United Nations, 1 January. The United Nations, the world’s largest international organization, is currently facing a severe financial crisis. As a result, it has started 2026 with a reduced budget of $3.45 billion and a 19 percent cut in jobs.
The UN General Assembly approved the budget based on the proposal by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, although the approved amount is slightly higher than the $3.238 billion he initially suggested.
This year’s budget is about $270 million, or 7.25 percent, less than the $3.72 billion allocated in 2025. The budget covers only the UN’s main administrative functions, with separate budgets set for peacekeeping missions and other entities such as UNESCO and the World Health Organization.
India’s share in the regular budget stands at 1.016 percent. This contribution is determined based on gross national income, population, and various other criteria.
Addressing the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly on the budget, Assistant Secretary-General Chandramouli Ramanathan stated that under the spending cuts, 2,900 posts will be eliminated starting Friday. Additionally, around 1,000 staff members have agreed to voluntarily leave their positions.
The budget was prepared after long and difficult negotiations among the 193 member countries. Ramanathan described this outcome as an extraordinary achievement that should not be taken lightly.
According to the UN, outstanding contributions stood at $1.586 billion as of 1 December, including $709 million for 2024 and $877 million for 2025. Therefore, Ramanathan urged member states to submit their overdue payments for 2026 as soon as possible.
Before the budget was unanimously passed, two amendments were rejected. One was proposed by Russia concerning investigations into human rights violations in Syria, and the other by Cuba regarding the role of the Secretary-General’s adviser on citizen protection. India abstained from voting on both amendments.
The United States remains the largest contributor to the UN budget, responsible for 22 percent of the share, followed by China at 20 percent.
Former US President Donald Trump was a vocal critic of the United Nations. During his tenure, the US had not yet released its approved funds for 2025, worsening the organization’s financial situation.
Trump proposed reducing the US contribution to the regular budget to $610 million for the next year. If this reduction occurs, questions may arise about the sustainability of the recently approved budget.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.