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UN Chief Expresses Regret Over U.S. Exit From International Bodies

Published by admin on January 9th, 2026.

UN Chief Expresses Regret Over U.S. Exit From International Bodies

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has reacted to the decision by the United States to withdraw from several international organisations, describing the move as regrettable and reaffirming that financial contributions to the UN are mandatory for all member states.

In a statement released on Thursday through his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres said he was disappointed by the announcement from the White House concerning the U.S. decision to pull out of a number of United Nations agencies. He stressed that funding commitments approved by the UN General Assembly are binding under international law.

The Secretary-General noted that assessed contributions to both the UN regular budget and peacekeeping operations are legal obligations under the UN Charter, adding that this requirement applies to every member state, including the United States.

Despite the development, Guterres assured that the United Nations would continue to carry out its work. He said all UN bodies would proceed with their assigned responsibilities and remain focused on delivering support and assistance to people who rely on the organisation across the world.

Reiterating the UN’s global responsibility, he stated that the organisation remains committed to fulfilling its mandates with resolve and determination, regardless of challenges or changes in member participation.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the country’s withdrawal from 66 international organisations, marking one of the most significant reductions in U.S. involvement in multilateral institutions in recent history. A White House fact sheet dated January 7, 2026, said the decision was taken on the grounds that the affected organisations no longer align with U.S. national interests, security priorities, economic goals, or sovereignty.