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The United Nations is cutting staff the first time its history. The U.N. General Assembly approved a staff cut the first time since the international body was created 1945. The decision means a reduction 219 positions, which represents two per cent all U.N. posts. addition, the General Assembly authorised freezes pay rises one year and benefits two years. It acted response to pressures member states to reduce spending. Many governments around the world say they are struggling to meet their share contributions to fund the global organisation. Many nations are still suffering austerity measures taken the global financial crisis.
The United States' ambassador to the U.N. Joe Torsella said the cuts were "crucial" and would "eliminate unnecessary, duplicative or outdated posts". He told the General Assembly: " a time when the budgets and crucial services many…organisations have been squeezed, these measures will hold compensation costs place, until we can act the next session." He added: "Our shared goal should be to ensure that the United Nations can maximise the results that it delivers with the amount resources that member states are collectively able to provide." The United States, which pays 22 per cent the U.N. budget, is the biggest financial contributor to the United Nations.