Post by : Badri Ariffin

Dubai: The United Nations has given the green light to its regular budget for 2026, amounting to $3.45 billion, as the agency grapples with financial challenges and a projected staff reduction. This spending plan was ratified by the General Assembly after thorough discussions, settling on a figure just above Secretary-General António Guterres' original proposal of $3.238 billion.

The budget pertains exclusively to the UN’s core functions, leaving out peacekeeping operations and specialized agencies such as UNESCO and the World Health Organization, which operate under distinct funding mechanisms. This approved figure marks a reduction of around $270 million, or 7.25%, compared to the $3.72 billion budget set for 2025.

The Assembly endorsed funding to sustain crucial pursuits in peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights, in line with the ongoing UN80 reform initiative aimed at refining administrative processes ahead of the Organization's upcoming 80th anniversary.

UN Controller Chandramouli Ramanathan updated delegates that the Secretariat crafted the draft budget in under six weeks, producing detailed records and addressing numerous inquiries from member states and oversight entities. He stressed that achieving consensus on the budget underscores the strength of the UN’s budgeting framework.

Even with the approval, Ramanathan warned that significant challenges remain during implementation, urging member states to meet their assessed contribution obligations promptly to mitigate cash-flow concerns. The UN will head into 2026 with a leaner budget and aims to reduce its workforce by 19%, all while striving to maintain its essential mission amid tightening financial conditions.

#Global News