00:00The United Nations approves a 7% cut to its budget for 2026 as it grapples with a deepening financial crisis largely caused by unpaid member contributions.
00:12The General Assembly passed an operating budget of $3.45 billion for next year, down from $3.72 billion this year.
00:21The cuts include the elimination of around 2,900 positions as the UN moves to reduce costs across both administrative and operational areas.
00:33Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned the organization's cash position remains fragile, saying financial pressures will continue regardless of the final budget.
00:42The shortfall comes amid long-standing criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has accused the UN of wasting taxpayers' money and called for a return to its core mission.
00:53The United States, which normally covers about 22% of the UN's regular budget, has not paid its $826 million contribution for 2025.
01:02Washington also owes a further $660 million in areas from previous years.
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