The fluctuating threats made by the Trump administration towards the United Nations, along with the U.S. pulling out of multiple UN agencies and exacerbating anggaran cuts, has caused significant anxiety and instability among most employees regarding their futures—impacting their psychological well-being.
Could the United Nations’ liquidity crisis lead to reductions in staffing levels or prompt another wave of salary decreases? Might this situation cause a halt in promotions and salary raises? Additionally, could employees from outside the U.S., upon reaching retirement age, lose their eligibility for permanent residency status within America and consequently have to leave the country along with their family members?
At the same time, the United Nations’ humanitarian arm, known as the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), is grappling with considerable financial constraints because of a substantial shortfall in funds, largely attributable to decreased contributions from the U.S. As a result, OCHA is contemplating cutting its workforce by 20%, along with downsizing operations in multiple nations.
In addition to OCHA, the budget reductions have affected the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. These organizations are shutting down offices, cutting back on personnel, or discontinuing programs as a result of significant decreases in financial support from the U.S.
Last week, in a communication to employees, the UN Staff Union (UNSU) based in New York recognized “the considerable worry and possible ambiguity arising from the present fiscal condition of the organization.”
We think that focusing on mental health and overall wellness is crucial during these unpredictable times. Therefore, the Union is organizing a range of Mental Health Sessions to provide useful advice and strategies for dealing with whatever challenges may come our way.
“You can be confident that your union will firmly uphold your right to just and equal treatment and is prepared to face the upcoming challenges side by side with you,” states the memorandum issued by Narda Cupidore, President of UNSU.
In the meantime, the Staff Management Committee (SMC), held in Vienna from April 7-12, tackled crucial matters concerning staff well-being and terms of service.
The discussions were primarily centered around three key issues: i) the UN80 Initiative; ii) the financial crisis; and iii) the restructuring policy. Over multiple days of debate, these closely related subjects and their collective effect on employees remained at the forefront.
The Secretary-General has asked the UN80 Initiative Task Force and Working Groups to create plans focusing on three main areas: i) quickly finding ways to be more efficient and effective in our operations; ii) assessing how well we have carried out the tasks assigned to us by member countries; and iii) restructuring our programs across the United Nations system with an emphasis on optimizing resource use.
Dr. Purnima Mane, who previously served as the President and CEO of Pathfinder International and held roles such as Deputy Executive Director (Programs) and UN Assistant Secretary-General at the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), expressed to IPS her concerns about the U.S. government’s threat to reduce funding and withdraw support from numerous UN agencies. This situation raises significant worries among both member states and UN employees alike, impacting their psychological well-being and impairing their capacity to perform effectively in an inherently demanding job environment.
Given the numerous worldwide disruptions, there is significant anticipation placed upon the United Nations in this moment. However, budget reductions severely jeopardize both the organization’s capacity to fulfill its duties and the capability of its employees to perform their tasks effectively.
She noted with relief that the United Nations-affiliated entities focused on employee well-being are directing their attention toward the mental health of staffers operating in this present atmosphere of profound ambiguity.
It is heartening to see that the UN Staff Union is organizing a series of mental health workshops aimed at providing staff with valuable insights and strategies to cope with potential future challenges.
The Staff Management Committee XIII, which convened in early April in Vienna, addressed several crucial matters concerning employee well-being and service conditions. Unsurprisingly, among the key subjects discussed were the ongoing financial crisis threatening the United Nations and the organization’s downsizing policies.
She noted that uncertainty complicates things further because the U.S. administration had announced reductions to organizations where the country is either the primary funder or a significant donor, only to reverse this decision for certain cases.
Dr. Mane warned that if the United Nations fails to be perceived as a worthwhile investment by the U.S., and maintains its stance on reductions and pullouts, this could lead to significant stagnation in operations. This would adversely affect the psychological well-being of employees and consequently impair their capacity to handle challenging responsibilities effectively.
The World Food Programme, UNICEF, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees are some of the UN agencies implementing job cuts, office closures, acara terminations, and other austerity measures as a result of significant reductions in U.S. financial support.
In 2024, the UN Secretariat had more than 35,000 employees stationed at approximately 467 locations globally. These individuals come from over 190 countries around the world. They form part of an extensive network known as the broader UN system, which encompasses roughly 100 entities such as about 30 distinct agencies, funds, and programs.
The financial crisis has worsened due to member states failing to pay their dues on time or at all. By April 30th, only 101 out of the 193 member states had settled their entire financial obligations.
When questioned regarding the budget reductions for United Nations agencies on April 28, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric informed journalists that various types of cutbacks were being implemented.
The harshest reductions we’ve witnessed have significantly impacted our humanitarian and development allies since the funding decreases take effect right away. These organizations rely on voluntary contributions for their financing. The funds are designated specifically for certain programs, which means there isn’t enough money available. As a result, essential tasks aren’t being completed.
Therefore, I believe the Secretary-General has mentioned that currently, we are dealing with a liquidity issue. We are handling this situation effectively. He has consistently aimed to be the most diligent steward of the funds entrusted to our care.
Dujarric mentioned that part of the plan is to make sure Member States grasp the immediate and significant effects of these reductions.
At present, the United States stands out as the leading defaulter. Being the foremost financial contributor, it is responsible for paying 22% of the UN’s general operating expenses and 27% of its costs related to peacekeeping missions.
The United States has an outstanding debt of $1.5 billion for the UN’s regular anggaran. When we include debts from the regular budget, the peacekeeping anggaran, and international tribunals, the total owed by the US amounts to a significant $2.8 billion.
The leading 10 contributors to the UN’s regular budget, according to their evaluated financial commitments, include the United States, China, Japan, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, Brazil, and Russia.
The proposed anggaran for 2025 amounts to $3.72 billion, which is approximately $120 million higher than the $3.6 billion announced by Secretary-General António Guterres in October 2024, and stands at $130 million above the previous year’s anggaran.
The overall anggaran allocation for 2025 totals $3,717,379,600. Following the United States, China ranks as the second-highest contributor, with an assessment of 18.7% toward the regular anggaran.
When addressing employees, the Staff Union states that the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative “could lead to considerable alterations within our organization and substantially affect our terms of employment.”
Although the complete impact of these alterations remains unclear, we acknowledge the potential depresi and worry they may induce, particularly considering the ongoing media attention focused on comparable issues within the Common System.
In pursuit of this objective, the UN80 Initiative has established a
suggestion box
to provide assistance and suggestions.
We think the best solutions often emerge from individuals actively engaged in the daily operations of our organization. Given the approaching tenggat waktu of 1 May 2025, we urge you to submit your original and inventive ideas both to the UN80 Initiative and to your respective Union.
By submitting your recommendations to
According to the memo, it states, “We will have the capability to document the active participation of staff members and underscore anew the essential significance of an all-inclusive,Secretariat-wide decision-making approach across the three key areas: enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, implementing mandates, and aligning programs.”
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