UN seeks $33 billion aid to support 87 million people globally in 2026

The United Nations (UN) has said that its aim is to raise a total of US$33 billion to support the humanitarian needs of people through 23 country operations and six plans for refugees and migrants in 2026.

The UN also disclosed that 98 million people got help despite deep funding cuts and attacks on aid workers in 2025, adding that its priority in 2026 is to support 87 million people with lifesaving needs – aim is to reach 135 million in 50 countries.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the UN and partners on Monday launched its global humanitarian appeal to save millions of lives where shocks hit hardest – in wars, climate disasters, earthquakes, epidemics and where crop failures occur.

The highly prioritized appeal follows a year when humanitarian lifelines strained and, in some places, snapped due to brutal funding cuts. Funding for the appeal in 2025 – $12 billion, was the lowest in a decade and humanitarians reached 25 million less people than in 2024.

The consequences were immediate: hunger surged, health systems came under crushing strain, education fell away, mine clearance stalled and families faced blow after blow: no shelter, no cash assistance, no protection services.

Amidst this devastation, civilians were exposed to utter disregard for the laws of war and more than 320 aid workers were killed, the vast majority local staff.

Regional Plans

In 2026, the largest individual response plan is for the Occupied Palestinian Territory where $4.1 billion is needed to reach 3 million people who have experienced shocking levels of violence and destruction.

Meanwhile, in Sudan, the world’s largest displacement crisis, $2.9 billion is needed for 20 million people. The largest of the regional plans is for Syria at $2.8 billion for 8.6 million people.

As aid groups concentrate resources where crises are worst, they are also cutting duplication and supporting markets by buying locally, making sure every dollar works for the people they serve.

The UN will now take the appeal to the Member States and ask for their backing. Countries will also be urged to use their influence to increase the protection of civilians, including humanitarians, in armed conflict by holding perpetrators – and those arming them – to account.

UN Humanitarian Chief, Tom Fletcher, said: “This appeal sets out where we need to focus our collective energy first: life by life.”

He noted that the Global Humanitarian Overview 2026 is grounded in reform, evidence and efficiency.

“We’re shifting power to local organizations, putting more money directly into the hands of the people who need it, and behind it all, we are renewing and reimagining humanitarian action with idealism, humility and hope.

“I will then share the amounts committed and answer a simple question: did governments show up?” Mr. Fletcher said. “The answer will define who lives and who falls through the cracks.”