The United Nations is starting 2026 with a reduced budget of $3.45 billion, leading to a 19% cut in jobs. This budget, slightly higher than Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ proposal but lower than last year’s, covers only the main UN operations.
India’s contribution to the regular budget stands at 1.016%, determined by a complex formula considering factors like gross national income and population. As part of cost-saving measures, 2,900 positions will be eliminated, with 1,000 employees already agreeing to leave.
The budget adoption process involved intense negotiations among 193 member countries. The UN’s top financial official emphasized the importance of timely payment of 2026 dues to address the arrears, which amounted to $1.586 billion as of December 1.
Before unanimously passing the budget, the General Assembly rejected amendments related to human rights investigations in Syria and the Secretary-General’s adviser on protecting citizens from atrocities. The US, the largest contributor at 22%, has withheld its 2025 contribution, impacting the organization’s financial stability.
