UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the organization faces a "race to bankruptcy" unless member states pay their dues in full and on time, proposing a significantly reduced $3.238 billion regular budget for 2026.

• The revised budget for 2026 marks a 15.1 percent reduction from the 2025 approved appropriation and an 18.8 percent cut in staffing compared to 2025.
• Secretary-General António Guterres spoke to the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly, highlighting high arrears totaling $760 million and a projected $300 million in credit returns as threats to liquidity.
• As of September, only 136 of 193 Member States had paid their assessments in full, with major contributors like the United States, China, Russia, and Mexico yet to complete payments.