UN Secretary-General Expresses Deep Regret Over US Withdrawal From Multiple International Organisations

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has formally expressed regret over the decision by the United States government to withdraw from a significant number of international organisations, including several United Nations entities. The move, announced by the White House, represents one of the most sweeping reversals of US participation in multilateral institutions in modern history and has triggered wide-ranging global reactions.

In a statement issued on Thursday through his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres conveyed disappointment at the decision while reaffirming the foundational principles that underpin the United Nations system. According to the statement, the Secretary-General regrets the announcement by the White House concerning the United States’ intention to disengage from several UN-related bodies.

Guterres stressed that financial contributions approved by the UN General Assembly are not voluntary gestures but legal obligations under international law. He noted that assessed contributions to both the UN’s regular budget and peacekeeping operations are binding on all member states under the UN Charter, including the United States.

“As we have consistently underscored, assessed contributions to the United Nations regular budget and peacekeeping budget, as approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all Member States, including the United States,” the statement read.

Despite the magnitude of the decision, the UN chief sought to reassure the international community that the organisation would continue to function and carry out its responsibilities. He emphasised that all UN agencies and entities would proceed with the implementation of their mandates as assigned by member states, regardless of the withdrawal of any single country.

“The United Nations has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us,” Guterres said. “We will continue to carry out our mandates with determination.”

This position was also reiterated on the UN’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, where the organisation echoed Guterres’ remarks and reaffirmed its commitment to serving vulnerable populations worldwide despite political and financial challenges.

The development follows a report by PUNCH Online, which revealed that US President Donald Trump had signed a Presidential Memorandum on Wednesday ordering the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organisations. The directive reportedly marks one of the most extensive rollbacks of American involvement in multilateral institutions in recent decades.

According to a White House Fact Sheet dated January 7, 2026, the President justified the decision on the grounds that several of the organisations no longer serve American interests. The memorandum instructs all executive departments and agencies to cease participation in and funding of 35 non-UN organisations and 31 United Nations entities. These bodies were described as operating in ways deemed “contrary to US national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty.”

The announcement has sparked intense debate both within the United States and internationally. Supporters of the move argue that Washington has disproportionately funded global institutions for decades while receiving limited strategic benefits in return. They contend that redirecting resources inward will strengthen the US economy and protect national sovereignty.

Critics, however, warn that the decision could significantly weaken America’s global influence, reduce its diplomatic leverage, and undermine international cooperation on issues such as peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, public health, and climate change. Analysts also caution that the withdrawal may create power vacuums that could be filled by rival global powers, potentially reshaping the international order.

Within online forums and public discourse, reactions have been sharply divided. Some commentators praise the decision as a bold assertion of national interest, while others describe it as a dangerous retreat from global leadership with long-term consequences for international stability.

For the United Nations, the challenge now lies in sustaining its operations amid potential funding gaps while preserving its credibility and relevance. Guterres’ statement signals the organisation’s resolve to adapt and persevere, even as it faces increasing geopolitical pressures and shifting global alliances.

As the situation continues to unfold, the broader implications of the US withdrawal—for global governance, international diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation—remain a subject of intense scrutiny and debate across the world.