As part of efforts to strengthen the United Nations’ core functions in peace, development, and human rights, the General Assembly has approved a $3.45 billion budget for 2026.
The approval, which followed weeks of intensive negotiations, is a key component of the UN80 reform initiative aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs, and streamlining operations across the organization.
The budget, endorsed by the 193-member Assembly on Tuesday, allocates $3,450,426,300 to support the UN’s three main pillars: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. It incorporates the Secretary-General’s proposed 15 percent reduction in financial resources and nearly 19 percent cut in staffing, reflecting a commitment to a leaner and more effective organization.
UN Controller, Chandramouli Ramanathan, praised delegates of the Fifth Committee, the Assembly’s primary administrative and budgetary body, for successfully navigating a complex and compressed process.
“It has been a year of challenges”, he said, noting that the Secretariat had to prepare an entire budget in less than six weeks, produce hundreds of tables and respond to thousands of questions from member states and oversight bodies.
Ramanathan also emphasized that adopting the budget marks the beginning of the implementation phase. As of January 1, 2026, 2,900 positions will be abolished, while at least 1,000 staff separations have already been finalized.
He stressed that careful management is essential to ensure affected personnel receive their salaries and entitlements during the transition.
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