Geneva — The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid is downsizing its appeal for annual funding in 2026 after support this year, mostly from Western governments, fell to the lowest level in a decade.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on Monday that it is seeking $33 billion to help about 135 million people cope with the repercussions of wars, climate disasters, earthquakes, epidemics and food shortages. This year, it took in $15 billion, the lowest level in a decade.
Next year, the office says it wants more than $4.1 billion to reach 3 million people in the Palestinian territories, another $2.9 billion for Sudan – home to the world’s largest displacement crisis – and $2.8 billion for a regional plan around Syria.
“In 2025, hunger has risen,” said Tom Fletcher, head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. “Food budgets have been cut – even as famines hit parts of Sudan and Gaza. Health systems have collapsed.” “Disease outbreaks have soared. Millions are without basic food, health care and protection. Programs to protect women and girls have been cancelled, and hundreds of relief organizations have closed their doors.”
The UN aid coordinator has sought $47 billion for this year and aims to help 190 million people around the world. Due to reduced support, the organization and its humanitarian partners were able to reach 25 million fewer people this year than in 2024.
“I know budgets are tight right now. Families everywhere are under pressure,” Fletcher said. “But the world spent $2.7 trillion on defense last year – on guns and guns. And I’m asking for just over 1% of that.”
He has called for a “radical transformation” of aid by reducing bureaucracy, enhancing efficiency, and giving more power to local groups. Fletcher referred to “very practical and constructive conversations” being held almost daily with the Trump administration.
“Do I want to shame the world by responding? Absolutely,” Fletcher said. “But I also want to express this sense of determination and anger that we have as humanitarians, that we will continue to give what we get.”