US funding pledge on September 24 but did not disclose the amount.
The International Labour Organization said it had not received a pledge despite being owed more than 250 million Swiss francs by Washington.
The State Department said the payment reflected recognition of reforms and an expectation of further changes, not satisfaction with the status quo.
- Who
- The United States and several UN organisations, including the World Meteorological Organization and CITES.
- What
- The US pledged tens of millions of dollars to UN organisations in Geneva; the World Meteorological Organization confirmed receiving payment for 2024 dues and an additional pledge.
- Where
- Geneva, Switzerland, and the United Nations system.
- When
- The report was dated October 9; CITES said it received its pledge on September 24, and US Ambassador Todd Steggerda arrived in Geneva in September.
- Why
- Diplomats said the pledges signalled continued US engagement and could support UN agencies; the State Department said they reflected recognition of reforms and expectations of more.
US engagement and reforms
Unpaid dues and continued concerns
Meaning of the payments
US engagement and reforms
US officials said the payment recognised reforms achieved and reflected expectations for further reforms, rather than satisfaction with the status quo.
Unpaid dues and continued concerns
Diplomats described the pledges as evidence of some US political interest in keeping the UN system operating, while the US has repeatedly criticised the organisation.
Scale of US arrears
US engagement and reforms
Washington has said the UN's stated total of more than $4 billion owed is much higher than the US considers accurate.
Unpaid dues and continued concerns
The UN said in May that the United States owed more than $4 billion, and the reported $725 million general-budget payment was less than 20% of that figure.
Key facts
- World Meteorological Organization payment
- 15.1 million Swiss francs ($18.18 million), covering US dues for 2024.
- Additional WMO pledge
- 2.2 million Swiss francs.
- Outstanding WMO fees
- The agency said US fees for 2025 and 2026 remained outstanding.
- CITES pledge
- CITES confirmed receiving a US funding pledge on September 24; the amount was not disclosed.
- International Labour Organization arrears
- The organisation said Washington owed it more than 250 million Swiss francs ($300.88 million) and that it had not received a pledge.
- UN general budget payment
- A $725 million payment this month represented less than 20% of the more than $4 billion the UN said the US owed in May; Washington has said the total is much lower.
Quotes
US State Department spokesperson
Spokesperson for the US Department of State.
“This payment should not be mistaken for satisfaction with the status quo. It reflects recognition of reforms achieved — and an expectation of many more to come.”
theprint.in
“It shows at least they have a political interest in keeping the system going.”
theprint.in
Sources
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