Summary
The United Nations plans to cut its 2026 budget by $577 million due to unpaid dues from member countries. This will result in reducing its workforce by 18.8% and cutting several operational budgets, though some key programs will maintain their current funding. The unpaid dues amount to $1.59 trillion, involving countries like the United States, China, Russia, and Mexico.
Key Facts
- The UN will reduce its budget by 15.1% in 2026, lowering it by $577 million from 2025.
- The unpaid dues from member states have reached $1.59 trillion.
- Countries like the United States, China, Russia, and Mexico are responsible for unpaid dues.
- The UN's workforce will be reduced by 18.8%, affecting 2,681 positions.
- The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) will not face budget cuts.
- The budget for Africa's development advocacy will remain unchanged.
- Special political missions' budgets will be reduced by 21.6%.
- UN plans to close two office leases in New York by 2027, saving $24.5 million yearly.
