UN Secretary-General proposes to reduce budget and staff in 2026
Dec 03, 2025
Washington [US], December 3: Speaking before the UN General Assembly's Committee on Budget and Administration on December 1, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres outlined the financial difficulties the organization is facing and proposed a reduction in its spending structure in 2026.
According to Reuters, Mr. Guterres said the UN ended 2024 with overdue contributions of $760 million, most of which has not been paid by countries. The organization has also not received $877 million in contributions due for 2025 - bringing the total overdue debt to about $1.6 billion.
To date, only 145 out of 193 UN member states have fulfilled their 2025 budget contribution obligations, while key contributors have yet to pay.
On December 1, Mr. Guterres proposed a regular budget plan for the UN in 2026 at 3.238 billion USD, a decrease of 577 million USD (equivalent to 15.1%) compared to 2025. In addition, more than 2,600 positions in the organization will be cut, equivalent to 18.8% compared to current staff. Special political missions will also face a staff reduction of more than 21% compared to 2025, mainly due to the closure of some missions and streamlining of the apparatus.
"Affordability remains precarious and this challenge will persist regardless of the final budget, given the unacceptable debt backlog," the UN chief stressed. In March, the UN launched a reform initiative called UN80, with the aim of modernizing the organisation's operations, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
Source: Thanh Nieu Newspaper
