Sign in Subscribe
United Nations

UN General Assembly Approves Budget Reduction for US

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The UN General Assembly has formally approved a budget reduction, lowering the US share of the institution's general administrative budget from 25 to 22 percent, and peacekeeping expenses from 31 percent to approximately 27 percent. The agreement, brokered by the US delegation, was met with opposition from South Korea, but ultimately passed with the support of Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the US administration. The new budget formula represents a significant victory for Senator Jesse Helms, who had long pushed for a reduction in US dues.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US share of the UN's general administrative budget has been reduced from 25 to 22 percent.
  • The US share of peacekeeping expenses has been reduced from 31 percent to approximately 27 percent.
  • The new budget formula represents a significant victory for Senator Jesse Helms (R-N.C.), who had long fought for a reduction in US dues.
  • South Korea, which faces the greatest increase under the new formula, objected loudly to the agreement.
  • The UN has borrowed from peacekeeping funds due to the US's arrears of about $1.3 billion.
  • The new peacekeeping figure of 27 percent will "start out" in 2001 and then move down over the next two years.
  • Billionaire Ted Turner has pledged an additional $34 million gift to the UN, which will be channeled through the State Department.
  • The contribution, which is going to the State Department, is "perfectly legal" according to Ambassador Richard Holbrooke.

Statistics:

  • 22 percent: the new US share of the UN's general administrative budget.
  • 27 percent: the new US share of peacekeeping expenses.
  • 25 percent: the original US share of the UN's general administrative budget.
  • 31 percent: the original US share of peacekeeping expenses.
  • Approximately $1.3 billion: the US's outstanding arrears.
  • 2001: the year in which the new peacekeeping figure will "start out".
  • $34 million: the additional gift pledged by Ted Turner.

Sources:

  • "The United Nations", no date specified.
  • "U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Richard Holbrooke", no date specified.
  • "Washington Post", no date specified.
  • "AP News", no date specified.

Read more