Abu Dhabi [UAE], December 10 (ANI): Acting on the directives of President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates has pledged US$550 million to support the United Nations’ 2026 Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO). The GHO seeks US$33 billion in 2026 to assist about 135 million people across 23 humanitarian operations worldwide, including programs for refugees and migrants.
The appeal prioritizes protecting the lives of up to 87 million people in urgent need, within a US$23 billion funding requirement for immediate response. The UAE said the pledge reaffirms its commitment to saving lives and responding rapidly to disasters and crises affecting vulnerable populations.
The contribution highlights the UAE’s role in promoting multilateral humanitarian action and its collaboration with UN agencies, notably the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as well as field relief and development programs to ensure timely aid reaches those most in need, in line with directives emphasizing swift, effective response.
Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said the pledge “embodies the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan” and reflects the UAE’s belief in international solidarity to respond to urgent humanitarian appeals in a manner that preserves human dignity and protects lives.
Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at OCHA, welcomed the announcement, saying the UAE’s backing “sends a strong signal” and will help turn plans into protection for people hit hardest by shocks.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that health systems show warning signs before collapse—outbreaks, rising malnutrition, and preventable deaths—and thanked the UAE for support that will provide crucial humanitarian health care to millions.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said UNICEF appreciates the UAE’s generous support, which will help save and improve children’s lives in crises, especially as needs outpace funding.
Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, welcomed the UAE’s commitment, noting that contributions from governments like the UAE enable UNHCR to strengthen responses for millions of forcibly displaced people.
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain called the pledge a lifeline as humanitarian needs grow and resources lag, thanking the UAE for its leadership and affirming WFP’s readiness to work with the UAE to reach those facing acute hunger.
The pledge builds on the UAE’s strategic partnership with the UN humanitarian system and reaffirms its role in addressing pressing humanitarian challenges, protecting lives, and supporting stability in crisis-affected areas, in line with the President’s directives. (ANI/WAM)
(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)
