Listen to Fox News Articles: United Nations Budget Cuts and Executive Perks Explained
In a significant move towards reforming the United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres has instructed staff to prepare for budget cuts ahead of the 2026 fiscal vote, as part of his UN80 Initiative. This initiative aims to streamline operations, particularly at a time when the U.S. government is looking to reduce its financial contributions to the U.N. Amidst these budgetary constraints, Guterres has voiced concerns that any cuts to U.S. funding could lead to a world that is "less healthy, less safe, and less prosperous." As the largest contributor to the U.N., the United States has allocated billions over recent years, covering approximately one-third of the organization’s budget.
However, despite the push for austerity, it appears that senior-level U.N. staff may not feel the pinch as much as lower-tier employees. A diplomatic source revealed to Fox News Digital that the perks enjoyed by top U.N. officials overshadow those of many in the private sector. "The American people don’t even see this," the insider stated, pointing out that U.N. appointees responsible for global welfare receive benefits that surpass those of investment bankers.
U.N. Compensation: A Closer Look at Executive Salaries and Benefits
Recent reports indicate that Guterres earns an impressive salary of $418,348, exceeding that of former President Donald Trump. This figure does not factor in additional benefits, such as a luxurious residence in Manhattan and a chauffeur-driven vehicle. Although U.N. documents suggest that senior staff compensation would be scrutinized in the budget cuts, the source indicated that plans for the 2026 budget show little intention of altering these lucrative benefits.
Overview of U.N. Staff Perks
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Salary and Adjustments: U.N. professionals, including Guterres, earn base salaries supplemented by a multiplier that varies based on their duty station, designed to maintain equivalent purchasing power. For instance, multipliers can range from 16% in Eswatini to 86.8% in Switzerland.
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Housing Allowance and Tax Exemptions: U.N. employees can receive substantial housing subsidies if their rent exceeds a certain threshold. Additionally, many member states exempt U.N. staff from local taxes, and those who must pay are reimbursed.
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Dependent Benefits: U.N. staff with dependents are eligible for various allowances, including a 6% income allowance for spouses earning less than an entry-level salary and a flat child allowance of $2,929 for dependent children under 18.
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Education Grants: The organization also provides grants to help cover education costs for dependent children, potentially reimbursing a significant portion of tuition fees.
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Pension and Healthcare: U.N. employees benefit from a joint staff pension fund, with generous contributions from both the organization and the employee.
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Travel Expenses: The U.N. covers travel costs for staff on official business and provides daily allowances to support lodging and other expenses.
- Relocation and Hardship Incentives: Staff changing duty stations can receive mobility incentives and hardship allowances based on the challenges of their assignments.
Future Budget Considerations
In light of these revelations about compensation and benefits, there are ongoing discussions about whether future cuts will affect senior U.N. salaries. Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, dismissed claims of excessive compensation as "ludicrous," while confirming that the 2026 budget proposal was formulated prior to the UN80 initiative. A comprehensive review of the compensation structure is underway, with results expected in 2026.
For more updates on this evolving story and other international news, stay tuned to Fox News.
Follow journalist Beth Bailey for more coverage on global issues and U.N. affairs on Twitter @BWBailey85.
