António Guterres calls peacekeeping one of the world’s most cost-effective security tools but warns it’s only as strong as nations’ financial commitment
UNITED NATIONS — Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a strong appeal to United Nations member states to meet their financial obligations toward peacekeeping operations, warning on Tuesday that the UN’s ability to maintain global peace and security is increasingly threatened by budget shortfalls.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day ministerial conference on peacekeeping hosted by Germany, Guterres emphasized that the UN’s peacekeeping capacity hinges directly on the commitment of its 193 member countries—both in principle and in payment.
“Peacekeeping is only as strong as member states’ commitment to it,” Guterres said. “Unfortunately, peacekeeping operations have been facing serious liquidity problems. It is absolutely essential that all member states respect their financial obligations, paying their contributions in full and on time.”
Budget Cuts Threaten Key Missions
The UN is currently leading 11 peacekeeping operations around the globe, including high-profile deployments in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Kosovo. However, Guterres noted that the budget for nine of those operations for the fiscal year ending June 30 stands at $5.6 billion—a decline of 8.2% compared to the previous year.
Each member state is legally bound to contribute a fair share based on an assessment scale that considers their economic capacity. But recent years have seen growing delays and shortfalls in payments, placing immense pressure on UN operations.
“With a budget representing a tiny fraction of global military spending—around one half of one percent—UN peacekeeping remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient tools we have to build and sustain international peace,” Guterres said.
Strategic Importance of Peacekeeping
UN peacekeeping missions play a vital role in conflict zones—deploying troops, police, and civilian personnel to stabilize regions, protect civilians, support political transitions, and strengthen institutions.
From patrolling volatile regions in South Sudan to facilitating ceasefire agreements in Lebanon, these missions are often the only shield between vulnerable populations and escalating violence. Yet, dwindling resources threaten their effectiveness and credibility.
The Secretary-General refrained from outlining specific financial shortfalls but acknowledged that “these are tough times for the financing of our work across the board,” referencing wider UN challenges, including reduced humanitarian aid budgets.
Global Funding Strains and U.S. Cuts
The financial strain on the UN has worsened in recent years, in part due to funding reductions from the United States, traditionally the organization’s largest contributor. Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. significantly slashed its contributions to both peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance, citing a desire to reduce American financial burdens in multilateral engagements.
Although the Biden administration reversed some of those cuts, the UN is still recovering from the cumulative effect of underfunding.
“We are seeing the ripple effects of political decisions made years ago,” said a senior UN official on condition of anonymity. “Peacekeeping missions are operating on thinner margins, and the risks are growing.”
Germany Pledges More Support
Germany, the host of the current ministerial conference, has stepped up to signal increased support. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced that Berlin is prepared to pledge additional resources for UN peacekeeping but stressed the need for efficiency and reform.
“We must work toward missions that are more efficient and more focused,” Wadephul said. “That means clearer mandates, less bureaucracy, and avoiding duplication of efforts.”
Germany has long been a major supporter of multilateralism and has increased its contributions in response to global security challenges, including in Mali, Lebanon, and Sudan.
Calls for Mandate Reforms and Innovation
Beyond funding, the conference has highlighted the need to modernize peacekeeping mandates to ensure they remain fit for purpose. Critics argue that some missions suffer from unclear objectives, outdated mandates, and overlapping responsibilities, which drain resources and reduce impact.
Guterres echoed this sentiment, urging states to embrace innovation and adaptability in peacekeeping operations.
“As threats evolve, so must our strategies,” he said. “We need robust mandates grounded in political solutions, strong protection mandates for civilians, and better integration with humanitarian and development efforts.”
A Fragile Future for Peacekeeping
The crisis in peacekeeping funding comes at a time when global conflict is on the rise. From protracted wars in Africa and the Middle East to increasing instability in Eastern Europe and Asia, the UN’s ability to deploy timely and effective peace operations is more critical than ever.
Yet, unless financial commitments are met, the UN may be forced to scale back or close missions, potentially leaving power vacuums in already fragile regions.
The peacekeeping shortfall not only threatens lives but also undermines the UN’s legitimacy in mediating and managing international conflicts. Diplomats say the failure of wealthy nations to fulfill financial obligations could create an imbalance, where only countries with strategic interests contribute to operations, risking neutrality and equity.
Path Forward
To avert further erosion of peacekeeping capabilities, Guterres is calling for a renewed political consensus on the value of collective security.
“We are living in an era of fragmentation, but peacekeeping represents what is still possible when nations come together for the greater good,” he said.
The two-day ministerial conference is expected to produce a joint declaration reinforcing commitments to fund and reform peacekeeping. Delegates are also discussing partnerships with regional organizations, such as the African Union, to improve coordination and burden-sharing.
Conclusion
As the UN seeks to navigate growing geopolitical tensions and mounting humanitarian demands, the viability of peacekeeping missions may serve as a litmus test for international cooperation in the 21st century.
Without adequate funding and renewed resolve, the blue helmets of the UN may soon become a symbol—not of global solidarity—but of promises unfulfilled.
