The United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has announced a significant reduction in its funding appeal for 2026, reflecting a troubling decline in financial support from donor countries, particularly from the West. This year, the agency reported receiving just $15 billion (€12 billion), the lowest amount in the past decade, prompting the UN to seek $33 billion (€28 billion) to assist approximately 135 million individuals affected by conflicts, climate change, natural disasters, epidemics, and food insecurity.
Funding breakdown and urgent needs
In its plea for next year, UNOCHA outlined the immediate needs for various crises, requesting over $4.1 billion (€3.5 billion) to assist 3 million people in the Palestinian territories, $2.9 billion (€2.4 billion) for Sudan, which is grappling with the world’s largest displacement crisis, and $2.8 billion (€2.4 billion) for a regional plan addressing the ongoing situation in Syria.
OCHA chief Tom Fletcher emphasized the severity of the humanitarian crisis, stating,
“In 2025, hunger surged. Food budgets were slashed — even as famines hit parts of Sudan and Gaza. Health systems broke apart.”
He highlighted the dire consequences of inadequate funding, mentioning the spike in disease outbreaks, and the severe lack of essential food, healthcare, and protection for millions. Notably, programs aimed at protecting women and girls faced significant cuts, and many aid organizations were forced to shut down.
Challenges for donor countries
This year’s appeal was initially set at $47 billion (€40 billion) to reach 190 million people worldwide. However, the diminished financial contributions have resulted in humanitarian partners assisting 25 million fewer individuals compared to the previous year.
Fletcher noted a growing sense of donor fatigue, particularly among wealthy European nations that are facing heightened security challenges due to an assertive Russia and sluggish economic growth. These factors have tightened government budgets, affecting the ability to fund international aid. He acknowledged the strain on families, stating,
“I know budgets are tight right now. Families everywhere are under strain.”
He also pointed out the stark contrast in spending priorities, highlighting that the world allocated $2.7 trillion (€2.3 trillion) on defense last year, while he is seeking just over 1% of that sum to address pressing humanitarian needs.
In response to funding shortages, the UN system has undergone significant restructuring, leading to the elimination of thousands of jobs, particularly within migration and refugee agencies. Secretary-General António Guterres has initiated a review of UN operations, the outcomes of which remain uncertain.
Fletcher has advocated for a “radical transformation” in aid delivery, calling for decreased bureaucracy, enhanced efficiency, and increased empowerment of local organizations. He mentioned engaging in daily constructive dialogues with U.S. officials, stating,
“Do I want to shame the world into responding? Absolutely. But I also want to channel this sense of determination and anger that we have as humanitarians, that we will carry on delivering with what we get.”