Breaking: united States Withdraws From 66 UN Bodies As Executive Order Takes Effect
The United States signed an executive order this week ordering withdrawal from 66 international conventions and organizations, arguing they no longer serve American interests. The move targets a broad group of United Nations entities and affiliated bodies,triggering questions about funding,leadership,and the future of global cooperation.
Officials emphasized that, despite the withdrawal, Washington is still bound by legal obligations to support the United Nations budget and peacekeeping operations. The government noted that mandatory contributions, as approved by the General Assembly, remain a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all member states, including the United States.
Among the entities named in the decree are prominent UN bodies such as the United nations Population fund (UNFPA), which supports maternal and child health and combats gender-based violence; the United Nations Framework convention on Climate change (UNFCCC), the global climate framework; and the United Nations Democracy Fund, which finances civil society democracy projects. The order also includes several UN Secretariat offices, including units responsible for protecting children in conflict zones and fighting sexual violence as a weapon of war.
In addition, the action covers four of the five UN regional commissions, spanning regions from Asia-Pacific to Africa and the Americas. The memo describes withdrawal as the cessation of participation or funding “to the extent permitted by law.”
The Secretary-General’s Outlook: Work Goes On
Even as the United States moves away from several UN bodies, the secretary-general stressed that UN actions would continue. The spokesperson saeid all UN entities would keep carrying out their mandates on behalf of member states and those who depend on the association’s work.
Budget Context For 2026
For 2026, the General Assembly approved a regular UN budget of about $3.4 billion. This figure reflects a notable reduction from previous years, including a roughly 15 percent cut in overall resources and a nearly 19 percent drop in staff numbers.
Climate Change Fallout
Reaction to the withdrawal from the UN Climate Change framework was particularly pointed. The executive secretary warned that the move could hinder global climate cooperation. he noted that the United states played a central role in creating the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, adding that the rest of the world would advance climate efforts even as the U.S. steps back. he also left the door open for the United States to rejoin in the future, as it has with the Paris Agreement in the past.
key Entities Affected
Below is a snapshot of some entities explicitly listed in the decree and the scope of withdrawal:
| Entity | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) | Withdrawn | Supports maternal/child health; combats violence against women and girls. |
| United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) | Withdrawn | Core body for international climate cooperation and the Paris Agreement framework. |
| United Nations Democracy Fund | Withdrawn | Funds civil society democracy projects. |
| UN Secretariat offices (including programs on children in armed conflicts and sexual violence as a weapon of war) | Withdrawn | Secretariat activities tied to protection and accountability remain affected. |
| UN Regional commissions (four of five) | Withdrawn (partial) | Regions: Asia-Pacific, Western Asia, Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean. |
What Comes Next
Officials stress that the UN’s mandate-driven work will proceed across remaining channels. They reiterate that the United Nations will continue to fulfill its duties to those who rely on its programs, even as a considerable subset of bodies face withdrawal or funding changes.
Reader Questions
How could the withdrawal affect ongoing humanitarian programs and climate initiatives in the near term? What should be the pathway for the united States and UN partners to manage future cooperation and possible return?
Disclaimer: This article provides a high-level overview for informational purposes. It does not constitute legal or financial advice.
Share your thoughts: Do you think the United States can reconcile near-term interests with long-term global cooperation? Leave a comment below.
