UN Secretary-General António Guterres has unveiled plans to slash the organization's regular budget by 15% in 2026, amounting to approximately $500 million, as the global body grapples with persistent financial challenges. The proposal, detailed in letters to member states and UN staff, also includes a 19% reduction in positions funded by the regular budget.
The move comes amid heightened fiscal pressures linked to delayed payments by key contributors, including the United States under former President Donald Trump's administration. Guterres emphasized the need for 'strategic prioritization' to maintain core operations while addressing liquidity constraints that have hampered humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts.
Analysts suggest the cuts could reshape UN operations across Asia, where the organization supports development programs, climate initiatives, and conflict resolution. Business leaders and policymakers are closely monitoring how budget adjustments might affect economic partnerships and regional stability.
This restructuring proposal will require approval from the General Assembly, setting the stage for complex negotiations among member states. The outcome could significantly influence the UN's capacity to address global challenges in the latter half of the decade.
