Reforming UN Budget Management
The United Nations spends about $27 billion each year. Each of the world’s inhabitants receives about $4 dollars of that amount, a very small sum compared to most government budgets. Yet, for nearly two decades the United Nations has faced financial difficulties. Many countries do not pay their full dues to the United Nations and have cut back their donations to the organization. As of May 31, 2009, members' arrears to the Regular Budget topped $1282 million, of which the United States alone owed $857 million (67% of the regular budget arrears).
Many suggestions have been made for alternative funding sources for the United Nations. The majority of these alternative funding sources are based on taxation. However, member states responsible for the highest contributions are reluctant to reform the system, fearing they would lose political leverage.
Another problem with the financing system in the United Nations is the inability of the major finance contributors to control the United Nation’s budget scheme. In theory, democratizing the budget by allowing all members to vote on it would be the ideal. However, the developing countries, which comprise a larger number of nations than the devloped countries ( the main financial contributors), would gain control the budget scheme.
This issue requires an immediate solution. The United Nations will not be able to continue assisting in world affairs without this setback resolved.
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