The UAE has pledged $550 million to support the UN Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO), as per directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Reem bint Ebrahim Al-Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said the UAE will continue supporting global humanitarian efforts and keep working with its UN partners to ensure that the most impacted people have access to aid.
“This pledge embodies the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and reflects our profound belief in the necessity of international solidarity in responding to urgent humanitarian appeals in an effective and sustainable manner that preserves human dignity and protects lives,” she added.
The GHO aims to raise $33 billion next year to send aid to 135 million people across 23 different humanitarian operations. These include supporting refugees and migrants in various countries. Out of this, the GHO has appealed to immediately save and improve the lives of around 87 million people who are most vulnerable. For this, there is an urgent need of $23 billion in funding.
UN officials hail funding
After the UAE made the announcement, UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at OCHA said the UAE’s rapid and generous backing of our 2026 plan sends a strong signal, which is focuses on people who need it most.
“Our global appeal is about saving lives where shocks have hit hardest – and turning plans into real protection,” he said, adding, “We must deliver an effective, innovative response that meets the moment.”
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus thanked Sheikh Al Nahyan and the UAE for their support, pointing out that it will provide crucial humanitarian health care to millions in need. “Warning signs of health system collapse manifest long before it occurs – outbreaks spread, malnutrition increases, and preventable deaths rise. However, when we come together, services can be restored and lives saved,” he added.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell appreciated the UAE’s generous support, saying it will go a long way to save the lives of children in crises. “Children are always the most vulnerable when a crisis strikes. As needs outpace funding, this is an especially critical time, building on UNICEF’s strategic partnership with the UAE,” she added.
Welcoming the UAE announcement, Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said that when there are severe funding shortfalls that pose challenge for millions of forcibly displace people, it is the contributions from governments like the UAE that allow the UNHCR to enhance its response efforts. “We value UAE’s strong commitment to humanitarian efforts,” he added.
Cindy McCain, World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director, stated generous pledge by the UAE is a lifeline that will help ensure that urgent assistance reaches the needy. “We thank the UAE for its humanitarian leadership in these unprecedented times. WFP stands ready to work with the UAE to ensure this desperately needed support reaches the millions facing acute hunger across the globe,” she added.
