Global Politics – Page 59 – MIL Translation Engine 1

September 17, 2025

Strikes in the Kherson region

According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), a drone strike in the Kherson region earlier this week injured two humanitarian workers and damaged a humanitarian vehicle. In this regard, the UN is warning of a disturbing trend: between January and August, at least seven humanitarian workers were killed and another 44 injured across Ukraine, with the highest number of casualties recorded in the Kherson region. UN Coordinator for Ukraine Matthias Schmale condemned the attack, emphasizing that humanitarian workers should not be targeted under any circumstances.

The Gaza crisis

OCHA continues to call for immediate security for Gaza's civilians. The issuance of evacuation orders does not relieve parties to the conflict of their responsibilities to protect civilians during hostilities, the UN stated. Today, the Israeli army once again ordered people to leave Gaza City within 48 hours. Thousands continue to flee amid intense fighting. Between Monday and Tuesday, humanitarian agencies recorded nearly 40,000 displacements to the south of the enclave. Meanwhile, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) warns that the Israeli offensive is forcing women in Gaza to give birth on the streets, without medical care or clean water.

The situation in Afghanistan

"Ideologically motivated decisions" can undermine opportunities for sustainable development and increase the suffering of the Afghan populationThis was stated at a Security Council meeting by Roza Otunbayeva, who will soon be leaving her post as the Secretary-General's Special Representative and Head of the UN Mission in the country. She warned that closing schools for girls after sixth grade will have significant long-term consequences. Otunbayeva expressed hope that the international community and Afghanistan will be able to agree on a path that will achieve positive results, especially for the country's women and girls.

UN General Assembly

Ahead of the opening of the high-level debate of the UN General Assembly, the President of its 80th session, Annalena Baerbock stated the need for updating and modernization The United Nations, so it can address the challenges of the coming decades. Baerbock also noted that the General Assembly's efforts during her presidency will focus on advancing the reform agenda within the framework of the UN80 initiative, electing the next Secretary-General, and implementing the Pact for the Future.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

September 17, 2025

Annalena Baerbock: "The UN must demonstrate its relevance to the world"

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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September 17, 2025 UN

In anticipation of the opening high-level debate of the UN General Assembly The President of its 80th session, Annalena Baerbock, stated the need to renew and modernize the United Nations so that it can cope with the challenges of the coming decades.

Baerbock previously outlined her vision for the coming year under the theme "Working Together," emphasizing unity, solidarity, and collective action as fundamental principles.

The need for reform

"No country, no matter its size, strength, or wealth, can confront the immense challenges we face alone," she explained, speaking to reporters in New York on Wednesday. "This Organization was born in a moment of profound division—perhaps the darkest hour in history. But it gave us the UN Charter, which remains a guiding light today, guiding our work and reminding us of what we want to achieve together."

EXPLAINED | What you need to know about the 80th session of the UN General Assembly

However, according to Baerbock, eighty years is a long time, and the world has changed significantly. Therefore, as the UN celebrates its anniversary, it is necessary to "rethink and restructure" its work in order to "show the world's eight billion people why this Organization still matters."

Baerbock also noted that the General Assembly's efforts during her presidency will be focused on advancing the reform agenda within the framework of UN-80 initiatives, the election of the next Secretary-General and implementation of the Pact for the Future.

High Level Week

Speaking about the upcoming High-Level Week, Baerbock said that approximately 150 heads of state and government, as well as thousands of delegates, are expected to attend. She emphasized that she intends to use every opportunity to emphasize the need for dialogue and diplomacy. "My message to leaders will be: speak, listen, discuss“,” said the Chairperson of the General Assembly.

Among the planned events, Baerbock highlighted:

a meeting to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations; the Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine; a high-level meeting to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the World Programme of Action for Youth; a meeting on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being; a conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar; and a meeting to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

Principled conviction

According to the General Assembly President, the Organization faces a growing list of challenges with limited resources. "We are at a crossroads—a moment of truth for the United Nations and multilateralism as a whole. But right now, we must work even harder," Baerbock noted.

