UN Secretary-General António Guterres has proposed a 15% reduction in the organization’s regular budget for 2026, citing persistent liquidity challenges that have worsened due to policies under U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to a senior UN official, the revised budget figure stands at $3.238 billion, down from the previously planned $3.7 billion, and would lead to the elimination of 2,681 jobs.
Initially, Guterres had recommended maintaining the 2026 budget at the same level as 2025. However, under his UN80 Initiative — aimed at making the UN more agile and efficient — he opted for a substantial budget cut.
In letters sent to member states and UN staff and made public on Tuesday, Guterres confirmed a reduction of over 15% in the regular budget (roughly $500 million), along with a 19% workforce cut among staff funded by that budget.
The reductions will affect the UN’s core areas: peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development, although programs targeting least-developed countries will be protected from the cuts.
“These changes will have real consequences,” Guterres acknowledged. “Some colleagues may need to relocate, take on new roles, or in some cases, leave the organization.”
At least 200 staff members from Geneva and New York are expected to be relocated to more cost-effective cities such as Nairobi, the UN official added.
The proposed budget is expected to go before the UN General Assembly for a vote before the end of the year.
The United Nations has long struggled with cash flow issues, primarily because some member countries fail to meet their mandatory financial contributions—either by paying late or not in full.
The United States, traditionally responsible for 22% of the UN’s regular budget, was $1.5 billion in arrears as of January and has made no payments since Trump’s return to office, the UN stated.
The future of U.S. funding remains uncertain. Washington has already withdrawn from several UN agencies, and in July, the U.S. Congress voted to cancel previously approved funding for the organization.
