Think the UN’s trimming fat like never before? After grueling talks and the bold UN80 initiative, world leaders just locked in a lean $3.45 billion regular budget for next year slashing resources by 15% and staff by nearly 19%.
The 193-member General Assembly approved the exact $3,450,426,300 on Tuesday, fueling core pillars: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. This funds politics, justice, regional dev, humanitarian work, and public info but it’s distinct from the peacekeeping budget July-June cycle.
UN Controller Chandramouli Ramanathan tipped his hat to the Fifth Committee’s marathon grind. “It has been a year of challenges,” he said, with the Secretariat cranking out a full budget in under six weeks amid thousands of queries.
But brace yourself: Jan. 1 brings 2,900 job cuts and 1,000+ staff exits already set—Ramanathan urged smooth handling to protect pay during transitions. He cheered record advance payments from members and pleaded for timely dues to keep things rolling.
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