More than funding, the UN needs restructuring
South China Morning Post
by Cale HolmesFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United Nations (UN) is facing a severe financial crisis that threatens its operations and ability to fulfill its mandate. According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the organization is struggling with unpaid dues from member states, including the US, which owes significant amounts. This liquidity crisis is compounded by an outdated rule requiring the UN to refund unspent money to members, even when those dues were never paid in the first place. If this issue isn’t resolved, critical operations and agencies could shut down as early as July, undermining decades of global governance efforts.
The UN’s structural challenges extend beyond its financial woes. The organization has long been criticized for its bloated bureaucracy, with the Secretariat and agency headquarters operating as massive, often inefficient institutions. The General Assembly, while a cornerstone of multilateralism, is frequently seen as ineffective in addressing pressing global issues. These systemic problems have led to frustration among member states and contributed to the overall decline in trust in the UN’s ability to lead and coordinate international efforts.
This crisis matters because the UN plays a central role in maintaining global stability, peacekeeping, and humanitarian aid. If key operations collapse, it could destabilize regions reliant on UN interventions, weaken international cooperation, and leave vulnerable populations without critical support. For instance, ongoing peacekeeping missions in places like South Sudan and Mali could be jeopardized, leading to increased conflict and human suffering. Additionally, the financial strain could further exacerbate existing tensions among member states, particularly between developed and developing nations.
The UN’s restructuring is not just about fixing its finances but also about modernizing its outdated systems and addressing long-standing inefficiencies. This includes streamlining decision-making processes, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and fostering greater transparency and accountability. Without meaningful reforms, the UN risks becoming increasingly irrelevant in an era where global challenges demand swift and coordinated action.
Ultimately, the stakes are high for the future of international cooperation. The UN’s ability to adapt and evolve is crucial not only for its own survival but for maintaining a rules-based international order that addresses the complexities of the modern world.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/14/2026