Reporters press UN on funding cuts, mandate consolidation and internal cost savings

Reporters pressed the United Nations about funding shortfalls for humanitarian assistance, whether the organization will cap spending on commissions of inquiry, the timing of UN reforms announced as part of the "UN‑80" initiative, and reports that UN staff had been asked to consider pay reductions.

The UN spokesperson reiterated the secretary-general's warning that announced cuts in financial assistance risk leaving only 40% of 2024 resources available for humanitarian aid in 2025. "This would have terrible consequences starting with the drastic reduction of food rations," the spokesperson said.

On questions about capping expenditures for commissions of inquiry or other mandated bodies, the spokesperson said the secretary-general has asked teams to review the large number of mandates to identify where consolidation is possible, but did not endorse specific caps or measures. A question cited figures — including a suggestion of $4,000,000 to a commission of inquiry and $300,000 approved in December for documentation related to an International Court of Justice advisory process — and asked whether funds might be reallocated to humanitarian efforts. The spokesperson declined to comment on specific examples and said mandate and mandate‑reduction work is under review.

Reporters also asked about the UN80 initiative's so-called "quick wins." The spokesperson said the initiative was announced only a few days earlier and that "quick" does not mean immediate; more information would be provided in coming days. When asked about rumors that UN Headquarters staff had been consulted about possible pay reductions of up to 20%, the spokesperson said he was not aware of management taking that step and that any such measures would involve consultations with the staff union.