Summary
The United Nations has requested $23 billion for its 2026 aid program, which is only half of what it says is needed to address rising global humanitarian needs. Funding from key donors, including the United States under President Trump, has decreased, leading the UN to prioritize the most urgent cases. The UN aims to assist 135 million people, although it acknowledges many more need help.
Key Facts
- The UN launched a 2026 aid appeal asking for $23 billion.
- The UN previously aimed for $47 billion in 2025 but received only $12 billion.
- Decreased funding is due to cuts by the U.S. and other Western countries.
- The UN highlights 87 million priority cases who face life-threatening situations.
- A quarter of a billion people are estimated to need urgent aid globally.
- The largest funding request of $4 billion is for the Palestinian territories, especially Gaza.
- Sudan and Syria are also major focus areas for UN aid in 2026.
- The UN relies heavily on donations from Western countries, with the U.S. as the largest donor.
