Abu Dhabi — The United Arab Emirates has pledged US$550 million to support the United Nations’ 2026 Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO), acting on directives from President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The GHO requests US$33 billion for 2026 to help roughly 135 million people across 23 humanitarian operations, including programs for refugees and migrants.
The UN appeal highlights an urgent funding window: about 87 million people facing immediate life‑threatening needs are covered within a US$23 billion requirement for rapid response. The UAE said its contribution underscores a commitment to saving lives and delivering fast relief to vulnerable populations affected by disasters and crises.
UAE officials described the pledge as part of the country’s strategic partnership with the UN humanitarian system and its ongoing cooperation with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and field relief and development programs to ensure aid reaches those most in need.
Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said the donation reflects the President’s directives and the UAE’s belief in international solidarity, stressing the need to respond to urgent appeals in ways that preserve dignity and protect lives.
UN and aid agency leaders welcomed the pledge. Tom Fletcher, UN Under‑Secretary‑General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at OCHA, said the UAE’s support sends a strong signal and will help convert plans into protection for people hardest hit by shocks. WHO Director‑General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that health systems often show early warning signs—outbreaks, rising malnutrition and preventable deaths—and thanked the UAE for funding that will support critical humanitarian health care for millions.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said the contribution will help save and improve children’s lives amid growing needs, while UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi highlighted how government donations enable UNHCR to strengthen assistance for millions of forcibly displaced people. World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain called the pledge a lifeline as humanitarian needs rise and resources lag, affirming WFP’s readiness to work with the UAE to reach those facing acute hunger.
The US$550 million commitment builds on the UAE’s existing humanitarian ties with the UN and reiterates its role in addressing urgent global humanitarian challenges, protecting lives and supporting stability in crisis‑affected regions. (ANI/WAM)