"Our predecessors in 1945 showed the courage and wisdom to overcome differences and work together. We need the same principled conviction today," she added. Baerbock emphasized that she would convey this message to world leaders during the debate and throughout the session to "turn promises into action, commitments into progress, and hope into reality."

September 17, 2025

UN Security Council: Restrictions on education and work for girls and women undermine Afghanistan's development

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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September 17, 2025 Peace and security

"Ideologically motivated decisions" could undermine opportunities for sustainable development and exacerbate the suffering of the Afghan population. This was the warning issued by Roza Otunbayeva, who is soon to leave her post as the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), at a Security Council meeting on Wednesday.

“Shortly before I arrived in Afghanistan three years ago, a devastating earthquake struck the southeast of the country – similar to the one recently occurred in a number of eastern provinces"At that time, I visited the site of the tragedy, met with the victims, and discussed cooperation with the local de facto authorities. I saw the people's despair and their need for assistance, as well as the efforts of the local authorities. I called on the international community to provide funds, and the UN system, in cooperation with the de facto authorities, provided first emergency and then long-term assistance," she said.

However, the Special Representative continued, several months after these events, the de facto authorities imposed a ban on women's education and then banned them from working in non-governmental and international organizations. According to her, "these decisions demonstrate competing tendencies within the de facto power structures: one is more pragmatic and focused on the needs of the Afghan people, the other is focused on creating a so-called 'pure Islamic system,'" brings more and more restrictions for Afghans".

Consequences of restrictions on women

This especially affects the situation of women and girls"After three and a half years of school closures for girls above sixth grade, an entire generation risks becoming a 'lost generation'—with massive long-term consequences for the country—causing grave concern and despair throughout Afghan society," Otunbayeva emphasized.

United Nations News Service

Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan Roza Otunbayeva.

A recent survey conducted by UN Women found that the overwhelming majority of Afghans oppose the ban on girls' education. The World Bank estimates that this restriction costs the country's economy $1.4 billion annually.

In a statement released today to mark the fourth anniversary of the ban, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell recalled that by the end of 2025, more than 2.2 million girls will be excluded from the education system. She emphasized that the devastating earthquake, which claimed the lives of over a thousand children, highlighted the "critical role of educated and skilled women in health and social care." According to Russell, "this ban poses a serious threat to the country's long-term stability and progress." "No nation can prosper if half its population is left behind," the UNICEF executive said in a statement.

Constructive steps by the de facto authorities

Otunbayeva also noted a number of positive developments since August 2021. She noted that the country has seen a reduction in the scale of armed clashes, which has ensured relative security stability.

The Special Representative also emphasized that the ban on opium poppy cultivation has remained in place since the spring of 2023, bringing long-term benefits to the region and the world, although it has had a short-term impact on the lives of some rural residents. Furthermore, the "general amnesty" announced in August 2021 has helped reduce the scale of repression in the country, despite isolated violations, which, as the head of UNAMA emphasized, "are unacceptable and must be stopped." Otunbayeva also cited decisions issued by the Taliban leadership, including the ban on torture and the right to legal representation, as well as constructive engagement with the UN Mission, which has granted human rights groups access to all 34 prisons in the country.

Choosing pragmatism to overcome the crisis

Among the main challenges facing the country, she named a reduction in humanitarian aid of almost 50 percent in 2025, a weak economy, the threat of drought and natural disasters, as well as the mass return of Afghans from neighboring countries.

“The question remains whether the de facto authorities have the pragmatism to manage this ‘perfect storm’ of crises, or whether ideologically driven decisions will hinder sustainable solutions, prolonging the suffering of Afghans and undermining existing stability,” the Special Representative said.

