UN Secretary-General proposes $3.3 billion budget for 2027

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has proposed a $3.3 billion programme budget for 2027, representing a 1.2 percent decrease compared to the 2026 approved level. The proposal was presented to the General Assembly’s Fifth Committee, which manages the organization's administrative and budgetary matters.

Guterres emphasized that the United Nations is more critical than ever due to deepening geopolitical divisions, ongoing regional conflicts, soaring humanitarian needs, climate disruption, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence. He noted that the Sustainable Development Goals are becoming increasingly difficult to achieve.

The budget includes funding for the salaries of 11,150 employees and contractors, as well as $423 million for special political missions. Under the UN80 initiative, the Secretariat aims to increase efficiency and adapt to changing global circumstances. Proposed reforms include relocating certain positions to lower-cost duty stations, such as Nairobi, and streamlining leadership roles to reduce costs.