The United Nations (UN) and its partners, yesterday, launched their global humanitarian appeal to save millions of lives where shocks hit hardest – in wars, climate disasters, earthquakes, epidemics and where crop failures occur.

The immediate priority is to save 87 million lives with US$23 billion in funding, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. Ultimately, in 2026, the aim is to raise a total of US$33 billion to support 135 million people through 23 country operations and six plans for refugees and migrants.

“This appeal sets out where we need to focus our collective energy first: life by life,” said UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher. “The Global Humanitarian Overview 2026 is grounded in reform, evidence and efficiency. We’re shifting power to local organizations, putting more money directly into the hands of the people who need it, and behind it all, we are renewing and reimagining humanitarian action with idealism, humility and hope.”

The highly prioritized appeal follows a year when humanitarian lifelines strained and, in some places, snapped due to brutal funding cuts. Funding for the appeal in 2025 – $12 billion – was the lowest in a decade and humanitarians reached 25 million less people than in 2024. The consequences were immediate: hunger surged, health systems came under crushing strain, education fell away, mine clearance stalled and families faced blow after blow: no shelter, no cash assistance, no protection services.

Amidst this devastation, civilians were exposed to utter disregard for the laws of war and more than 320 aid workers were killed, the vast majority local staff.

In 2026, the largest individual response plan is for the Occupied Palestinian Territory where $4.1 billion is needed to reach 3 million people who have experienced shocking levels of violence and destruction. In Sudan, the world’s largest displacement crisis, $2.9 billion is needed for 20 million people. The largest of the regional plans is for Syria at $2.8 billion for 8.6 million people.

As aid groups concentrate resources where crises are worst, they are also cutting duplication and supporting markets by buying locally, making sure every dollar works for the people they serve.

The UN will now take the appeal to the Member States and ask for their backing. Countries will also be urged to use their influence to increase the protection of civilians, including humanitarians, in armed conflict by holding perpetrators – and those arming them – to account.

“I will then share the amounts committed and answer a simple question: did governments show up?” Mr. Fletcher said. “The answer will define who lives and who falls through the cracks.”

The public is invited to contribute to the global appeal through UN Crisis Relief

Update news