On Feb. 19, the U.S. and the United Nations announced that Washington had paid roughly $160 million toward the nearly $4 billion it currently owes the organization. The funds are designated for the UN’s regular budget, which supports core operations such as diplomacy and humanitarian response.
While the payment is a positive step, the U.S. still accounts for about 98 percent of unpaid contributions to the UN’s main budget. In addition, Washington owes roughly $1.8 billion for peacekeeping operations that help prevent violence, protect civilians and stabilize fragile regions.
There are signs the gap could narrow. A bipartisan spending package signed on Feb. 3 provides near-full funding for UN regular and peacekeeping accounts in FY26, underscoring continued American engagement. The FY27 budget process is now underway, where future payments will be debated.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that mounting arrears are straining the organization’s finances and operations. U.S. officials argue that paying dues is precisely what enables Washington to push for reforms and shape decisions that affect American security and interests worldwide.
UN Member States’ assessed contributions are due on Feb. 1 each year, including payments to both the regular and peacekeeping budgets. Payments are publicly tracked on the UN’s Honor Roll, which lists countries that have paid their dues in full.
