In a significant address at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, underscored the critical challenges confronting UN peacekeeping operations due to a worsening financial crisis within the organization. This liquidity crunch, which has raised alarm bells at the highest levels of the UN, including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, is increasingly jeopardizing the effectiveness and sustainability of peacekeeping missions worldwide.
Earlier this month, Secretary-General Guterres issued a stark warning about the possibility of an “imminent financial collapse” of the United Nations if member states fail to meet their financial obligations promptly. He highlighted the urgent need for either full and timely payment of dues or a fundamental reform of the UN’s budgetary policies, which currently require the return of unspent funds to member countries even when the organization faces cash shortages. This paradoxical rule has been described by Guterres as a “race to bankruptcy,” further complicating the UN’s ability to maintain its operations.
By the close of 2025, the UN recorded an unprecedented $1.57 billion in unpaid contributions from member states, a deficit that threatens not only the delivery of essential programs but also the very core of peacekeeping efforts globally. Ambassador Iftikhar Ahmad, speaking at the inauguration of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, emphasized that this financial shortfall is directly impacting the UN’s ability to fulfill its mandates. These include protecting vulnerable civilians in conflict zones, deterring acts of violence, and ensuring the safety and security of peacekeepers deployed in some of the world’s most volatile regions.
Highlighting Pakistan’s pivotal role in UN peacekeeping, the ambassador reminded the international community that Pakistan hosts one of the longest-standing UN missions—the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). For over six decades, Pakistan has been among the largest and most dedicated troop contributors, demonstrating unwavering commitment to global peace and security. To date, more than 250,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served in 48 different missions across four continents, a testament to the country’s enduring dedication. The ambassador paid solemn tribute to the 182 Pakistani peacekeepers who have sacrificed their lives while serving under the UN flag, honoring their bravery and commitment.
However, the envoy also expressed concern over the consequences of dwindling financial support and the gradual reduction of peacekeeping missions without a clear strategic framework. Such trends risk undermining the preparedness of troop-contributing countries, including Pakistan, by affecting standby arrangements, rapid deployment capabilities, and the availability of specialized units crucial for responding swiftly to emerging crises. He called for urgent reforms to make peacekeeping operations more agile, focused, and equipped with modern technology and strengthened partnerships to effectively counter evolving security threats.
Ambassador Iftikhar stressed that despite the complex political challenges, the core responsibilities of peacekeeping—such as protecting civilians, enforcing ceasefires, and deterring violations—must remain non-negotiable. He warned against using political stalemates as justification for withdrawing peacekeeping missions, which could have far-reaching negative impacts on global stability.
Meanwhile, the UN continues to grapple with its financial woes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric pointed out that the ongoing “cash-flow problem” could be resolved if member states fulfilled their financial commitments, a responsibility that remains unmet by some. The situation is further complicated by the United States’ recent policies under former President Donald Trump, who established a ‘Board of Peace’ with himself as lifetime chair, raising concerns about potential undermining of the UN’s authority. The US has also withheld mandatory payments to both the UN’s regular and peacekeeping budgets, cut voluntary funding to various UN agencies, and moved to withdraw from key international organizations such as the World Health Organization.
In response to the funding crisis, the UN has had to scale back its 2026 aid budget to roughly half of what was initially requested for 2025, even as humanitarian needs worldwide continue to escalate. Secretary-General Guterres launched the UN80 reform initiative last year, aiming to reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency. Although the approved 2026 regular budget is approximately $200 million higher than his original proposal, it still represents a 7% decrease compared to the 2025 budget, reflecting ongoing financial constraints.
Guterres has warned that without immediate action, the UN could exhaust its available funds by July, a scenario that would severely disrupt peacekeeping and other vital UN functions. The current budgetary rules requiring the return of unspent funds to member states, despite delayed payments, have been described as “Kafkaesque” and are a major obstacle to financial stability. UN officials remain hopeful that these regulations will be revised to prevent further fiscal deterioration and to safeguard the future of international peacekeeping efforts.