After the devastating earthquake

Touching on the aftermath of the recent earthquake, the head of UNAMA reported that authorities had taken steps to evacuate victims and coordinate with international agencies. However, there were also reports on new restrictions against female UN employees, which seriously undermines the ability to provide aid. "We have issued a statement calling for this ban and its enforcement to be lifted, and I urge the Security Council to support our call," Otunbayeva said.

Roza Otunbayeva is leaving her post.

Concluding her remarks, she emphasized: "As I prepare to leave Afghanistan in a few days, I remain confident that the majority of Afghans want continued engagement between the international community and their country, despite the obstacles. I sincerely hope that a path can be agreed upon that will allow this engagement to continue and produce more positive results." especially for women and girls in Afghanistan".

A Hundred Years of Struggle for Women's Rights in Kyrgyzstan: Roza Otunbayeva Calls for More

September 17, 2025

Ukraine: UNICEF helps population prepare for fourth winter amid full-scale war

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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September 17, 2025 Humanitarian aid

Residents of Ukraine are preparing for their fourth winter amidst a full-scale war. Civilian infrastructure is currently under enormous strain, and families' resources are stretched to the limit.

Due to severe damage to energy, heating, and plumbing systems, many residential buildings, as well as healthcare and educational institutions, will be without heat, electricity, or water. The situation will only worsen as cold weather approaches. Since February 2022, district heating systems have suffered approximately $2.5 billion in damage.

Over the past three years, poverty levels among the Ukrainian population have risen, increasing the risks to children's health and well-being, especially in subzero temperatures in the regions hardest hit by the war. Last winter, one in five families reported health problems related to the cold at home.

"Children and families already living under daily stress will now be forced to endure another winter of war," said UNICEF spokesman Munir Mammadzadeh.

“We are working in collaboration with local partners to support vulnerable families and minimize the impact of the winter period,” he added.

UNICEF's response plan for the 2025–2026 winter months is based on past experience and addresses families' needs. Many noted that cash assistance significantly improved their living conditions: 94 percent of families stated that financial support was their most preferred form of winter assistance. Almost all households spent the funds on utilities, heating, and electricity, as well as winter clothing and footwear.

Ukraine: More than 1,200 deaths caused by cluster munitions registered since war began

UNICEF plans to provide cash transfers to families and schools, as well as support the repair and modernization of district heating systems. The plan includes three key areas: cash assistance for 272,000 people in frontline areas, including approximately 122,000 children, as well as children with special needs; financial support for 600 educational institutions; and the provision of equipment and emergency repairs to district heating systems, which will provide heat to one million people, including 170,000 children.

This work is consistent with The UN and Humanitarian Partners Winter Response Plan for 2025–2026, aimed at providing assistance to more than 1.7 million people.

Winter preparation measures have been underway for several months to ensure the necessary materials and equipment are delivered in advance. For example, new gas boilers and pipes were recently delivered and installed for a boiler house in Konotop, Sumy Oblast, providing more reliable heating for 80,000 people. This is just one example, UNICEF notes.

The plan is currently 37 percent funded, and an additional $41 million is urgently needed to help the most vulnerable children and families survive the freezing winter months.

September 17, 2025

Europe on the brink of a staffing crisis: who is treating Europeans and why is the WHO concerned?

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September 17, 2025 Healthcare

The rapid growth in the number of foreign doctors and nurses in countries across the region is creating both new opportunities and significant challenges for the sustainability of health systems, according to a new report from the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe).

A doctor from Moldova, a nurse from the Philippines, a surgeon from Egypt—they are increasingly becoming the face of European medicine. According to a new WHO-Europe report, over the past ten years, the number of foreign specialists in the region's healthcare has increased exponentially: by 58 percent among doctors and by 67 percent among nurses. Moreover, the majority of them—over 60 percent of doctors and 72 percent of nurses—were trained outside of Europe.

“Behind every migration there is a story – a desire for a better future, but also a break with family and weakened health systems in the countries from which they leave,” says Natassia Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of Health Policy at WHO/Europe.

