UN head proposes 3.6 billion USD budget for 2025, emphasizing peace, development and reform
Presenting his proposal to the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly, forum on administrative and budget issuesAntónio Guterres said the United Nations regular budget proposal provides a sense of urgency, amid many challenges.
“In the context of major global shocks, the United Nations is more necessary than ever,” He speak.
He emphasized that this proposal reflects the priorities set out in recent landmark agreements. Pact for the future and its annexes, Global Digital Compactand Statement about future generations.
“[These] demonstrate a commitment towards updating and reform international cooperation to make it more connected, effective, equitable and inclusive,” he added.
The regular budget (RB) includes United Nations programs spanning a variety of areas, such as political issues, international justice and law, regional cooperation for development, human rights and humanitarian issues as well as mass information.
The organization maintains one separate budget for peacekeeping operations, follows a fiscal cycle from July 1 to June 30, while regular budgets align with the calendar year.
Budget highlights
Not included Special political tasks (SPM), the proposed FY25 budget includes a total of 10,494 positions, representing a net increase of 115 positions for new or enhanced duties.
$711 million proposed for SPM, reflecting a $31 million reduction due Stop field operations in Sudan (UNITAMS) and investigation team in Iraq (UNITAD).
The budget proposal also includes, among other programs, $50 million for Peacebuilding Fund to address ongoing funding gaps; an additional $8 million for the United Nations human rights office, OHCHRto support regional initiatives; and an additional $8.3 million to support the work of Independent Institute for Missing Persons in Syria.
The proposed budget also includes $3.5 million for additional humanitarian resources for the crisis in Gaza, including a $2.5 million increase for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), lifeline for Palestinian refugees.
The 2025 budget proposal also includes measures to place Office of system-wide assessment on firmer footing with RB funding, along with a $2 million boost to the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) and Ethics Office to enhance capacity.
Focus on development
Sustainable development remains a core priority, with an increase of approximately $4.5 million, marking the sixth consecutive annual increase.
the Regular technical cooperation program (RPTC) will receive a grant of USD 2 million and an additional USD 500,000 is proposed for technical assistance and advice to countries on this issue. Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063.
The proposal also includes an increase of $1 million for Development account to increase targeted support at the country level.
Mr. Guterres also emphasized Resident Coordinator system faces “chronic funding shortfall” and the need for “a sustainable and predictable funding mechanism”, through part funding from RB.
Liquidity challenge
Mr. Guterres concluded by calling on member countries to fully implement their obligations. financial obligations fully and on time, emphasizing that the UN’s ability to meet its mandate depends on available funding.
He explained that the Foundation started 2024 with just $67 million in cash, down from $700 million the previous year, “making it extremely vulnerable to adverse changes in payment models of assessed contributions”.
To prevent implementation constraints next year, Mr. Guterres proposed that the General Assembly suspend the repayment of credits for 2023 compared to the 2025 review. The credits would be kept in reserve. stored and released when conditions improve.
“Ultimately, the effectiveness of program delivery and use of financial resources in 2025 will depend on the availability of cash,” he said.
UN budget discussion
Over the next few weeks, Fifth Committee will discuss the proposal, including with heads of departments of the United Nations Secretariat and senior program managers.
The Commission will then present its report with recommendations to the General Assembly plenary for approval of the United Nations budget at the end of December.
