The US owes billions of dollars in unpaid fees to the organisation, which is facing ‘imminent financial collapse’, according to its chief

The US ⁠has placed specific conditions on releasing billions of dollars it owes to the United Nations, including further cost-cutting, and moves to counter China’s influence at the world body, a development news wire reported on Tuesday.

The report by Devex, an independent news organisation covering global development, ‌said two diplomatic notes circulated by the US called for nine “quick-hit” reforms as a condition for releasing more funds.

Overhauling the UN pension system

Ending long-distance business-class travel for some senior and all mid-level professionals

Imposing additional cuts to the UN’s senior ranks

A “10 per cent reduction in long-standing, ineffective peacekeeping missions”

Blocking China from channelling tens of millions of dollars each year to ⁠a discretionary fund housed in the office of the UN secretary general, a move aimedat counteringg Chinese influence at the ‌UN

“These reforms will be an indication that the UN is serious about reform,” Devex quoted one of the documents as saying.

The US mission to the UN ‌did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Source: News - South China Morning Post