Alarm at Uno: Massive Layoffs Could Affect Thousands of Employees
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The United Nations (UN) will review its budget and contemplate job cuts, according to a recent internal memo. The objective is to shrink the budget by 20% and potentially eliminate around 6,900 positions. These austerity measures are largely due to the United States (US) reducing financial contributions under President Donald Trump.
In the memo, UN Controller Chandramouli Ramanathan did not provide specific reasons for the US's payment default, but stated that these cuts are part of an ongoing examination. He emphasized that the UN's mission, which includes reducing human suffering and promoting multilateralism in the 21st century, is paramount.
The US, historically contributing nearly a quarter of the UN's annual budget, has partially ceased its payments due to concerns about the UN's political direction. In recent years, the Trump administration has expressed dissatisfaction with the UN and has proposed dramatic budget cuts, affecting both obligatory and voluntary contributions, and impacting core operations and humanitarian programs.
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is reportedly considering various measures to address the budget shortfall, such as reducing or merging UN departments and relocating UN offices to more cost-effective cities. He has warned that difficult decisions lie ahead and ignoring these issues would be detrimental.
Germany's former Federal Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, has spoken about the UN facing "existential challenges" but remaining essential in addressing these issues. She made these comments during her application speech for the office of President of the UN General Assembly, which will be held in New York on June 2nd.
The United NationsAntonio GuterresAnnalena BaerbockAusterity courseUSA
These cuts, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, could significantly impact the UN's humanitarian aid efforts, operational capabilities, and possibly reshape the global balance of influence within the organization. concerns about the impact on humanitarian aid, operational capabilities, and potential geopolitical consequences.
- The European Parliament, along with the Council and the Commission of the European Union, might express their concerns about the austerity course at the United Nations, as it may have significant implications for global business, politics, general-news, and community policy, especially in terms of finance and humanitarian aid.
- Amidst the looming cuts at the United Nations, various European countries, including Germany, could take a more active role in supporting the UN's mission to reduce human suffering and promote multilateralism in the 21st century, potentially through increased financial contributions or collaborative efforts in fields such as business, politics, general-news, and community policy.
