The United Nations and its partners have launched a global humanitarian appeal aimed at saving millions of lives affected by wars, climate disasters, earthquakes, epidemics, and crop failures. The 2026 appeal prioritizes supporting 87 million people with immediate lifesaving needs, while aiming to reach 135 million people across 50 countries with a total of $33 billion in funding through 23 country operations and six plans for refugees and migrants. UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher emphasized that the appeal focuses on direct support, empowering local organizations, and improving efficiency in humanitarian action.
The 2026 appeal follows a challenging 2025, when funding for humanitarian aid dropped to $12 billion—the lowest in a decade—leaving 25 million fewer people assisted than the previous year. This shortfall exacerbated hunger, strained health systems, disrupted education, delayed mine clearance, and left families without shelter, cash assistance, or protection services. Civilians also faced violations of the laws of war, and over 320 aid workers were killed, most of them local staff.
Among the largest individual response plans for 2026 are $4.1 billion for the Occupied Palestinian Territory to support 3 million people affected by violence and destruction, $2.9 billion for Sudan to assist 20 million people in the world’s largest displacement crisis, and $2.8 billion for Syria to aid 8.6 million people. Aid organizations plan to focus resources where crises are most severe, reduce duplication, and support local markets by purchasing supplies locally to maximize impact.
The UN will now present the appeal to Member States, seeking their financial backing and urging them to increase protection for civilians, including humanitarian workers, during armed conflicts. Tom Fletcher stressed that government commitments will determine the difference between lives saved and those lost, highlighting the urgent need for global solidarity and action.
