UN Condemns US Withdrawal from Multiple Agencies, Warns of Global Impact
The United Nations has expressed regret following the White House announcement that the United States will withdraw from several UN agencies and offices, a move that could have wide-ranging implications for international cooperation.
In a statement, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasised that assessed contributions to the organisation’s regular and peacekeeping budgets, approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all member states, including the United States. He added that UN bodies will continue to fulfil the mandates given to them by member states and remain committed to serving people worldwide who rely on their work.
The US decision, announced through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, calls for withdrawal from 31 international organisations, including UN Women, the UN Population Fund, and the secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The order directs the United States to halt participation and funding, citing concerns that continued engagement in these bodies runs counter to American national interests.
Reacting to the announcement, Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN climate convention, warned that the move could have serious economic consequences. He noted that the US has played a central role in shaping both the UN climate framework and the Paris Agreement, which he said align with national interests.
“Stepping back from international climate cooperation would harm the US economy, jobs and living standards, as extreme weather events intensify,” Stiell said. “It would also drive up energy, food, transport and insurance costs for American families and businesses.” He added that the climate convention’s secretariat will continue supporting countries globally and that the US is welcome to return to the Paris Agreement framework in the future.
Other UN bodies affected by the withdrawal include the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which supports sustainable development initiatives, and UN-Water, which coordinates international efforts on water and sanitation.
