In a landmark decision that underscores global collaboration and fiscal responsibility, the United Nations General Assembly has approved a transformative $3.45 billion regular budget for 2026, marking a significant milestone in the organization's ongoing modernization efforts.

The comprehensive budget, unanimously approved by the 193-member Assembly, encompasses the UN's core operational pillars: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. UN Controller Chandramouli Ramanathan highlighted the remarkable achievement, noting the complex process was completed in less than six weeks, producing hundreds of detailed financial tables and addressing thousands of oversight questions.

Central to this year's budget is a bold organizational restructuring, featuring a substantial 15 percent reduction in financial resources and an impressive nearly 19 percent cut in staffing. By January 2026, 2,900 positions will be abolished, with over 1,000 staff separations already finalized, demonstrating the UN's commitment to operational efficiency and strategic resource allocation.

The regular budget will continue to finance critical UN activities, including political affairs, international justice, regional development cooperation, human rights initiatives, humanitarian efforts, and global public information campaigns. Importantly, this budget operates on a calendar year cycle, distinct from the UN peacekeeping budget's July-to-June fiscal framework.

Ramanathan praised the Fifth Committee for steering the complex negotiations to a timely consensus, emphasizing that such collaborative decision-making is a hallmark of the UN's budgetary process. He also welcomed a record level of potential advance payments from member states and urged continued prompt contribution to support the organization's mission.

Looking forward, the UN leadership acknowledges that budget approval marks the beginning of a demanding implementation phase. The organization remains committed to carefully managing staff transitions, ensuring continued salary and entitlement support for affected personnel while maintaining its critical global humanitarian and diplomatic work.