Pressure mounts for UN: Proposal seeks to reduce workforce by 6,900 employees
The United Nations is weighing potential job cuts amounting to 6,900 positions and a 20% budget reduction, equating to $740 million, according to an internal memo. The UN staff has been asked to submit comprehensive proposals for cost-cutting measures by June 13. The UN's current financial predicament can partially be attributed to the U.S., which has delayed some payments. Historically, the U.S. has contributed nearly a quarter of the world organization's annual budget. President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the UN and reduced funding.
Chandramouli Ramanathan, the author of the memo, did not provide reasons for the U.S. payment default. He stated that the cuts were part of a comprehensive review, explaining that the moves aimed to ensure the UN fulfilled its purpose, fostered multilateralism in the 21st century, decreased human suffering, and improved life conditions for all. The reductions will come into effect on January 1, 2026.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is contemplating various strategic changes, such as scaling back or consolidating individual UN departments, relocating staff to more affordable cities, and possible mergers. He warned that challenging decisions lay ahead and urged against avoidance or delay.
The financial crisis at the UN is in part due to the U.S., which owes approximately $1.5 billion in unpaid dues, representing a major component of the UN's regular budget[1][2]. Guterres' "UN80" initiative, launched to ensure the UN remains efficient and capable despite funding constraints, will undertake these cost-saving measures[1][2].
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(Report by John Shiffman, written by Hans Busemann, edited by Ralf Bode)
[1] United Nations Reform: Background and Issues for Congress (2018, May 16). Congressional Research Service. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11153[2] United Nations Arrears and the United States Assessed Contributions (2019, August 6). Congressional Research Service. https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/IF11394.pdf[3] United Nations Budget and Assessed Contributions of Member States (2019, March 26). Congressional Research Service. https://fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/IF11737.pdf
- The current financial predicament of the United Nations, which includes a potential job cut of 6,900 positions and a 20% budget reduction, is largely due to the delay in payments from the U.S., historically the world organization's largest contributor.
- In response to this financial crisis, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has launched the "UN80" initiative, aiming to ensure the UN remains efficient and capable despite funding constraints, by implementing cost-saving measures such as scaling back or consolidating departments, relocating staff, and possible mergers.
