UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations is preparing to slash its regular budget by more than 15 percent in 2026, a move that would eliminate nearly 2,700 jobs across the organization as it grapples with long-standing financial constraints worsened by U.S. policy decisions.
Secretary-General António Guterres formally proposed the cuts in letters sent to member states and UN staff, citing the need to streamline operations and improve efficiency under the UN80 reform initiative.
The revised budget would drop from $3.7 billion to approximately $3.238 billion, representing a reduction of roughly $500 million.
The plan includes the elimination of 19 percent of positions funded by the regular budget, affecting staff across the UN’s core pillars: peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development.
While some programs serving the world’s least-developed countries will be shielded, the impact is expected to be felt globally.