UNICEF has designed that its budget for 2026 will decrease by at least 20% compared to 2024, a United Nations Children’s spokesman said on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump cut off global humanitarian aid.
In 2024, UNICEF had a budget of $ 8.9 billion and this year has an estimated budget of $ 8.5 billion. The financing for 2025 is “evolving,” said the agency spokesman.
“The last weeks have made it clear that humanitarian and development organizations worldwide, including many UN organizations, are in the middle of a global financing crisis. UNICEF has not been spared,” the spokesman said.
UNICEF did not specifically name the United States, but Washington has long been the agency’s largest donor, contributing more than $ 800 million in 2024. Since Unicef was created in 1946, all its executive directors have been American.
“We are currently working with preliminary projections that our financial resources will be at least 20% lower throughout the organization in 2026 compared to 2024,” said Unicef spokesman.
Since the return to office in January for a second term, Trump’s administration has cut billions of dollars in external assistance in a review that aimed to ensure that the programs align with their foreign policy “America first”.
The United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs Coordination last week that it will cut 20% of its staff as it faces a $ 58 million deficit after its largest donor, the United States, cut off the financing.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also said last month that he is looking for ways to improve efficiency and cut costs as the worldwide body celebrates 80 this year amid a financial crisis.
UNICEF has implemented some efficiency measures, but “more cost reduction measures will be needed,” said the spokesman.
“We are analyzing all aspects of our operation, including staff, with the aim of focusing on what really matters to children: that they survive and thrive,” said the spokesman. “But no final decision has been made.”
This content was originally published in UNICEF projects a 20% drop in financing by 2026 after US cuts on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
