A New Approach to Humanitarian Funding
The United States announced an initial $2 billion contribution on Monday for United Nations humanitarian aid in 2026, a sharp drop from previous years. Alongside UN aid chief Tom Fletcher in Geneva, Washington urged UN agencies to “adapt, shrink, or die,” signaling a major shift in how US funds will be distributed.
Rather than sending money directly to individual UN agencies, the US will channel contributions through the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), led by Fletcher. This approach is part of the “Humanitarian Reset,” launched earlier this year to boost efficiency, accountability, and impact.
Funds will target 17 countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Myanmar, Sudan, and Ukraine. The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund will also receive a portion to quickly respond to emerging crises.
Focus on Accountability and Efficiency
“This new model will share the burden of UN humanitarian work with other developed countries and require the UN to cut bloat, remove duplication, and deliver measurable impact,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Jeremy Lewin, senior US official for foreign assistance, emphasized that the initial $2 billion is just a starting point, with additional funding to be added as other countries are encouraged to match or exceed US contributions.
Some major crises, including Yemen, Afghanistan, and Gaza, were initially excluded, with Lewin noting that aid distribution will avoid diversion to US-designated terrorist organizations while supporting Palestinian relief efforts in line with President Trump’s truce plan with Israel.
US Funding in Decline
US contributions remain the largest globally but have decreased significantly over the years: $2.7 billion in 2025 compared to $11 billion in 2023-24, and over $14 billion in 2022. Reduced funding from other key donors has also shaken the global aid sector, prompting the UN to restructure how aid is delivered.
Fletcher described the US pledge as “extraordinary,” highlighting the life-saving impact of American generosity. “Hundreds of millions of people are alive today because of US support, and millions more will survive in 2026 thanks to this landmark commitment,” he said
Global Humanitarian Needs Remain High
The UN’s 2026 Global Humanitarian Appeal requests $23 billion to assist 87 million vulnerable people, focusing on conflict zones in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Haiti, and Myanmar. Despite the smaller appeal, needs remain immense, with an estimated 240 million people worldwide requiring emergency aid due to conflicts, epidemics, natural disasters, and climate change.
In 2025, the UN’s $45 billion appeal was funded only to $12 billion—the lowest in a decade—leaving 25 million fewer people assisted than the previous year.