The United Nations is preparing drastic budget cuts of up to 20% from its $3.7 billion annual budget, potentially eliminating 6,900 jobs, according to an internal document seen by media. The Secretariat has ordered staff to submit detailed reduction plans by June 13 as the global body faces its worst financial crisis in years, largely triggered by funding shortfalls from its largest contributor – the United States.
The financial turmoil stems primarily from the U.S. owing nearly $1.5 billion in unpaid membership dues, compounded by the Trump administration’s diversion of foreign aid funds away from UN humanitarian agencies. As the traditional provider of nearly a quarter of the UN’s budget, America’s withholding of payments has created severe operational challenges for the organization.
These unprecedented cuts threaten to cripple essential UN operations worldwide, from peacekeeping missions to refugee assistance programs. The budget crisis highlights the vulnerability of multilateral institutions to the political whims of their major funders, raising serious concerns about the UN’s ability to maintain its global missions amid growing geopolitical tensions and humanitarian needs
Related topics：
