UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said he is sorry and concerned about the United States decision to withdraw from several United Nations bodies.
Speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that all UN member countries are legally required to contribute money to the UN budget, as stated in the UN Charter. He added that despite the US decision, UN agencies will continue to carry out their work with determination, based on the responsibilities given to them by member states.
The reaction comes after US President Donald Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum ordering the United States to withdraw from 66 international organisations and agreements, including 31 UN bodies. The US government said the decision was taken to protect American national interests.
Some of the major UN organisations that the US has withdrawn from include the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the International Law Commission, the International Trade Centre, the Peacebuilding Commission, UN Energy, the UN Population Fund, and UN Water.
The decision has raised concerns about the impact on global cooperation, as many of these UN bodies play key roles in areas such as development, peacebuilding, trade, population welfare, and water management.