Guterres expresses regret over US withdrawal from UN entities

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed regret over the United States decision to withdraw from several UN entities. Spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, stressed that member states are legally obligated to fund UN budgets under the UN Charter. He said the UN entities will go on with the implementation of their mandates as given by Member States “with determination”. The UN chief emphasised that funding commitments approved by the General Assembly are binding under international law. Reaffirming the UN’s role globally, the Secretary-General added, “The United Nations has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us. We will continue to carry out our mandates with determination.”

US President Donald Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the withdrawal from 66 international organisations and treaties, including 31 UN bodies, citing US national interests. Key UN organisations from which the US has withdrawn include the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, International Law Commission, International Trade Centre, Peacebuilding Commission, UN Energy and UN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. According to the report, a White House Fact Sheet released on January 7, 2026, said Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the withdrawal from organisations that “no longer serve American interests.”