UN chief proposes slashing 2026 budget by $577 million, cutting 18% of jobs

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attends a press conference, during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), in Belem, Brazil, November 20, 2025. REUTERS/Anderson Coelho

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 1 (Reuters) - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday formally proposed slashing the core U.N. budget for next year by $577 million and cutting more than 18% of jobs.

Guterres is seeking ways to improve efficiency and cut costs as the world body turns 80 this year amid a cash crisis, driven largely by U.S. arrears.