What US Withdrawal from UN Bodies Means for Global Action

Parched earth in Iraq

The United States’ intention to withdraw from a host of UN bodies, announced this week, targets programmes and initiatives focusing on a wide range of critical areas, including the climate crisis, trade, gender equality and development.

When UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric briefed correspondents in New York on Thursday following the release of the White House memorandum, he insisted that the Organisation would continue to carry out mandates given by Member States “with determination.”

Wednesday’s memorandum states that the US administration is “ceasing participation in or funding to those entities to the extent permitted by law.”

Several of the bodies listed in the memorandum are funded principally or partially through the regular UN budget, implying that voluntary contributions may be affected, although core funding will continue.

However, the White House noted that its funding review of international organisations “remains ongoing,” and it is currently unclear what the full impact of the announcement will be.

Below is a breakdown of the 31 UN entities mentioned in the memorandum and how they contribute positively to people, communities and nations worldwide.

African affairs

Office of the Special Adviser on Africa: Provides informed advice on African issues and ensures UN actions on the continent are coherent and aligned with people’s needs.

Permanent Forum on People of African Descent: Aims to improve safety, quality of life and development for people of African descent and provides advice to the UN Human Rights Council.

Climate and environment

UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (UN-REDD): Provides technical assistance, policy guidance and financing for sustainable forest management.

UN Energy: Coordinates the work of 30 UN agencies and international organisations to promote access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): Organises global climate summits and facilitates international cooperation, transparency and accountability in tackling climate change.

UN Oceans: Strengthens UN collaboration on ocean issues, including marine ecosystem protection, sustainable ocean use and global ocean governance.

UN Water: Coordinates UN work on water and sanitation and promotes sustainable water resource management.

Coordination

UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination: Brings together heads of UN organisations to ensure unified action on global challenges and effective delivery of UN mandates.

Development

UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat): Promotes sustainable cities and towns and provides technical and policy advice to improve living conditions and reduce urban poverty.

Education and training

UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR): Provides training and capacity-building for individuals, organisations and countries, particularly developing nations.

UN System Staff College: Supports UN personnel through learning, training and advisory services to build a capable and collaborative workforce.

UN University: The UN’s global think tank and postgraduate teaching institution, conducting research and providing policy advice on pressing global issues.

Education Cannot Wait: The UN global fund dedicated to education in emergencies and protracted crises, ensuring access to safe and quality education for affected children and youth.

Gender

UN Women: Works to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, promote gender equality and empower women worldwide.

UN Population Fund (UNFPA): Promotes sexual and reproductive health and rights, advances gender equality, and compiles population data to support development and reduce maternal mortality.

International law and peacebuilding

International Law Commission: Develops and codifies international law through drafting legal instruments and clarifying legal principles.

International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals: Performs essential functions of the former tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, ensuring accountability for serious international crimes.

Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict: Leads advocacy and monitoring efforts to protect children affected by armed conflict.

Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children: Advocates globally to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against children.

Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict: Leads UN efforts to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence.

Peacebuilding Commission: Supports peace efforts in post-conflict countries through coordination, strategic advice and partnerships.

Peacebuilding Fund: Provides flexible funding to prevent relapses into violence and support long-term stability and development.

UN Alliance of Civilizations: Promotes dialogue and cooperation among nations, cultures and religions to counter polarisation and extremism.

UN Register of Conventional Arms: Encourages transparency in arms transfers to reduce the risk of armed conflict.

Trade and the economy

Department of Economic and Social Affairs: Analyses economic, social and environmental data to help countries address development challenges.

UN Regional Economic Commissions: Provide policy guidance and facilitate dialogue for sustainable and inclusive development across regions.

International Trade Centre: Supports small and medium-sized enterprises in developing economies through trade intelligence and technical assistance.

UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD): Helps developing countries integrate into the global economy through research, policy analysis and technical support.