The “UN80 Initiative” was introduced by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to commemorate the international body’s 80th anniversary. The initiative’s main objectives are to enhance efficiency, assess the execution of mandates, and reorganize the system. Despite these goals, some critics of the U.N. believe that this initiative is a preemptive measure in anticipation of potential reductions in U.S. funding.
Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the significance of budgets at the United Nations, stating that they are not merely financial figures but crucial for the well-being of countless individuals worldwide. He conveyed this message to reporters during the announcement of the initiative.
He denied that the UN80 Initiative is a “version of DOGE” and said it was not a response to possible U.S. cuts.
Head of the organization DOGE-UN Hugh Dugan dismissed the UN80 Initiative as an “effort to send a great big Hallmark greeting card to the world.”
“He’s had ample time in the past 8 to 10 years to initiate the changes he is now advocating for. With limited time left in his term—18 to 19 months—it is doubtful that his administration will be able to revolutionize global operations to the extent of competing with endeavors led by figures like Elon Musk,” expressed Dugan in an interview with Fox News Digital.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced the “UN80 Initiative” on Wednesday as a project in honor of the international body’s 80th anniversary. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)
“Every time a U.S. government begins to try to hold it to account or use the power of the purse to change this nonsensical equation, the U.N. trots out a ‘reform’ fake out and America rolls over. President Trump and DOGE can change this perverse state of affairs,” Bayefsky told Fox News Digital.
“Obviously, Guterres is running scared and deeply concerned that his total nonsense about being engaged in ‘an ambitious reform agenda’ will be called out,” she added.
Internal U.N. documents on its “liquidity crisis” recently obtained by Fox News Digital appeared to show that the intuition was bracing itself for possible DOGE-related spending cuts. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Internal U.N. documents on its “liquidity crisis” recently obtained by Fox News Digital appeared to show that the intuition was bracing itself for possible DOGE-related spending cuts.
Despite the U.N. memo stating that cutting back to 80% of allocated funds would potentially harm entities, insiders told Dugan that they do not see any “real cuts” in it.
Guterres is expected to address the U.N.’s financial situation next month in a virtual town hall. While there was no topic specified in the invitation for the town hall, Dujarric confirmed that finances would be discussed.
