UN cuts global aid plan amid deepest funding shortfall

The United Nations announced on Monday a major reduction in its global humanitarian aid plans due to the "deepest funding cuts ever." The UN’s humanitarian agency revealed a new funding appeal for $29 billion, sharply down from $44 billion requested in December, prioritizing the most urgent crises.

The U.S., historically the world’s largest donor, drastically cut foreign aid under former President Donald Trump, disrupting global humanitarian efforts. Other donor countries have also reduced contributions amid economic uncertainty.

Tom Fletcher, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), called the situation a grim choice. "All we ask is 1 percent of what you chose to spend last year on war," he said, emphasizing a plea for global responsibility and solidarity to alleviate suffering.

With 2025 nearly halfway through, the UN has received only $5.6 billion — about 13 percent of the original $44 billion request — while crises escalate in Sudan, Gaza, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, and other regions.

Fletcher warned, "The math is cruel, and the consequences are heartbreaking. Too many people will not get the support they need, but we will save as many lives as we can with the resources we are given."

The revised plan will focus aid on the most urgent needs and existing response plans to ensure limited funds have the greatest impact as quickly as possible.