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

Then UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric informed correspondents in New York on Thursday after the release of the White House Memorandum, he insisted that the Organization will continue to implement its mandates from member states “with determination.”

Wednesday’s memorandum states that the U.S. government “is ceasing participation in or financing of these entities to the extent permitted by law.”

Several of the agencies mentioned in the memo are largely or partially financed from the regular UN budget, which implies voluntarily Funding will be affected, although central funding will continue.

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

Here’s an overview of the 31 UN entities mentioned in the memorandum and how they are making a positive difference for people, communities and nations worldwide.

African affairs

Climate and Environment

Coordination

Development

• UN Human Settlements Program (UN habitat): Promotes sustainable towns and cities and provides technical and policy advice for improving living conditions and reducing urban poverty

Education and training

• UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITARY): Provides training and capacity building for individuals, organizations and countries (especially developing countries) in areas such as diplomacy, sustainable development, climate change and crisis management
• UN System Staff College: Equip UN staff with learning, training and advisory services to ensure a capable, adaptable and collaborative UN workforce
• UN University: The UN’s global think tank and postgraduate education organization conducts research and provides policy advice on pressing global issues
• Education cannot wait: The UN global fund focused on education in emergencies and protracted crises, to ensure children and youth 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 population data for development, helps reduce maternal mortality and expand access to family planning

International law

• International Law Commission: Directs the development and codification of international law by drafting legal instruments and clarifying principles; promoting the rule of law and supporting peaceful relations between states
• International residual mechanism for criminal tribunals: Performs essential functions of the former International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, completes pending cases, protects witnesses and preserves archives, ensures accountability for serious international crimes

Reducing conflict and violence

Trade and the economy

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