German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged continued support for the United Nations during a visit to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Berlin. “We know that no partner, including Germany, can compensate for the loss of contributions alone. But Germany will and I would like to pledge this, remain one of the most important contributors to the United Nations” said Merz on Wednesday.
Germany will continue to participate in UN peacekeeping missions with soldiers, police and civilian personnel. “We also want to bear political responsibility in the United Nations. That’s why we are running for a seat on the Security Council for the years 2027 and 2028” said the CDU politician. “We are doing this because we believe in the United Nations. For us, it is an investment in a world order based on law and rules, not on the law of the strongest. That’s why we hope for the trust of member states in the election in June 2026” said the Chancellor.
Guterres expressed concern that the United States, “the largest contributor to the United Nations and for development work around the world” is reducing its contributions significantly. However, he emphasized that the solution does not lie in asking Germany to take on this responsibility, but rather in ensuring that the international community makes it clear to the donors that they must fulfill their commitments.
The UN Secretary-General assured that the organization will not collapse. “We have not collapsed even with the drastic cuts that have already occurred since the beginning of the year. We are aware of the global reduction in humanitarian aid and development cooperation around the world.” Those affected by the cuts are primarily the people who suffer when support is reduced.