The United Nations Secretariat is working on eliminating approximately 6,900 jobs, according to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters.
The cuts would represent a 20% reduction in a budget of $3.7 billion. Reuters reports that the UN is facing a financial crisis partly caused by the United States, which traditionally provides nearly a quarter of the funding but has reduced contributions under President Donald Trump.
The proposed US budget for the upcoming year, which still needs congressional approval, has eliminated or drastically reduced funding for various UN programs, including peacekeeping.
Earlier this month, UN Secretary-General António Guterres mentioned considering a major reorganization. Experts believe the UN aims to demonstrate serious efforts in hopes that the US might increase its financial support.