The East is losing personnel, the West is dependent on migrants

The report covers nine countries—from Ireland to Tajikistan—and shows how unevenly the effects of migration are distributed. Eastern and Southern Europe are losing thousands of professionals, exacerbating existing skills shortages. Meanwhile, Western and Northern countries are increasingly dependent on foreign workers. In Ireland, for example, more than half of nurses and 43 percent of doctors are graduates of foreign universities.

The WHO predicts that Europe will face a shortage of 950,000 health workers by 2030. To avoid the collapse of healthcare systems, the organization believes countries urgently need to implement retention strategies, improve planning, and invest in training.

“We encourage improved working conditions in donor countries and strive for greater self-sufficiency in recipient countries,” explains Thomas Zapata, WHO Regional Human Resources Advisor.

Migration is no longer linear

While migration was previously perceived as a continuous flow from south to north, today the picture is much more complex. Germany, for example, has become the main supplier of doctors to Austria, Switzerland, and Bulgaria. In Romania, the largest group of foreign medical professionals are specialists from Moldova.

Lessons and examples: how countries are adapting

The report provides specific examples of countries adapting to new conditions. Romania managed to reduce the outflow of doctors from 1,500 in 2012 to 461 in 2021 thanks to higher salaries and improved working conditions. Moldova has recorded a decrease in the number of requests to leave the country. Ireland, on the other hand, is expanding the training of local students to reduce its dependence on migrants.

WHO calls for coordinated action

The report calls on countries to invest in national education, strengthen retention strategies, adapt curricula to the needs of the health system, and establish transparent international recruitment agreements.

“Migration of health workers is a reality of the global world,” warns Azzopardi-Muscat, “but unless we ensure fair conditions, we risk deepening inequalities and weakening vulnerable systems.”

September 16, 2025

EXPLAIN | What you need to know about the 80th session of the UN General Assembly

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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September 16, 2025 UN

In a few days, world leaders will gather at the United Nations headquarters on the banks of the East River in Manhattan for one of their most important annual international meetings.

Representatives of all 193 UN Member States, as well as two delegations from observer countries will perform during General Debate of the Organization, which will take place in the famous General Assembly Hall. At the same time, a series of high-level meetings will begin at the headquarters to discuss the most pressing issues facing humanity.

In the face of global crises ranging from war and climate change to gender inequality and the ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial intelligence, the High-Level Week is more than just a tradition. It is a vital moment for humanity, when the international community can reflect on the state of the planet, renew its commitments, and reimagine a shared future.

The events mark the start of the 80th session of the General Assembly, the UN's main deliberative body, which this year marks the 80th anniversary of the creation of the United Nations.

So here's what to look out for during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly…

Photo UN/L. Felipe

General debate: speeches, speeches and more speeches

The general debate, which begins on September 23, is for many the highlight of the General Assembly session. World leaders take turns at the podium in the General Assembly Hall to lay out their positions and priorities to a global audience.

The provisional time limit for each speaker to effectively schedule more than 193 speeches over a six-day period is 15 minutes, but this limit is rarely observed in good faith.

Traditionally, Brazil is the first to perform, followed by the United States as the host country.

The new President of the General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, only the fifth woman in the UN’s 80-year history to hold the position, will chair the debate. The theme of this year’s policy debate is “Working together: 80 years of working together for peace, development and human rights and the way forward.”

When is my country's representative speaking?

Find out more about general debate.

Two-State Solution: 'Further Than Ever Before'

According to the UN Secretary General, speaking in July 2025, the implementation of the two-state solution – the proposed framework for resolving the conflict between Israel and Palestine, which would create two states for two peoples – now seems less feasible than “ever before.”

The two-state solution was adopted as the basis for a settlement before the current conflict in Gaza, which began in October 2023 following deadly Hamas terrorist attacks in southern Israel.

As the death toll in Gaza approaches 70,000 and some hostages taken in Israel remain in captivity, UN member states will continue talks on the issue at the organization's headquarters on Monday, September 22.

