Overview

• More than 60 UN offices, agencies and operations must submit proposals by June 13 for a 20% reduction in staffing under the regular budget, impacting roughly 2,800 posts.
• The cuts form part of Secretary-General António Guterres’ UN80 Initiative launched in March to drive a 15–20% decrease in core spending.
• Voluntary-funded agencies such as the World Food Programme and UNHCR plan deeper reductions—up to 30% in overall staff and 50% in senior-level posts—to offset funding losses.
• A $740 million shortfall has emerged after 41 member states failed to pay assessed dues on time or in full, with the US and China responsible for 22% and 20% of the regular budget respectively.
• Cost-cutting proposals will be integrated into the UN’s 2026 budget submission for General Assembly approval in December, with an emphasis on consolidating operations and prioritizing critical functions.