The United States’ Mission to the United Nations managed to negotiate a major reduction in the UN’s budget, cutting over 285 million dollars off the 2016-2017 final budget, the mission’s statement shows.
“In addition to these significant cost savings, we reduced the UN’s bloated management and support functions, bolstered support for key U.S. priorities throughout the world, and instilled more discipline and accountability throughout the UN system,” the statement says.
Trump’s administration had an aim to reduce the number of contributions that the United States makes to the UN, The Hill reports. The United States provides for about 22 percent of the annual budget, which is about 3.3 billion dollars a year.
Previously, the General Assembly of the United States approved a 5.4 billion dollars operating budget for 2016 and 2017. At the same time, the budget for its peacekeeping operations was 7.8 billion dollars for 2017 alone.
According to United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, the budget cut announce was a big step in the right direction for the States. She added that she would continue pursuing ways to increase the UN’s efficiency while protecting the interests of her country.
“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. 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,” Haley said.
Conservatives have often criticized the United Nations. They have said that the organization is not in the interests of the United States and many have amplified their concerns after the resolution to oppose President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel was voted.
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