Published on 17 March 2026 in Client Alerts

United States withdraws from WHO and dozens of international organisations

In January 2026, the United States formally completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization and announced its intention to withdraw from 66 international organisations and multilateral bodies, including numerous United Nations-affiliated entities.  The decision follows a broader governmental review assessing participation in international institutions against perceived U.S. national interests.

The measures terminate U.S. membership, governance participation and voluntary financial contributions to affected organisations.  Several of these organisations operate in areas such as global health, climate cooperation, development finance, migration, and scientific collaboration.  The current US administration has framed the withdrawals as part of a shift towards bilateral engagement and reduced reliance on multilateral frameworks.  The United States has historically been among the largest financial and political supporters of international institutions, including the WHO, raising questions regarding institutional funding gaps and future global standard-setting dynamics.

For further information, please contact info@volterrafietta.com.

More Client Alerts

| Client Alerts

Audience poll identifies the next topic in Volterra Fietta’sinternational disputes seminar programme

Volterra Fietta recently invited clients, colleagues and members of its wider international network to participate in an interactive audience poll to help shape the firm’s upcoming seminar programme.

Learn more

| Client Alerts

Volterra Fietta’s seminar programme continues apace in the first half of 2026

Volterra Fietta has continued its series of seminars and thought leadership events during the first half of 2026. The programme presents leading experts on different public international law and dispute resolution issues, including the firm’s lawyers, academics, technical and scientific experts, diplomats and other leading practitioners.

Learn more

| Client Alerts

We are delighted to share another instalment in the “Volterra Fietta PIL Commentaries” podcast series

This latest commentary by Ahmed Abdel-Hakam explores the role of valuation in oil and gas arbitration, an area that sits at the intersection of international law, economics, finance, and complex dispute resolution. Valuation is often one of the most significant and technically demanding aspects of disputes involving oil and gas assets. Whether arising in investor-State or

Learn more

| Client Alerts

We are pleased to present the next instalment in the “Volterra Fietta PIL Commentaries” podcast series

Effective Quantum Strategies for Investors in Investment Treaty Arbitrations In this commentary, Robert G Volterra explores the strategic considerations involved in pleading quantum damages in investment treaty arbitrations. Drawing on years of practical experience acting for both investors and States, and as an arbitrator in investor-State disputes, Robert examines how parties approach quantum and the factors

Learn more
View all