United Nations Faces Financial Facelift: Efficiency Efforts Amid Cash Crisis

Amid an ongoing cash crisis, the United Nations seeks to enhance efficiency as it approaches its 80th anniversary. This initiative, spurred by the return of Donald Trump to office, aims to improve financial management. Despite budgetary challenges, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is committed to implementing reforms.

The United Nations is gearing up for significant changes as it nears its 80th anniversary, with a focus on improving efficiency amid a cash crisis. Officials disclosed these plans on Wednesday, distancing themselves from U.S. President Donald Trump's earlier efforts on government efficiency spearheaded by Elon Musk.

The urgency for reforms has increased with Trump's return to office in January. He previously acknowledged the U.N.'s potential but stressed the need for the organization to 'get its act together.' Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has initiated an 'UN80' task force aimed at revamping various U.N. programs while emphasizing their role in global well-being.

Facing a liquidity crunch for over seven years, the U.N. is seeing reduced financial contributions from member states. The organization's regular budget for 2025 is $3.7 billion, yet contributions remain inconsistent. China and the U.S., as primary contributors, have delayed payments, prompting budgetary prudence and spending cuts of up to 20% this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)