United Nations has called for $47 billion in aid for 2025 to support nearly 190 million people affected by conflict and hunger across 32 countries, including Sudan, Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine. The appeal comes at a time when this year’s aid request has been severely underfunded, with only 43% of the 2024 target reached, raising concerns over future funding, especially from key donor nations like the United States.
UN aid chief Tom Fletcher, who recently took over leadership of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), described the global situation as “an unprecedented level of suffering.” He emphasized the urgency of responding to the needs of those in the most dire circumstances, highlighting the challenge of funding the immense need, which exceeds $46 billion for 2024.
“We need to reset our relationship with those in greatest need on the planet,” Fletcher said, speaking in Geneva. Despite the ambitious $47 billion appeal for 2025 being the fourth largest in OCHA’s history, it does not even cover the needs of millions more people around the world, as OCHA continues to face severe financial constraints.
The United States, the largest donor, has contributed more than $10 billion this year, but officials worry that cuts from Washington, which have already occurred in the past, could worsen the humanitarian crisis. Political shifts in the US and Europe are adding to the uncertainty, with increased focus on defense spending potentially diverting funds away from aid programs.
Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council and former OCHA chief, expressed concerns that the global mood may turn against humanitarian efforts, which would leave gaps in funding as crises persist. The average duration of crises is now over 10 years, a troubling trend that experts like WHO emergencies chief Mike Ryan say is contributing to a “permanent state of crisis” in some regions.
UN’s appeal underscores the growing challenges facing humanitarian operations, especially as donor countries, including the US and European nations, face increasing financial pressures. With the scale of suffering rising, Fletcher has called for a broader donor base and stronger international solidarity to address the needs of those who are increasingly reliant on global aid.
