Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 16, 2025 UN
The United Nations has completed a revised budget estimate for 2026, proposing cost reductions of more than $500 million and presenting the first measures under the Secretary-General’s UN80 initiative to make the Organization more effective and sustainable in honor of its 80th anniversary.
Revised estimates presented to the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions on Monday project a 15.1 percent reduction in expenditures and an 18.8 percent reduction in staff positions compared with the 2025 budget. The cuts will affect the peacekeeping support budget, which funds personnel and services that support UN missions around the world.
The committee, which advises the General Assembly, will consider the proposals and make its recommendations to the General Assembly's Fifth Committee, where all 193 Member States make decisions on administrative and budgetary matters.
Targeted reductions
In a letter to Member States, Secretary-General António Guterres said the cuts were the result of a comprehensive review of resource allocations, while ensuring a balance between supporting the three pillars of the UN Charter, including peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development. António Guterres stressed that the cuts were “carefully calibrated and targeted rather than across the board.”
Programmes and activities that directly support Member States, especially least developed, landlocked and small island developing States, as well as African development initiatives, have been protected from funding cuts. Support for the Peacebuilding Fund and the Resident Coordinator system has been maintained. The Regional Economic Commissions will not face major adjustments, and the Regular Programme of Technical Cooperation will continue to expand, strengthening support for country development.
Proposals for reform
The revised budget estimates include the first proposals for reform of the UN Secretariat. Among the measures mentioned are the creation of new administrative centres in New York and Bangkok, the consolidation of payroll into a single global team (New York, Entebbe, Nairobi), and the transfer of some functions from high-cost locations (New York, Geneva) to more cost-effective ones.
Additional savings are planned through real estate, including the UN moving out of two rented buildings in New York by 2027. These measures are aimed at reducing duplication, improving quality and ensuring mandate delivery.
Next steps and staff support
The budget proposals will be considered at a hearing of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, which starts this week. The documents will then go to the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly, where all 193 member states will make a final decision. A verdict is expected by December of this year. If approved, the changes will be implemented in stages, starting in 2026.
In a message to UN staff, Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged that the changes ahead will affect their daily work and professional lives. But he assured that no one will be left behind along the way.
Guterres noted that the decisions taken as part of the budget review were not easy. He took personal responsibility for these steps, adding that this also rested with managers and staff across the Organization. The Secretary-General called for fairness, compassion and professionalism in implementing the changes, stressing that every staff member plays a key role in preserving and strengthening the values of the UN.
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