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UN Chief Regrets US Withdrawal from Key UN Bodies and Treaties

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed regret over the United States' decision to withdraw from multiple UN entities. The withdrawal, ordered by President Trump, targets 66 international organizations, including 31 within the UN system. Key affected bodies include the UN Population Fund, the Peacebuilding Commission, and the International Trade Centre. This action continues a pattern of US disengagement from multilateral institutions, following earlier exits from the WHO and UNESCO.

Key Points: US Withdraws from UN Entities, Guterres Expresses Regret

  • US withdraws from 66 international bodies
  • Includes 31 UN entities like UNFPA and Peacebuilding Commission
  • Guterres stresses funding is a legal obligation
  • Follows earlier exits from WHO and UNESCO
2 min read

Antonio Guterres expresses regret on US withdrawal from UN entities

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regrets the US decision to withdraw from 31 UN entities and 35 other international organizations.

"The Secretary-General regrets the announcement by the White House... - Stephane Dujarric, UN Spokesman"

Geneva, January 9

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed regret over the decision of the United States to pull out of multiple UN entities.

In a statement delivered by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, it was mentioned, "The Secretary-General regrets the announcement by the White House regarding the United States' decision to withdraw from a number of United Nations entities."

"As we have consistently underscored, assessed contributions to the United Nations regular budget and peacekeeping budget, as approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all Member States, including the United States," the statement added.

The statement said that all United Nations entities will go on with the implementation of their mandates as given by Member States "with determination".

It added that the United Nations has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on it and that it will continue to carry out mandates with determination.

U S President Donald Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum on Wednesday directing the withdrawal from 66 international organisations, conventions and treaties that his administration has determined to be "contrary to the interests of the United States".

According to the White House, the 66 organisations consist of 35 non-United Nations organisations and 31 United Nations entities.

Key UN organisations from which the US has withdrawn include the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, International Law Commission, International Trade Centre, Peacebuilding Commission, UN Energy and UN Population Fund and UN Water.

The move comes almost a year after the Trump administration had announced the withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in January 2025, citing the mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic. The US had also withdrawn from UNESCO in July 2025, saying that the latter was not in the "national interest" of the United States.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
While I understand the US wanting to review its commitments, pulling out of bodies like the International Trade Centre seems short-sighted. Global trade rules benefit everyone. This creates uncertainty for economies like India's that are deeply integrated.
R
Rohit P
Frankly, the UN needs reform. Maybe this withdrawal will force a conversation about making these entities more efficient and less bureaucratic. But leaving en masse is not the way. It just weakens the system.
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Sarah B
The withdrawal from UN Water and UN Energy is alarming. These are critical for sustainable development goals, especially for developing nations. Climate change and water security are global issues that need cooperation, not isolation.
V
Vikram M
This is a pattern now - WHO, UNESCO, now this. Every country has a right to prioritize its interests, but the Charter calls it a "legal obligation" for a reason. It sets a dangerous precedent. What if other major powers follow suit?
M
Meera T
From an Indian perspective, this could be an opportunity. With the US stepping back, there is space for countries like India to take greater leadership roles in these UN bodies. We should be prepared to step up and shape the global agenda.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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