The UN has received directives from Secretary General António Guterres to identify potential budget cuts, including staff relocations, as uncertainty regarding U.S. funding increases.
U.N. Initiates Budget Cuts Amid Fears of U.S. Funding Reductions
U.N. Initiates Budget Cuts Amid Fears of U.S. Funding Reductions
The United Nations prepares to implement significant budget cuts as President Trump's review of U.S. contributions looms.
The United Nations is bracing for financial challenges as it starts formulating budgetary cutbacks following potential reductions in U.S. funding under President Donald Trump’s administration. In a memo dated April 25 and reviewed by various media outlets, Secretary General António Guterres instructed agency heads to prepare proposals for budget cuts by May 15. This directive reflects the organization's anticipation of slashed American contributions to its operations.
In February, President Trump signed an executive order focusing on reviewing U.S. financial commitments to the UN, which had previously included withdrawing from several international agreements and reducing contributions, particularly to peacekeeping missions. The new budgetary directives have jolted several UN officials, who note that the scope of the cuts seems broader than anticipated and aims to proactively shield the organization from harsher financial impacts.
Officials have pointed out that the urgency of such revisions stems not only from potential U.S. funding cuts but also from an ongoing financial crisis at the UN, exacerbated by delayed payments from member states and diminishing contributions from prominent financial supporters. As a result, these measures are seen as crucial steps in ensuring the UN can maintain operational efficacy amidst escalating uncertainty over its funding structure.
In February, President Trump signed an executive order focusing on reviewing U.S. financial commitments to the UN, which had previously included withdrawing from several international agreements and reducing contributions, particularly to peacekeeping missions. The new budgetary directives have jolted several UN officials, who note that the scope of the cuts seems broader than anticipated and aims to proactively shield the organization from harsher financial impacts.
Officials have pointed out that the urgency of such revisions stems not only from potential U.S. funding cuts but also from an ongoing financial crisis at the UN, exacerbated by delayed payments from member states and diminishing contributions from prominent financial supporters. As a result, these measures are seen as crucial steps in ensuring the UN can maintain operational efficacy amidst escalating uncertainty over its funding structure.
