Countries urge separate funding account for UN political missions

The UN’s proposed 2027 budget for 36 special political missions is $422.7 million, 21 per cent below this year’s allocation, as countries called for a separate funding account to protect the missions from cash shortages.

The proposal was discussed on 14 October by the General Assembly’s Fifth Committee, which handles administrative and budget matters. The United Nations says the reduction reflects the closure of three missions, partly offset by higher costs for missions that continue. [1]

Singapore, speaking for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the Dominican Republic, representing Latin American and Caribbean countries, backed a separate account aligned with the peacekeeping budget cycle. They argued that funding should follow missions’ mandates and be more predictable. Cuba also supported a separate account, saying its criteria should reflect the Security Council’s role in establishing the missions.

The UN Controller said the proposed budget was $113.5 million lower than the 2026 appropriation. Closing the missions in Somalia, Yemen and Iraq accounts for a $121.5 million reduction; an $8 million net increase for continuing missions, mainly for civilian personnel, partly offsets it. The proposal also cuts 89 posts and positions.

The European Union called for adequate and predictable financing, while Japan urged countries to sustain efforts to streamline the missions’ budget and ensure effective, accountable operations. The African Group raised concerns about the underrepresentation of Africans in senior and professional roles, and called for adequate funding for the UN’s regional service centre in Entebbe, for which $3.26 million is proposed.

The proposed allocation for the UN Integrated Office in Haiti is down 2.2 per cent. Jamaica, speaking for the Caribbean Community, backed support for the office’s work towards an inclusive, Haitian-led electoral process.

The committee also heard that the UN’s liquidity position had improved after contributions were collected in August and September, but that cash remained constrained and careful spending was still needed. [1]