UN Funding by Country 2026

The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945, largely through the efforts of the United States, along with the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and China. While the U.S. played a key role in shaping the organization, it was a collaborative effort among multiple Allied nations. Since its founding, the UN has relied on financial contributions from its 193 member states, with each country assessed based on its economic capacity and national income.

Historically, the United States has been the largest financial contributor, typically covering around 22% of the UN’s regular budget and up to 28% of the peacekeeping budget. However, in both 2024 and 2025, the U.S. did not appear on the UN’s Honour Roll of fully paid members, reflecting delayed or withheld payments. Despite this, the U.S. remains a significant financial force within the UN, and its funding decisions impact the organization’s global operations.

While China’s exact 2024 and 2025 payments are not listed, it contributed $446.2 million in 2023 and was assessed roughly $686 million for 2025. Japan is thus the largest fully paid contributor at $237.2 million in 2025. Germany contributed just under $195 million, while the United Kingdom and France provided roughly $137 million and $132 million, respectively.

Countries that Currently Owe the United Nations Money

As of 2025 data, which is the latest data available in early 2026, several UN member states are behind on their financial contributions, with four countries—Afghanistan, Bolivia, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Venezuela—falling under Article 19 of the UN Charter, meaning their overdue payments could cost them voting rights. Some nations are granted waivers to retain their votes despite their debts.

Countries Kicked Out of or Withdrawn from the United Nations

No country has ever been kicked out of the United Nations, and it is unlikely that any country will be kicked out just for falling behind on its dues. At the same time, some countries have voluntarily decided to withdraw from the United Nations. For example, in 1965, Indonesia decided to withdraw from the United Nations because Malaysia was elected as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. However, Indonesia never completed the formal withdrawal process and resumed participation in 1966 without needing to reapply for membership.

What the United Nations Does With the Money It Gets

The United Nations is responsible for orchestrating a wide variety of operations around the world, relying on funding from the individual member states. For example, the United Nations is responsible for numerous peacekeeping operations. The UN plays a diplomatic role in conflict resolution through special envoys, mediators, and peace missions, often under the UN Secretary-General’s office or through agencies like the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA).

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations which operates independently with its own funding structure, primarily relying on voluntary contributions from governments, foundations, and private entities, rather than direct UN-assessed funds. In some situations, the World Health Organization is responsible for orchestrating operations in developed countries, particularly during times of crisis.