Twenty percent of the planned workforce reductions set forth by the company.
The United Nations (UN) is set to undergo a substantial restructuring, targeting a reduction of approximately 20% in its Secretariat staff—which amounts to around 6,900 positions out of 35,000[1][3]. This staff reduction initiative, known as UN80, is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the organization's efficiency in the face of financial constraints.
As per an internal memo seen by AFP on Thursday, the UN Controller of Finances, Chandramouli Ramanathan, informed department heads that these cuts are anticipated to save a significant portion of the 2026 regular budget, including a 20% reduction in Secretariat staff positions[2].
If approved by the General Assembly, the staff reductions will become effective on January 1, 2026. This would initially impact vacant roles, with occupied positions following suit according to internal rules[3].
Agencies such as UNHCR, UNRWA, and UN Women will receive separate instructions regarding budget adjustments[3]. The UN's regular budget for 2025 is $3.7 billion[1].
Secretary-General António Guterres recently warned that painful changes were on the horizon, including staffing reductions amounting to 20%[2]. The restructuring initiative aims to make the UN more effective and adaptable in addressing global challenges by merging agencies with overlapping functions and eliminating redundant tasks[1][2].
Concerns have been raised by the UN Staff Union regarding being left out of the restructuring negotiations. They highlighted potential implications for job functions and staff relocation[4].
This staff reduction is partly in response to anticipated reductions in U.S. financial support, which contributes about 22% of the UN's regular budget[1]. Other UN agencies are also facing significant budget cuts and job losses, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO)[5].
The UN's restructuring is happening amidst a broader decline in global aid, with official development assistance expected to decrease from $213 billion in 2023 to $140 billion by the end of 2025[5].
- The UN's Controller of Finances, Chandramouli Ramanathan, revealed in an internal memo that the anticipated staff cuts under UN80, which aims to save a significant portion of the 2026 regular budget, will impact both vacant and occupied positions within the Secretariat, following internal rules.
- The restructuring initiative at the UN, which includes a 20% reduction in Secretariat staff positions, is not only due to internal cost-cutting efforts, but also in response to anticipated reductions in US financial support, which contributes around 22% of the UN's regular budget.