This conference will be a continuation of the meetings that took place in the UN General Assembly in July 2025 without the participation of Israel and the United States.

30th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration: Empowering Women and Girls

The 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is considered the most progressive plan to achieve gender equality and advance the rights of women and girls worldwide.

Despite some progress made in the three decades since that landmark declaration, UN Women, the UN's gender agency, has found that the world is seeing "growing backlash" on women's rights.

On Monday, 22 September, a high-level meeting will be held on the theme “Renewing, resourcing and accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”. In this context, aspects such as the digital revolution, freedom from poverty, non-violence, full and equal participation in life-changing decisions, an equal voice in peace and security, and climate justice will be discussed.

Climate: Fighting Global Warming

As the world struggles to keep temperature rises within the internationally agreed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a summit on Wednesday, September 24, will address the pace of temperature change and the scale of the global climate crisis.

World leaders will unveil new national climate action plans – country-level commitments that set out steps to combat climate change.

The forum will bring together governments, businesses and civil society to share ideas on how to spur action in mitigation, adaptation, finance and information policy. “This is our chance [to achieve a breakthrough],” the UN chief stressed. Antonio Guterres.

The summit comes ahead of a key UN climate change conference, known as COP30, which starts in Brazil in November.

Artificial Intelligence: The Need for Control and Limitations

Artificial intelligence impacts every area of life: from driverless cars to medical imaging analysis, from business management to financial trading algorithms, from virtual assistants to real-time translation.

However, the benefits of AI are unevenly distributed, and many countries struggle to access the tools that could support their development and improve the lives of ordinary people.

The rapid expansion of AI applications inevitably brings with it many risks, including the unreliability of information disseminated online and threats to human rights, such as digital surveillance.

There is currently no formal, globally recognized body that governs AI at the global level, so world leaders will gather in New York on September 25 to discuss a framework for inclusive and accountable governance of artificial intelligence.

“Without proper guardrails, AI could further exacerbate inequality and the digital divide, and disproportionately affect the most vulnerable. We must seize this historic opportunity… for the benefit of all humanity,” the UN chief said.

A number of other major events will take place during the High Level Week:

Celebration of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (22 September). Summit on a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy on “Delivering Commitments on Financing for Development” (24 September). High-level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being (25 September). High-level meeting to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth (25 September). High-level meeting to promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons (25 September).

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

September 16, 2025

UN General Assembly

New York is preparing to host leaders of nearly 150 states and governments for the 80th High-Level Week of the General Assembly. The UN Secretary-General told a news conference at the UN headquarters that the coming week should be a time for solutions, not political rivalries. According to the Secretary-General, it will open up opportunities for dialogue and mediation. He said he will hold more than 150 bilateral meetings and will use each one to encourage leaders to talk to each other and “find solutions.”

Independent Commission Accuses Israel of Genocide

Independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council on Tuesday said Israel's actions in Gaza constituted genocide, a charge Tel Aviv categorically rejected. In a new report released amid escalating Israeli military operations in Gaza, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel called on Israel and all states to fulfil their obligations under international law "to end the genocide" and punish those responsible.

UN Budget Cuts

The United Nations has completed a review of its 2026 budget estimates, proposing cost reductions of more than $500 million and staffing reductions of 19 percent compared to the 2025 budget. The cuts will also affect UN peacekeeping missions around the world. However, the changes will not affect programmes and activities that directly support UN member states, especially least developed, landlocked and small island states, or development initiatives in Africa.

Ozone layer

September 16 is the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. On this day in 2009, the Vienna Convention, which concerns measures to protect people and the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation, and the Montreal Protocol, according to which chemicals that destroy the ozone layer began to be gradually phased out, received universal ratification. The UN calls on countries to continue to take measures to protect the environment and combat climate change.

