The United Nations (UN) has once again underscored its commitment to addressing global challenges with the approval of its $3.72 billion regular budget for 2025. This financial framework, reflecting a modest $1 million increase from the Secretary-General’s earlier proposal, is set to fuel critical programmes spanning political affairs, human rights, international law, regional cooperation, and public information. Beyond this, the General Assembly has adopted an ambitious 10-year Programme of Action aimed at transforming the prospects of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs).
A Strategic Investment in Global Stability
The newly approved regular budget for 2025, totaling $3,717,379,600, incorporates technical adjustments linked to resolutions and decisions made by UN intergovernmental bodies. This budget will sustain the operational backbone of UN initiatives across key areas:
- Political Affairs: Supporting peace and security on a global scale.
- Human Rights and Humanitarian Efforts: Advancing dignity and equality worldwide.
- International Justice and Law: Upholding global norms and rule of law.
- Regional Cooperation for Development: Fostering partnerships for sustainable progress.
- Public Information: Ensuring transparent and accessible communication.
Distinct from its peacekeeping operations budget (aligned with the July-June fiscal cycle), this regular budget aligns with the calendar year, ensuring year-long continuity in addressing pressing global needs.
Empowering Landlocked Developing Nations: A Decade of Action
In a landmark move, the General Assembly adopted the Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries (2024-2034). This initiative aims to address the entrenched challenges that LLDCs face due to their geographical constraints, such as limited access to trade routes, high transportation costs, and reduced global competitiveness.
The new Programme of Action focuses on five critical priorities:
- Sustainable Economic Growth: Emphasizing innovation and structural transformation.
- Regional Trade Integration: Promoting cross-border economic opportunities.
- Improved Transport Connectivity: Enhancing infrastructure for seamless access.
- Climate Resilience: Building adaptive capacities for environmental challenges.
- Effective Implementation Strategies: Ensuring tangible results through robust planning.
This framework builds upon its predecessors—the Vienna Programme of Action (2014-2024) and the Almaty Programme of Action (2003)—both of which laid the foundation for addressing LLDC-specific barriers.
A Vision for Inclusive Progress
For the 32 landlocked developing nations worldwide, this Programme of Action represents a beacon of hope. It acknowledges the inherent disadvantages they face and seeks to level the playing field by reducing trade costs, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable pathways to development.
The Road Ahead
The dual approval of the 2025 budget and the LLDC-focused Programme of Action reflects the UN’s holistic approach to global progress. While the regular budget supports the essential operations of the UN, the Programme of Action for LLDCs exemplifies its commitment to addressing inequalities and fostering inclusive development.
As we move into 2025, these initiatives hold the promise of a world where economic opportunities, justice, and peace are accessible to all. The focus on actionable strategies ensures that these goals are not just aspirations but achievable milestones for the years ahead.
Together, these decisions embody the UN’s enduring mission: to leave no one behind.
