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US withdrawal from UN bodies threatens global development goals
Frank Okon
The United States’ move to withdraw from or suspend funding to a range of United Nations bodies risks slowing progress on some of the world’s most pressing global priorities, from tackling climate change and regulating international trade to supporting development and gender equality.
A White House memorandum released this week said the US administration would cease participation in, or funding to, dozens of UN entities “to the extent permitted by law,” a decision that could weaken international coordination at a time when multilateral cooperation is already under strain.
Many of the 31 UN bodies named in the memorandum sit at the centre of the global agenda, shaping climate action, humanitarian response, economic development and international norms. While some receive core funding through the UN’s regular budget, many rely heavily on voluntary contributions from the United States, meaning that cuts could directly affect programmes on the ground.
Briefing reporters in New York, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the organisation would continue implementing mandates agreed by member states “with determination,” but acknowledged that funding decisions by major donors inevitably influence the scope and speed of UN operations.
Analysts warn that reduced US engagement could undermine collective efforts to meet global climate targets, support vulnerable economies, and coordinate responses to conflict, food insecurity and health crises. In areas such as climate finance, trade facilitation and development assistance, US funding and political backing have historically played a key role in setting priorities and mobilising other donors.
The White House said its review of funding for international organisations “remains ongoing,” leaving uncertainty over how far the pullback could go and whether additional UN agencies could be affected.
The following is a breakdown of the 31 UN entities named in the memorandum and how their work underpins the global agenda on climate, trade, development and human rights.