September 16, 2025

UN Secretary-General: General Assembly High-Level Week Offers All Opportunities for Dialogue and Solution-Development

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September 16, 2025 UN

New York is preparing to host leaders from nearly 150 countries and governments for the 80th High-Level Week of the General Assembly. The UN Secretary-General said the world was in “uncharted waters” and stressed that the coming week should be a time for solutions, not political rivalries.

"Some call this the World Cup of Diplomacy. But this is not about scoring points, it is about solving problems. There is too much at stake," he said at a press conference at the Organization's headquarters.

António Guterres noted that the global community is facing growing problems: growing geopolitical tensions, a crisis of international cooperation, numerous conflicts, climate change, and the uncontrolled development of new technologies.

According to the Secretary-General, the next week will offer opportunities for dialogue and mediation: "This UN week offers every opportunity for dialogue and mediation. Every opportunity to develop solutions. Thousands of world leaders will meet here."

He said he would hold more than 150 bilateral meetings and would use each one to urge leaders to talk directly to each other, "reduce risks" and "find solutions."

Our times require more than posturing and promises.

Guterres stressed that people around the world are looking not for words, but for action: “Our times demand more than posturing and promises. They demand that leaders make progress and deliver on their commitments.”

The Secretary General highlighted key areas in which concrete steps are needed, primarily peace and conflict resolution.

"Let this week be a week of decisions. For peace – in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and beyond – and a just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on the principle of two states," he said.

He also stressed the need to find solutions in areas such as climate, technology including AI, the fight for gender equality, financing for development and UN reform.

In closing, Guterres stressed: “The UN is the place. Next week is the time. Leaders must get serious – and act.”

September 16, 2025

From one 'hell' to another: Gaza City residents evacuate to the south

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September 16, 2025 Humanitarian aid

As Israel continues to bomb Gaza City as part of its escalating military offensive, families with starving children are being forced to move south, from one "hell" to another, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday.

The Israeli military has stepped up its offensive on the city, ordering residents to evacuate. UNICEF representative Tess Ingram, based in the southern enclave, called the forced displacement of families a "mortal threat" to Gaza's most vulnerable residents.

"To expect nearly half a million children, exhausted and traumatised by more than 700 days of ongoing conflict, to leave one hell for another is inhumane," she said.

150 thousand people moved to the south of the sector in a month

UN partners monitoring the movement of people in Gaza have recorded nearly 70,000 movements south in the past few days and nearly 150,000 in the past month, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The only accessible route, the Al-Rashid road, is congested.

Ingram described meeting a mother who had walked more than six hours from Gaza City south with her five children, "exhausted by thirst and hunger," two of whom were shoeless.

She said they, along with tens of thousands of other children, were being sent to a "so-called humanitarian zone" covering al-Mawasi and surrounding areas.

"Sea of Despair"

A UNICEF spokeswoman described the destination of Palestinians evacuating Gaza City as "a sea of makeshift tents and human despair." She stressed that there are not enough resources to even support the hundreds of thousands of people already living there.

The problem of malnutrition among children in the Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly acute, Ingram continued, noting that UNICEF estimates that about 26,000 children in the enclave currently require treatment for the effects of malnutrition, more than 10,000 in Gaza City alone.

Food centers are closed

A UNICEF spokeswoman said the escalation in fighting and evacuation orders this week in Gaza City had forced more feeding centres to close, leaving many children without access to much-needed food aid.

While humanitarian organizations remain in Gaza and continue their operations, “with every bombing and every denial [of aid], it becomes more difficult for them to operate,” Ingram stressed.

According to OCHA, as of last Sunday, humanitarian teams were attempting to organize 17 missions in coordination with the Israeli authorities. In the end, only four were supported, seven were refused, and others encountered obstacles on the ground or were cancelled.

Ingram described the dilemma facing desperate Gazans: “to stay in danger or to flee to a place they know is dangerous.” She recalled that al-Mawasi was attacked about two weeks ago, killing eight children, the youngest three, while queuing for water.

September 16, 2025

UN Plans to Cut 2026 Budget by $500 Million

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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.