UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned against an abrupt cut to US funding for the world body.

“Abrupt funding cuts can force the adoption of ad hoc measures that will undermine the impact of longer-term reform efforts,” said Stephane Dujarric, the secretary-general’s spokesman.

“The secretary-general is grateful for the support the US has given to the UN over the years as the organization’s largest financial contributor,” the statement added.

“The secretary-general fully subscribes to the necessity to effectively combat terrorism, but believes that it requires more than military spending,” Dujarric said in response to the blueprint of the 2018 budget released by the White House.

“The international community is facing enormous global challenges that can only be addressed by a strong and effective multilateral system, of which the UN remains the fundamental pillar,” Dujarric pointed out.

“The secretary-general is totally committed to reforming the UN and ensuring that it is fit for purpose and delivers results in the most efficient and cost-effective manner,” the spokesman added.

“The secretary-general stands ready to discuss with the US and any other member state how best we can create a more cost-effective organization to pursue our shared goals and values,” he said.

“There is also a need to address the underlying drivers of terrorism through continuing investments in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, countering violent extremism, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, sustainable and inclusive development, the enhancement and respect of human rights, and timely responses to humanitarian crises,” said the spokesman.