Who pays for the United Nations and how are contributions assessed?

The funding for the United Nations primarily comes from its member states, which are required to contribute based on their assessed capacity to pay. This assessment is determined through a formula that takes into account factors such as the country's gross national income (GNI) and overall economic standing. This ensures that wealthier nations contribute a larger share of the budget, reflecting their ability to support international peace and development initiatives.

Contributions from member states play a critical role in enabling the UN to carry out its various functions, including peacekeeping missions, humanitarian aid, and program funding. This system promotes equitable burden-sharing among nations, allowing those with more resources to support the international community's goals effectively.

The other choices, while they may involve funding sources in other contexts, do not apply to the systematic and structured contributions necessary for the UN's operation. Donations from private organizations, taxes collected from citizens globally, and grants from developed countries are not the primary means through which the UN secures its funding and maintain its operations. The reliance on member states ensures accountability and a commitment to shared global objectives.