UN Chief Proposes Major Budget Cuts Amid Rising Financial Shortfall
UN Chief Proposes Major Budget Cuts Amid Rising Financial Shortfall
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres has proposed significant budget and staffing reductions to address a growing financial crisis, Khaama Press reported. Speaking to the General Assembly’s budget committee, Guterres warned that unpaid member contributions have created unprecedented liquidity challenges for the organisation as it approaches its 80th anniversary.
Figures presented indicate the UN ended 2024 with $760 million in unpaid dues, of which $709 million remains outstanding. An additional $877 million owed for 2025 has yet to be received, bringing total unpaid contributions to around $1.586 billion. Guterres noted that these shortfalls, particularly from the United States—the UN’s largest contributor—are driving the need for drastic cuts.
Under the proposed plan, the UN’s core 2026 budget would be set at $3.238 billion, approximately 15% lower than the current year. The reduction could eliminate over 18% of staff positions and affect programs in political affairs, disarmament, humanitarian coordination, economic and social development, and communications. Agencies funded primarily through voluntary contributions, such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme, would remain unaffected.
Diplomats and experts have warned that the cuts could limit the UN’s capacity to respond to global crises, including conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, rising humanitarian needs, and demands on peacekeeping operations. Negotiations among member states are expected to begin soon, with debates over funding responsibilities and reforms likely to be contentious.
