The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced Monday it is reducing its annual funding appeal for 2026 after support in 2025 fell to the lowest level in a decade.
OCHA is now seeking $33 billion to assist 135 million people affected by wars, climate disasters, epidemics, earthquakes, and food shortages. This year, the agency received only $15 billion, far short of the $47 billion requested, leaving 25 million fewer people reached compared to 2024.
Targeted Appeals for 2026
$4.1 billion to aid 3 million people in Palestinian territories
$2.9 billion for Sudan, which faces the world’s largest displacement crisis
$2.8 billion for a regional plan around Syria
Humanitarian Crisis in 2025
OCHA chief Tom Fletcher described 2025 as a devastating year:
“Hunger surged. Food budgets were slashed even as famines hit parts of Sudan and Gaza. Health systems broke apart. Disease outbreaks spiked. Millions went without essential food, health care and protection. Programs to protect women and girls were slashed, hundreds of aid organizations shut.”
Donor Fatigue and Global Priorities
The funding shortfall reflects donor fatigue, particularly among European nations grappling with security threats from Russia and weak economic growth. Fletcher urged governments to reconsider priorities:
“The world spent $2.7 trillion on defense last year on guns and arms. And I’m asking for just over 1 percent of that.”
The scaled-back appeal underscores the growing challenge of sustaining humanitarian aid as global crises intensify.
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