UN May Cut Budget by 20%, Slash About 6,900 Jobs

The United Nations Secretariat is preparing to cut its US$3.7 billion (S$4.8 billion) budget by 20 percent and slash about 6,900 jobs, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters.

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WASHINGTON —

The directive, which asks staff to detail cuts by June 13, comes amid a financial crisis triggered in part by the US, which annually funds nearly a quarter of the world body.

In addition to US foreign aid cuts under President Donald Trump that have gutted UN humanitarian agencies, the US owes — for arrears and the current fiscal year — nearly US$1.5 billion.

The memo's author, UN Controller Chandramouli Ramanathan, did not cite the US failure to pay.

He noted that the cuts are part of a review launched in March dubbed "UN80".

"It is an ambitious effort to ensure that the United Nations is fit for purpose to support 21st-century multilateralism, reduce human suffering and build better lives and futures for all," Mr. Ramanathan said.

"I count on your cooperation for this collective effort, whose aggressive timelines are recognized."