UN secretary-general António Guterres has unveiled a proposed programme budget of $3.3 billion for 2027, stressing the need for stable financing.
“The proposed programme budget for 2027 amounts to $3.302 billion and includes 11,150 posts,” Mr Guterres stated in a statement on Tuesday. “This rises to $3.408 billion including the major construction projects in Nairobi and the Strategic Heritage Plan in Geneva.”
The UN chief, who acknowledged that the proposal represents a reduction of approximately 1.2 per cent—equivalent to $40.8 million—compared to the approved 2026 budget, said it covered $423 million for the continued operation of special political missions in 2027.
He added, “For the first time, in line with guidance from the General Assembly, the budget fully incorporates standard-cost adjustments from the outset. There will be no separate recosting later in the year. This will give Member States a clearer, more complete picture, earlier in the process.”
Mr Guterres explained that new and expanded mandates were largely offset through technical adjustments related to the removal of non-recurrent resources and the phased abolition of posts.
The UN chief said the overall budget proposal builds on significant reductions already made, noting any increases, including those resulting from new mandates, were proposed only after careful review of existing resources and the potential for absorption.
“The proposal demonstrates our continued commitment to efficiency and cost‑effectiveness. But, let me be equally clear: Efficiency alone cannot compensate for an unstable financial foundation. Our ability to deliver depends on predictable financing and the timely availability of cash.
“I welcome the important decision taken by the General Assembly on the 0credit-return methodology at the last second resumed session. It responds to one of the factors compounding the Organisation’s liquidity challenges by aligning the return of credits more closely with available cash,” he added.
Mr Guterres decried deepening geopolitical divisions and persistent conflicts across regions, adding that humanitarian needs are soaring.
‘International law is trampled. Climate disruption is hitting every continent. And artificial intelligence is reshaping economies and societies. The Sustainable Development Goals are slipping further from reach. And yet, in this era of [un]certainty and fragmentation—the need for the United Nations has never been greater,” the UN chief noted.
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