What the US withdrawal from UN climate, trade and development bodies could mean

When UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric briefed correspondents in New York on Thursday following the release of the White House Memorandum, he insisted that the Organization will continue to carry out member states’ mandates “with determination.”

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

Several of the bodies listed in the memorandum are funded primarily or partially by the UN’s regular budget, implying that volunteer Funding will be affected, although central funding will continue.

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

Below is a breakdown of the 31 UN entities mentioned in the memo and how they are making a positive difference for people, communities and nations around the world.

African affairs

Climate and Environment

Coordination

Development

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

Education and training

• United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNIT): Provides training and capacity development for individuals, organizations and countries (especially developing nations) in areas such as diplomacy, sustainable development, climate change and crisis management.
• United Nations System Staff College: Provides United Nations staff with learning, training and advisory services to ensure a capable, adaptable and collaborative United Nations workforce.
• UN University: The UN global think tank and graduate teaching organization conducts research and provides policy advice on pressing global issues.
• Education can’t wait: The UN global fund dedicated to education in emergencies and protracted crises, to ensure that children and young people affected by conflict, displacement and disasters have access to safe, quality education.

Gender

Health

• UN Population Fund (UNFPA): Promotes sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, promotes gender equality, and collects demographic data for development, helping to reduce maternal mortality and expand access to family planning.

International law

• International Law Commission: Charges with the development and codification of international law by drafting legal instruments and clarifying principles; Promote the rule of law and support peaceful relations between States.
• International Residual Mechanism of Criminal Courts: Carries out essential functions of the former International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, completing ongoing cases, protecting witnesses and preserving archives, ensuring accountability for serious international crimes.

Reduce conflict and violence

Trade and economy

• Department of Economic and Social Affairs: Generates and analyzes economic, social and environmental data, helping nations address pressing development challenges.
• Economic Commissions for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific and Western Asia: These regional commissions provide political guidance, facilitate intergovernmental dialogue and build capacity for sustainable and inclusive development.
• International Trade Center: Empowers small and medium-sized businesses in developing and transition economies through business and market intelligence, technical assistance and capacity development.
• United Nations Conference on Trade and Development: Helps developing countries integrate into the global economy by providing research, policy analysis and technical assistance on trade, investment, finance and technology.