United Nations Contemplating Reduction of Around 7000 Positions
The United Nations is grappling with a significant financial crisis due to persistent delays and unpaid contributions from member states, particularly the United States. As a result, the organization is being forced to implement drastic austerity measures, with plans to reduce its budget by 20 percent and potentially cut nearly 7,000 jobs.
According to an internal memo obtained by Reuters, UN employees have been asked to submit detailed proposals for cuts by June 13. The financial difficulties at the UN are partly due to the US, which has stopped making some of its payments. The US historically covers almost a quarter of the annual budget of the world organization.
Last week, Donald Trump criticized the UN and reduced funds, contributing to the current financial crisis. In addition, the US and other traditional donors have reduced their contributions, leaving the UN and its agencies underfunded, particularly those reliant on voluntary contributions.
The austerity measures will take effect on January 1, 2026. UN Controller Chandramouli Ramanathan, who authored the memo, did not provide reasons for the US payment delays. However, he emphasized that the cuts are part of an assessment to ensure the UN fulfills its purpose, supports multilateralism, reduces human suffering, and creates a better life and future for all.
In a related development, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is considering reducing or merging individual UN departments or relocating UN locations to more affordable cities. He warned that difficult decisions lie ahead, as the path ignored or postponed is a dead end.
Former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock spoke of "strong financial and political pressure" in her candidacy speech for the post of President of the UN General Assembly. She highlighted that the UN faces "existential challenges" but is needed more than ever. Her election in the General Assembly will take place on June 2 in New York.
Sources: ntv.de, mau/rts
- United Nations
- UN General Assembly
- Antonio Guterres
- Annalena Baerbock
- Austerity Measures
- USA
- The European Parliament, along with the Council and the Commission of the European Union, are monitoring the financial crisis at the United Nations, particularly the unpaid contributions by the United States, as it may have implications on global multilateralism and the community policy of the European Union, which is closely tied with business, finance, and general news.
- In the context of the current financial crisis at the United Nations, Annalena Baerbock, a candidate for the President of the UN General Assembly, has emphasized the need for effective management and strong financial strategies to address the existential challenges faced by the organization, a matter of significant importance for global politics.
