The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has expressed sadness over the United States’ decision to withdraw from a number of United Nations entities, emphasizing that assessed financial contributions to the organization are a legal requirement for all member states.
The Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, issued a statement on Thursday expressing sadness at the decision announced by the White House.
“The Secretary-General regrets the announcement by the White House regarding the United States’ decision to withdraw from a number of United Nations entities,” the statement read.
The UN chief stressed that funding commitments approved by the General Assembly are binding under international law.
“As we have consistently underscored, assessed contributions to the United Nations regular budget and peacekeeping budget, as approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all Member States, including the United States,” the statement said.
Guterres also mentioned that the organization would continue to function despite the decision, noting that UN agencies would press ahead with their responsibilities.
“All United Nations entities will go on with the implementation of their mandates as given by member states,” he said.
Reaffirming the UN’s role globally, the Secretary-General added, “The United Nations has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us. We will continue to carry out our mandates with determination.”
The same position was echoed on the UN’s X page, which stated, “António Guterres regrets the announcement regarding the United States’ decision to withdraw from a number of United Nations entities. The UN has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us. We will continue to carry out our mandates with determination.”
Chronicle NG reports that President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered the United States to withdraw from 66 international organizations, describing the move as one of the most extensive rollbacks of US participation in multilateral institutions in modern history.
According to the report, a White House Fact Sheet issued on January 7, 2026, stated that Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum ordering the withdrawal from organizations that “no longer serve American interests.”
The directive apparently instructs all executive departments and agencies to cease engaging in and sponsoring 35 non-UN organizations and 31 United Nations entities that operate “contrary to US national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty.”
