'Act of self-harm' | United Nations facing job cuts after US funding pullback

The United Nations is bracing for a $500m shortfall in 2026, with at least 3,000 staff expected to lose their jobs as the organization seeks to manage a steep decline in US funding.

The proposed budget will shrink from $3.7bn to $3.2bn, cutting resources by 15.1% and staff posts by 18.8%. The changes will hit the core budget, while reductions in peacekeeping, humanitarian and health programs are also anticipated.

The UN employs around 35,000 people worldwide, but the administration of Secretary General António Guterres is preparing to make significant cuts. Guterres has tried to frame the crisis as an opportunity to streamline an organization that has passed 40,000 resolutions since 1946 and grown into more than 140 entities.

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Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary General for Policy, is leading the restructuring effort under a program known as UN80. Agencies have been asked to justify their mandates and relationships with other UN bodies, with the aim of consolidating functions into the UN’s three founding pillars: peace and security, human rights and development.