press releases
U.S. Participation in the UN - Financial Contributions
U.S. Financial Contributions
WASHINGTON, September 22, 2003 -- The following fact sheet was released by the State Department September 22 in advance of the opening of the U.N. General Assembly:
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Fact Sheet
U.S. Participation in the United Nations: U.S. Financial Contributions
Total U.S. Contributions to the UN System,
Both Assessed and Voluntary -
Estimated at $3.0 Billion
Humanitarian/Human Rights - 39%
Environment - 2%
Development - 8%
Weapons of Mass Destruction - 3%
UN Regular Budget - 9%
UN Peacekeeping - 31%
Open Markets - 4%
Health - 4%
- Figures are based on FY 2002, excluding U.S. arrears payment.
Percentages reflect how U.S. dollars are divided within the UN system.
U.S. Engagement in the UN
The UN provides the United States with an international forum where we can protect our national security, advance our foreign policy objectives, and promote American values. The United States, together with other like-minded nations, seeks to uphold the UN s founding principles. We share a commitment to maintain international peace and security; to fight poverty through development; to eradicate pandemic diseases; and to advance freedom, human rights, and democracy. Our leadership in the UN is critical to making the world more secure, democratic and prosperous. At the same time, the United States is committed to ensuring good stewardship of UN resources so these American goals are met effectively and efficiently.
U.S. Financial Contributions to the UN
The United States is the largest financial contributor to the UN and has been every year since its creation in 1945. We provided more than $3 billion in contributions, both cash and in-kind, to the UN system in 2002. (In-kind contributions include items such as food donations for the World Food Program). The United States funded 22 percent of the UN regular budget, as well as more than 27 percent of the peacekeeping budget. Additionally, the United States provides a significant amount in voluntary contributions to the UN and UN-affiliated organizations and activities, mostly for humanitarian and development programs.
Benefits to Americans
We benefit from membership in the UN and other international organizations by being part of a multilateral approach to address a wide range of global issues. Through the UN, the United States builds coalitions and pursues multilateral programs that advance U.S. interests. Our priorities include: settling disputes peacefully; encouraging non-proliferation, nuclear safeguards, arms control, and disarmament; promoting economic growth through market economies; adopting international standards to facilitate international trade, telecommunications, transportation, environmental protection, and scientific exchange; and strengthening international cooperation in agriculture and health.
The United States is a generous supporter of key UN programs, funding:
-- 51.4% of the World Food Program budget to help feed 72 million people in 82 countries./1
-- 17.1% of the United Nations Children s Fund budget to feed, vaccinate, educate and protect children in 162 countries./1
-- 14.1% of the United Nations Development Program core budget to eradicate poverty and encourage democratic governance./1
-- 25.8% of the International Atomic Energy Agency budget to ensure safe and peaceful application of nuclear energy and prevent the illicit use of nuclear material for weapons./2
-- 22% of the World Health Organization core budget as well as significant voluntary resources, helping to prevent and control epidemics and to improve standards of health./2
-- 25% of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees budget to help protect refugees and facilitate their return home or re-settlement in another country./1
-- 25% of the International Civil Aviation Organization budget to ensure safe, efficient and economical air travel./2
1/These programs operate strictly on voluntary contributions.
2/These programs operate on a combination of assessed and voluntary contributions.
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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov/ )