New York: With a growing shortfall in contributions - $2.4 billion in unpaid regular budget dues and $2.7 billion in peacekeeping - the UN has been forced to cut spending, freeze hiring, and scale back some services. Officials warned that this risks eroding the UN's credibility and its capacity to fulfill mandates entrusted to it by Member States. According to EMM, Switzerland, speaking also on behalf of Liechtenstein, emphasized that the issue extends beyond mere accounting. The delegate highlighted that each delay in payment, each hiring freeze, and each canceled service undermines trust in the UN's ability to deliver on its commitments. The proposed changes aim to serve as a buffer to maintain operations, particularly during January when payments traditionally lag. Delegates also advocated for the limited use of special commitments, which are emergency funding tools, early in the year to address gaps caused by delayed contributions. While these measures may provide temporary relief, several speakers, inc luding those from Kazakhstan, Norway, and the United Kingdom, stressed that the core issue remains the persistent late or non-payment of dues. Norway pointed out that such interim solutions are inadequate and called on Member States to support substantial financial reforms. The European Union underscored that the crisis poses real operational risks, making it clear that the burden should not fall solely on countries that pay on time. Singapore, representing the ASEAN group, expressed concern that the UN's liquidity issues have become routine, citing the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific's need to shut offices for three months and suspend travel and hiring. A major point of concern was the significant contribution shortfall from one unnamed country, widely acknowledged to be the United States, which accounts for over half of all unpaid dues, allegedly withholding funds for political reasons. Russia called for increased transparency in the UN's cash management strategies and cautioned against unilateral actions without Member State input. Catherine Pollard, the UN's top management official, indicated that since 9 May, a few countries have made full payments across various budget categories. However, only 61 countries have fully met all their obligations, prompting a clear message from Member States: without comprehensive and timely financial support, the UN's capacity to serve the global community, especially in times of crisis, is severely threatened.