On January 9, in a bold statement, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that the United Nations will persist in fulfilling its mandated responsibilities, despite the recent announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding funding cuts to 31 UN-affiliated entities.

While expressing disappointment over the U.S. decision, Guterres' spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, affirmed that all UN bodies will continue to execute their mandates as assigned by member states.

As mandated by the UN Charter, the U.S. is required to fulfill its financial commitments for both the regular and peacekeeping budgets sanctioned by the General Assembly.

Guterres stated, “The United Nations is accountable to those who rely on us, and we will carry out our mandates with unwavering resolve”.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the targeted organizations, suggesting they aim to “undermine U.S. sovereignty” and collaborate with what he termed the “elite networks” or the “multilateral ‘NGO-plex’”.

As part of his America First agenda, Trump commanded his administration to cease involvement with 31 UN entities and 35 other organizations, including the International Solar Alliance based in India.

The decision primarily impacted entities engaged in climate change, development, economy, trade, environment, and gender issues.

Significant organizations affected included the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), International Trade Centre, UN Framework Conference on Climate Change, UN Population Fund, and various special representatives addressing children in armed conflict and sexual violence.

Dujarric remarked, “Our efforts on climate, child protection, and gender issues will continue with determination”.

He noted that for entities under the UN’s regular budget, a nation cannot selectively choose its contributions, as it is obligated to cover its entire dues.

Last year, the U.S. accounted for 22 percent of the regular budget, equating to $820 million.

Although Congress approved this amount, Trump has yet to remit payment to the UN.

This administration proposed a reduction of $610 million in this year’s contributions.

The Charter stipulates that a country loses its voting rights in the General Assembly if its arrears equal or exceed dues for the past two full years.

Nevertheless, even if the U.S. reaches that point, it retains its veto power in the Security Council.

Some entities targeted by Trump, such as UNCTAD, receive their dues directly from member states rather than through the UN budget.

Prior to this latest move, Trump had already withdrawn the U.S. from several UN bodies, including UNESCO, UNRWA, and the UN Human Rights Council.