The United Nations released its 2026 humanitarian aid request on Monday. They are asking for $23 billion, even though the real need is closer to $47 billion. Major funding cuts from the U.S. and other Western countries, such as Germany, have forced the UN to lower its request.
By November 2025, the UN had received just $12 billion, the lowest amount in ten years. This covered only about a quarter of the year’s needs, so they had to focus on the most urgent, life-or-death situations.
Wars, climate disasters, and disease are making things difficult for the UN, forcing it to make tough decisions. The 2026 plan aims to help 87 million people at risk of dying, even though 240 million people urgently need help. The UN says it could reach 135 million people if it receives more funding, but that would require $33 billion. Top requests include:
$4 billion for Gaza and the Palestinian territories they control (the biggest request). Almost everyone in Gaza, about 2.3 million people, is without a home and needs aid. Sudan (the second most important) and Syria.
Tom Fletcher, head of UN aid, didn’t mince words:
We’re stretched thin, short on money, and under attack. We’re driving the ambulance to the fire for you, but we don’t have enough water, and we’re being shot at. He pointed out that donors are becoming apathetic even though suffering is at a record high. He warned that if governments keep cutting funds, the UN will need to ask companies, charities, and regular people for money.
The U.S. used to give the most, and it still did in 2025, but its share dropped significantly from over a third to just 15.6%.
The difference between what’s promised and what’s happening is huge, and people are already suffering because of it.
