WASHINGTON, DC — THE United States is in the process of withdrawing from 66 United Nations and non-United Nations agencies, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), a move that could have significant implications for Small Island Developing states.
On Wednesday (Jan. 7), United States President Donald Trump signed two Executive Orders aimed at removing the country from the UN and several of its partner agencies.
In a statement, the White House said: “Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations that no longer serve American interests, including 35 non-UN organizations and 31 UN entities.”
On Thursday morning, the US Department of the Treasury announced that the United States is stepping down from its seat on the Green Climate Fund. The US has historically been one of the largest donor partners to several international agencies.
“In alignment with the Trump Administration’s decision to withdraw from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the U.S. Department of the Treasury has notified the Green Climate Fund (GCF) that the United States is withdrawing from the Fund and stepping down from its seat on the GCF Board, effective immediately,” the statement said.
US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent added: “Our nation will no longer fund radical organizations like the GCF whose goals run contrary to the fact that affordable, reliable energy is fundamental to economic growth and poverty reduction.”
According to the administration, the United States remains “committed to advancing all affordable and reliable sources of energy, which are fundamental to economic growth and poverty reduction.”
The United Nations has expressed disappointment over the announcement, with the Secretary-General noting regret over the White House’s decision to withdraw from a number of UN entities.
“As we have consistently underscored, assessed contributions to the United Nations’ regular budget and peacekeeping budget, as approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all Member States, including the United States,” the statement read.
The UN added that all United Nations entities will continue implementing their mandates as determined by Member States.
“The United Nations has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us. We will continue to carry out our mandates with determination.”
