Categories: World

U.S. Deals Heavy Blow to UN Funding

Gina George/

The United States (U.S.) has dealt a major blow to the finances of the United Nations (UN).

The U.S. ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, announced a historic reduction in its biennial operating budget today.

Haley called the development “a big step in the right direction,” saying that the plan calls for a $285 million cut for the 2018-19 fiscal year.

She said, “The inefficiency and overspending of the United Nations are well known.

“We will no longer let the generosity of the American people be taken advantage of or remain unchecked.”

She added, “This historic reduction in spending, in addition to many other moves toward a more efficient and accountable UN is a big step in the right direction.”

The UN budget now covers a two-year period, beginning in January of an even-numbered year.

The United States was seeking a $250 million cut to the UN budget for 2018-19, on top of $200 million in savings already proposed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres some weeks ago.

Guterres has proposed capping the UN biennial budget at $5.4 billion, shaving off $200 million from the 2016-17 budget.

The U.S. pays about 22 per cent of the U.N.’s budget, or roughly $3.3 billion, and fully 28 per cent of its peacekeeping effort.

The U.N.’s operating budget is separate from its peacekeeping budget, which was cut by $600 million this year, under pressure from President Donald Trump, AFP reported.

Trump last week threatened to cut off financial aid to countries that voted in favour of a draft UN resolution calling for the U.S. to withdraw its decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

The final tally was 128-9, with 35 nations abstaining, including five members of the European Union.

0
Newsmakers

Recent Posts

Quincy Jones: Legendary American Music Producer behind Michael Jackson’s Thriller Dies at 91

Segun Atanda with AP/ After a career spanning 70 years, Quincy Delight Jones, Jr., the…

1 day ago

Tinubu’s Team Hits Atiku, Defends Economic Reforms

Segun Atanda/ The presidency has hit back at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, dismissing his…

2 days ago

UN in Nigeria: Charting a Path Towards a Brighter Future

By Mohamed Malick Fall/ The indescribable destruction caused by the first and second world wars…

2 days ago

Kemi Badenoch Becomes UK Conservative Party’s First Black Leader

Segun Atanda/ Kemi Badenoch has been elected the new UK Conservative leader. The former business…

3 days ago

Court Strips Emefiele of $2.04M, Choice Properties in Final Forfeiture Ruling

Segun Atanda/ The Federal High Court in Lagos has stripped former Central Bank of Nigeria…

4 days ago

Ogun Police Bust Gang That Kidnapped Nurses, Children, Preyed on Travelers and Residents

Segun Atanda/ The Police in Ogun have dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate that left residents…

4 days ago