International body mulls over 20% reduction in workforce and budget adjustments, as discussed in the UN.
The United Nations is mulling over a significant restructuring effort, contemplating the withdrawal of 6,900 positions and a 20% reduction in its $3.7 billion annual budget. According to an internal document obtained by Reuters, UN staff have been requested to submit detailed proposals for these cuts by June 13.
The financial predicament of the UN is, in part, attributed to the US ceasing certain funding payments. Historically, the US has accounted for close to a quarter of the world organization's annual budget. President Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism of the UN and has made cuts to its budget. However, the specific reasons behind the US payment default, according to the memo's author, UN controller Chandramouli Ramanathan, remain unspecified.
Ramanathan emphasized that the proposed cuts are part of a review aimed at ensuring that the UN continues to fulfill its purpose, support 21st-century multilateralism, reduce human suffering, and create a better life and future for all. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is reportedly considering various options for the review, such as reducing or merging individual UN departments and potentially shifting UN locations to more cost-effective cities. In a cautionary note, he warned that challenging decisions lie ahead, stating that procrastinating on these matters will lead to a dead end.
While specific departments or locations earmarked for reduction or merging have yet to be disclosed, the UN is grappling with financial challenges and preparing for structural reforms. Discussions are underway regarding potential mergers of UN entities and deep-seated structural changes. An initiative known as UN80 is tasked with identifying efficiencies, reviewing mandates, and exploring deeper structural changes and program realignments. Secretary-General António Guterres has proposed a 20% reduction in jobs across the UN Secretariat and a 20% reduction in the regular budget. However, managers have been asked to report on how they will implement these cuts without publicly disclosing which departments or locations will be affected.
- The United Nations' employment policy may undergo substantial changes, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres considering reduction or merging of individual UN departments, aiming to adhere to the proposed 20% reduction in jobs across the UN Secretariat.
- In light of the UN's current financial predicament, various talks are in progress regarding potential mergers of UN entities and deep-seated structural changes as part of the UN80 initiative. This initiative is tasked with identifying efficiencies, reviewing mandates, and exploring deeper program realignments, all aimed at addressing the organization's budgetary concerns and ensuring its ability to fulfill its purposes.
