In a statement from the UN press service, it is emphasized that contributions to the regular budget and the peacekeeping operations budget, approved by the General Assembly, are legally binding for all member states, including the US.
The memorandum signed by Trump requires US executive bodies and agencies to immediately begin the process of withdrawing from numerous international agreements and organizations that the administration deems unbeneficial.
According to the document, the decision affects 31 UN agencies and structures, including:
- The UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which focuses on maternal and child health and combating gender-based violence;
- The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which promotes international cooperation in the fight against climate change;
- The UN Democracy Fund, which supports projects for democratic development;
- Other UN divisions, including those that deal with child protection in conflict situations and preventing sexual violence during wars.
Withdrawal from UN structures implies "cessation of participation in their activities or funding, within the limits permitted by law," as stated in the memorandum.
The UN statement clarifies that all structures will continue to fulfill their mandates provided by member states. "We take responsibility for those who rely on our work and will continue to carry out the tasks assigned to us," the UN added.
According to the UN Charter, contributions to the regular budget and the peacekeeping operations budget are mandatory for all member states and are approved by the General Assembly.
In 2026, the General Assembly approved a regular budget of $3.45 billion, which was a significant reduction compared to previous years, including a 15% decrease in funding and nearly a 19% reduction in staff numbers.
Climate expert Simon Steele, commenting on the US decision to withdraw from the UNFCCC, noted that this is a step backward in global climate cooperation.
He emphasized that "the United States played an important role in creating the Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement, as both documents align with US national interests."
Steele also added that the US retreat from global climate leadership "could negatively impact the economy, employment, and living standards in the country, especially in light of increasing natural disasters."
Nevertheless, he noted that the UNFCCC will continue its work and "the doors for the US return in the future remain open, as was the case with the Paris Agreement."
Photo on the main page: UN/M.Elias.
