The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says it has secured $8.7 billion in funding and pledges for its 2026 Global Humanitarian Overview—but warns that over $14 billion is still urgently needed to support millions facing crises worldwide.
Tom Fletcher, the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, revealed the update during a briefing on the 2026 hyper-prioritised humanitarian plan, which seeks $23 billion to deliver lifesaving aid to 87 million people in the world’s most severe crises.
The plan will be implemented by about 2,000 humanitarian organisations, with more than 60% being local partners and groups working directly in affected communities.
Fletcher said the response from donors has been encouraging, with governments already contributing $5 billion, alongside additional pledges bringing the total to $8.7 billion—more than one-third of the target secured in the first quarter.
Major supporters include the United States, European Commission, Sweden, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Norway, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Belgium, and Qatar.
He noted that $810 million of the early funding is unrestricted, allowing aid agencies to deploy resources quickly wherever needs are most urgent.
Despite the progress, Fletcher warned that the funding gap remains dangerously large, as humanitarian organisations respond to crises caused by conflicts, displacement, economic shocks and climate disasters.
In January alone, aid groups reached over 7 million people across 17 operations, including nearly 2 million people in Sudan, despite major security and logistical challenges.
To close the gap, the UN is expanding funding sources beyond governments. So far, $60 million has been raised from foundations, companies and individual donors, with plans to launch a global campaign to attract support from businesses and the tech sector.
Fletcher urged the international community to step up support, stressing that humanitarian action is ultimately about saving lives.
“Choose solidarity. Choose this year to save 87 million lives,” he said.
“Together we can help end someone’s crisis—one life at a time.”
Leave a comment