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The new head of the U.N. humanitarian aid agency says it would be “ruthless” when prioritizing how to spend money, a nod to challenges in fundraising for civilians in war zones like Gaza, Sudan, Syria, and Ukraine.
Tom Fletcher, a longtime British diplomat who took up the U.N. post last month, said his agency asked for less money in 2025 than this year. He said it wants to show it could focus and target its resources as crises have become more intense and widespread over the years.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, issued its global appeal for 2025, seeking USD 47 billion to help 190 million people in 32 countries — though it estimates 305 million worldwide need help. The office and many other aid groups, including the International Red Cross, have seen donations shrink in recent years for longtime trouble spots like Syria, South Sudan, the Middle East, and Congo, and newer ones like Ukraine and Sudan. Aid access has been difficult in some places, especially Sudan and Gaza.
The office’s appeal for USD 50 billion for this year was only 43% fulfilled as of last month. One consequence of that shortfall was an 80% reduction in food aid for Syria, which has seen a sudden escalation in fighting recently. Such funds go to U.N. agencies and more than 1,500 partner organizations.
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Syria needs a total of USD 8.7 billion for needs both within the country and for neighbours that have taken in Syrian refugees — as well as Sudan at a total of USD 6 billion
