UN peacekeeping reform and liquidity crisis

The United Nations is facing a significant financial and liquidity crisis affecting its peacekeeping operations. The United States has called for profound reforms, citing a loss of confidence in the current system’s ability to deliver results. Washington is advocating for clearer mandates, improved accountability, and more rigorous resource management, suggesting that underperforming missions may be reconfigured or terminated.

This fiscal strain is exacerbated by $1.56 billion in unpaid membership dues, with the United States identified as the largest debtor. Consequently, the UN faces a projected 15 percent budget cut for 2025-2026 and a 19 percent reduction in workforce, leading to uncertainty regarding staff salaries.

During the 10,226th session of the UN Security Council, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) formally warned that these budgetary difficulties are directly impacting the operational capacities of missions on the ground. DRC representative Nicolas Mupepe Matomene advocated for a transformation of peacekeeping to better suit local realities, emphasizing the need for mandates supported by adequate resources and a permanent partnership with host nations. He called for stronger coordination between peacekeeping, peacebuilding, prevention, and mediation to ensure the protection of civilians.

This financial instability coincides with a deterioration in global security, as active armed conflicts have risen to 65, the highest level since 1946. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani warned at the UN General Assembly that the post-World War II international order is failing, urging the organization to regain its capacity to act through the ‘strength of politics’ before force becomes the sole rule of international relations.