The United Nations has cut its 2026 aid appeal to $23 billion, about half of what it sought for 2025, reflecting a sharp drop in donor funding despite record humanitarian needs.

The prioritized regional plans allocate about $4.1 billion for the Palestinian territories to aid 3 million people, $2.9 billion for Sudan to help 20 million people, and $2.8 billion for Syria to assist 8.6 million people.

OCHA aims to reach roughly 135 million people in 2026, funding critical needs arising from wars, climate disasters, earthquakes, epidemics, and food shortages.

Fletcher described ongoing constructive discussions with the U.S. government and emphasized urgency and determination among humanitarian actors to continue delivering despite funding gaps.

A poignant Darfur anecdote shared by Fletcher illustrates the human impact of conflict on a mother and her child, underscoring the need for funding.

The overall message calls for an urgent, collective response to wars, disasters, and climate shocks to avert further humanitarian crises.

Fletcher warned of rising hunger, disease, and record violence, highlighting the sector’s dependence on voluntary Western donations and the U.S. as a historic leading donor.

He underscored a grim outlook with increasing hunger, disease, and violence that threaten humanitarian operations, stressing the need to save lives in the hardest-hit places.

Fletcher urged reforms to improve aid distribution and suggested reallocating more than 1% of global defense spending to humanitarian relief.