The United Nations has submitted a request for an aid budget amounting to only half of what was expected for this year, conceding that donor contributions have plunged even as global humanitarian emergencies reach record levels.

UN leaders admit the scaled-back $23 billion appeal will exclude tens of millions of people in critical need. But with funding collapsing, they say they have no choice but to focus on those at immediate risk of death.

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According to UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, the funding collapse is forcing the organization into extraordinarily painful decisions. He has emphasized that aid workers are stretched to the limit — under-resourced, exhausted, and facing growing threats in the field. Fletcher likened their situation to rushing toward disaster zones with barely the means to respond, expected not only to save lives but also to contain the crises themselves, all while lacking the tools and protection needed to do either safely.

Just a year ago, the UN sought $47 billion for 2025. That target was slashed as sweeping aid reductions by President Donald Trump — alongside cutbacks from major European donors like Germany — came into view.

By November, the UN had secured only $12 billion, the smallest haul in a decade and enough to cover little more than 25% of its needs.

What’s at Stake

Next year’s pared-down plan centers on 87 million people deemed at highest risk. Yet the UN counts roughly 250 million requiring urgent help, and hopes to assist 135 million if additional funding materializes, at a cost of $33 billion.

The largest single request — $4 billion — is directed at the occupied Palestinian territories, primarily Gaza, ravaged after more than two years of an Israeli genocidal campaign that has displaced millions and left them dependent on aid. Sudan and Syria follow as the next biggest emergencies.

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