UNICEF expects its 2026 budget to shrink by at least 20 percent compared to 2024, the UN children’s agency said Tuesday, amid a global funding shortfall worsened by U.S. aid cuts under President Donald Trump.
The agency, which had a budget of $8.9 billion in 2024 and an estimated $8.5 billion for 2025, said financial projections for 2026 indicate a significant drop in resources.
“Humanitarian and development organizations around the world, including many UN organizations, are in the midst of a global funding crisis. UNICEF has not been spared,” a spokesperson said.
Though not naming the U.S. directly, UNICEF noted that Washington, traditionally its largest donor, contributed over $800 million in 2024. Trump’s “America First” policy has led to sweeping foreign aid cuts, affecting numerous UN agencies.
The UN humanitarian office is also cutting 20 percent of staff due to a $58 million shortfall, and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has pledged cost-saving reforms as the UN marks its 80th year.
UNICEF said it is reviewing all operations and staffing to prioritize essential services for children but emphasized that no final decisions have yet been made.
The agency, which had a budget of $8.9 billion in 2024 and an estimated $8.5 billion for 2025, said financial projections for 2026 indicate a significant drop in resources.
“Humanitarian and development organizations around the world, including many UN organizations, are in the midst of a global funding crisis. UNICEF has not been spared,” a spokesperson said.
Though not naming the U.S. directly, UNICEF noted that Washington, traditionally its largest donor, contributed over $800 million in 2024. Trump’s “America First” policy has led to sweeping foreign aid cuts, affecting numerous UN agencies.
The UN humanitarian office is also cutting 20 percent of staff due to a $58 million shortfall, and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has pledged cost-saving reforms as the UN marks its 80th year.
UNICEF said it is reviewing all operations and staffing to prioritize essential services for children but emphasized that no final decisions have yet been made.
