The US administration achieved savings exceeding $1 billion over a six-month period through cuts to United Nations budgets. The peacekeeping budget was reduced by approximately $550 million compared to the previous year, bringing it down to $5.1 billion.
US Ambassador for UN Management and Reform Jeff Bartos stated that total savings exceeded $1 billion, including a 15 percent cut to the regular budget in December. 'We have achieved over $1 billion in savings in six months; this is an unprecedented figure,' Bartos said.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric also confirmed the $550 million reduction in the peacekeeping budget and the 15 percent cut to the regular budget, describing both as 'unprecedented cuts'.
New system for unused funds
Another pillar of the reform package was a change regarding the return of unused budget credits. On June 30, the General Assembly voted to adopt a four-year pilot program stipulating that unspent funds be returned only against cash actually collected.
Bartos said this change could save the organization more than $1 billion over the next three years. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the old system as a 'Kafkaesque cycle' that forced the return of 'nonexistent cash' and welcomed the reform.
Reform process to continue
US Ambassador for UN Management and Reform Jeff Bartos said staff salaries, benefits, and the pension system are among the next targets on the reform agenda. 'Whether it's social benefits, staff compensation, or the pension system, our team is working on numerous additional reforms,' Bartos stated.
Noting that the new secretary-general to be elected to replace Guterres, whose term expires in 2027, will also maintain the reform momentum, Bartos said, 'The reform momentum that has grown over the last 15-18 months will continue with the new secretary-general in 2027.'
Maria Nica / Editor
