New York , The United Nations has unveiled a revised proposal for its 2026 regular budget, introducing over $500 million in cost reductions alongside the first wave of reforms under the UN80 Initiative, a strategic effort to make the organization more efficient and resilient as it approaches its 80th anniversary.

The proposed changes include a 15.1% reduction in resources and an 18.8% cut in staff posts compared to the 2025 budget. Support accounts for peacekeeping operations will also see reductions. However, programs serving least developed countries, small island states, and Africa’s development will be shielded from cuts.

Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that the reductions are targeted not across the board and will be paired with mitigation strategies to protect core mandates. These include prioritizing high-impact outputs, pooling expertise, and expanding virtual and automated services.

Reform measures include consolidating payroll operations, relocating functions from high-cost cities like New York and Geneva to more affordable locations, and vacating leased buildings to save costs by 2028. New administrative hubs are planned for New York and Bangkok, with global teams operating from Entebbe and Nairobi.

The revised budget will be reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) before being presented to the General Assembly’s Fifth Committee, where all 193 Member States will negotiate and vote on the proposals.