The United Nations has announced a request for $47 billion in aid for 2025 to assist approximately 190 million people affected by conflict and hunger.
This appeal comes at a time when the current year’s funding is less than half of what is needed, raising concerns about diminishing support from major donors, particularly the United States.
Tom Fletcher, the new U.N. aid chief, described the situation as an “unprecedented level of suffering” and emphasized the need for urgent humanitarian assistance in 32 countries, including those facing severe crises in Sudan, Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine.
“The world is on fire, and this is how we put it out,” he stated during a press conference in Geneva.
This upcoming appeal marks the fourth largest in the history of the U.N.’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), yet it excludes around 115 million people whose needs cannot be adequately funded.
The U.N. had reduced its 2024 appeal to $46 billion from $56 billion due to reduced donor enthusiasm, but it remains only 43% funded, one of the lowest rates recorded.
In response to the funding shortfalls, aid workers have been forced to make difficult decisions, including cutting food aid by 80% in Syria and reducing water services in Yemen, which is grappling with cholera outbreaks.
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Additionally, the U.N. has struggled to meet its core budget due to unpaid dues from member countries.
Concerns are growing regarding U.S. funding, especially with the potential for cuts under the incoming administration led by Donald Trump, which may view humanitarian aid as excessive.
As global crises extend over longer periods—averaging a decade—experts warn that the humanitarian landscape is becoming increasingly fragile and unpredictable.
The European Commission and Germany are currently the second and third largest contributors to U.N. aid efforts, but there are fears that funding may shift towards defense, further complicating the situation.
