In an interview with CGTN Europe, Maiara Folly, Executive Director and co-founder of Plataforma CIPÓ, said that the United Nations (UN) is facing one of the worst budget crises in its history. She highlighted that the problem threatens not only jobs within the organization but also humanitarian and peacekeeping operations in more than 150 countries.
The interview followed UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ announcement of a reduced $3.72 billion budget for 2026, representing a 15% cut from the initial plan and the possible dismissal of 2,500 employees, about 20% of the global workforce.
According to Folly, “the consequences are catastrophic, not only in terms of job losses but also for people on the ground, in missions and humanitarian operations.” She noted that the UN works directly in areas affected by conflict, health crises, and humanitarian emergencies, and that those who depend on these operations will be hit the hardest.
When addressing the causes of the crisis, Folly stated: “The United States is, without a doubt, the main source of concern, as it has traditionally been the largest contributor to the UN’s regular budget.” She mentioned that the Trump administration’s hostility toward the UN and the overall decline in foreign aid from major economies — including European countries — have contributed to the situation.
The problem, she explained, goes beyond financial issues, reflecting a weakening of the global political commitment to multilateralism. “The UN operates within a broader ecosystem, alongside NGOs and humanitarian agencies. The decline in foreign aid has both direct and indirect effects on this entire structure,” she observed.
When asked about the impact on peacekeeping efforts, Folly was emphatic: “We’re talking about 15% cuts. As much as the Secretary-General tries to optimize resources, the UN will not come out unscathed. Peacekeeping missions will certainly be affected, especially in conflict-affected regions.”
For Plataforma CIPÓ’s Executive Director, the solution to the crisis is essentially political. “Last year we saw record military spending of $2.7 trillion. For every dollar countries give to the UN, they spend $750 on weapons. So it’s not a matter of resources, but of political prioritization — where governments choose to allocate their money.”
Photo: UN Photo/Manuel Elias
