The United States is expected to pledge $2 billion toward United Nations humanitarian assistance in 2026, according to a State Department source, marking a sharp decline from funding levels in previous years.
The pledge is scheduled to be announced in Geneva on Monday.
UN data shows that while the United States remains the largest humanitarian aid donor globally, its contributions have dropped significantly. In 2025, US humanitarian aid stood at $2.7 billion, down from approximately $11 billion in both 2023 and 2024, and more than $14 billion in 2022.
Earlier this month, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher launched the organization’s Global Humanitarian Appeal for 2026, seeking $23 billion to provide life-saving assistance to 87 million people worldwide. The appeal prioritises conflict-affected regions including Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Haiti, and Myanmar.
The reduced funding target reflects what the UN describes as a difficult adjustment to declining international support, particularly following cuts to US foreign aid spending under President Donald Trump.
Fletcher said the appeal was shaped by “excruciating life-and-death choices,” expressing hope that the United States would reassess its commitments in light of humanitarian priorities and ongoing reforms to improve aid efficiency.
The UN has stressed that the reduced appeal does not signal reduced needs. An estimated 240 million people globally require emergency assistance due to armed conflict, disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and climate-related shocks.
In 2025, the UN’s humanitarian appeal exceeded $45 billion but received only $12 billion in funding—the lowest level in a decade—allowing aid agencies to assist 98 million people, about 25 million fewer than the previous year.
AFP.
