UN chief proposes to cut 15% of budget, 19% of workforce in 2026

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is proposing a 15-percent cut to the UN's regular budget in 2026.

 The UN struggles with chronic liquidity problems made more acute by US President Donald Trump's policies.

A senior United Nations official said the revised budget number is $3.24 billion. It would result in the elimination of 2,681 jobs.

Guterres earlier had proposed to keep the 2026 budget at the same level as 2025 - around $3.7 billion. But he worked to reduce the amount as part of his UN80 Initiative to make the organization more agile and efficient.

In letters to member states and UN personnel made public Tuesday, the UN chief announced "reductions of more than 15 percent in the regular budget level," equivalent to about $500 million. He also announced a 19-percent cut to the UN workforce covered by that budget.

The impact of cuts will be spread across the UN's three pillars - peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. Meanwhile, programs for least-developed nations will be spared, he said.