Anyone who professionally observes climate conferences must occasionally wonder about how much praise is showered on the work of the responsible UN Secretariat, how many tasks are regularly delegated to it – and how dismal the payment morality of UN member states for this work turns out to be. Because UNFCCC boss Simon Stiell is once again having to go begging for funds, we have taken a closer look and ask: Who actually owes him all this money? Just a hint: It’s not the Germans, they dutifully contribute to the UN coffers. Let’s hope that this morality also remains intact in the federal budget for 2025.