The UAE supports the United Nations humanitarian response plan with $550 million

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, the UAE announced a new pledge worth 550 million US dollars, to support the comprehensive humanitarian response plan launched by the United Nations, which aims to collect 33 billion dollars in 2026, to provide relief to about 135 million people in 23 humanitarian operations around the world, in addition to plans dedicated to supporting refugees and migrants, and the urgent priority comes to saving 87 million people who need immediate support worth 23 billion dollars.

This initiative confirms the country’s consistent approach to supporting international efforts to save lives and respond to disasters and crises facing the most vulnerable people in various regions of the world.

This support reflects the vital role that the UAE plays in promoting multilateral humanitarian work, and its close cooperation with United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and relief and development programs working in the field, to ensure that aid reaches the most needy groups in a timely manner, in accordance with the directives of His Highness the President of the State to focus on an urgent and effective response.

Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said: “The UAE continues its firm commitment to supporting global humanitarian efforts and working with our partners at the United Nations to ensure that relief reaches the most affected groups. This new pledge embodies the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, and our deep belief in the necessity of international solidarity and responding to urgent humanitarian appeals in an effective and sustainable manner that preserves human dignity and protects human lives.”

The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Tom Fletcher, welcomed the UAE support, saying: “Our global appeal aims to save lives in the most affected areas, and transform plans into real protection on the ground. The generous and rapid support provided by the UAE to the 2026 plan reflects a strong message, centered around supporting those most in need of these efforts, and it is our duty to provide an effective and innovative response that meets the requirements of the current stage.”

For his part, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: “Indicators of the collapse of health systems usually appear long before they occur, as epidemics and malnutrition spread, and the number of deaths that could have been avoided increases. Despite this, when we join efforts, we can restore services and save lives. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, and to the UAE for its support, which will provide health care.” “Important humanitarian aid for millions who are in dire need of it.”

For her part, the Executive Director of UNICEF, Catherine Russell, said: “UNICEF appreciates the great support provided by the UAE, which will contribute effectively to saving and improving the lives of children who are besieged by humanitarian crises.”

She added: “Children are always the most vulnerable when crises occur, and when the size of the needs exceeds the amount of funding, humanitarian work faces a very critical time, so we are building a lot through the strategic partnership between UNICEF and the UAE.”

In turn, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, welcomed the announced support, saying: “We appreciate the UAE’s firm commitment to humanitarian efforts, in light of the severe funding shortage, which poses a major challenge to millions of people at risk and who have been forcibly displaced. Government contributions, such as the UAE’s contribution, strengthen response efforts and give hope to those who need it most.”

The Executive Director of the World Food Programme, Cindy McCain, said: “In light of the increasing humanitarian needs and the dangerous decline in resources, the generous pledge made by the UAE represents a lifeline that contributes to ensuring that urgent aid reaches those who need it most. We extend our sincere thanks to the UAE for its pioneering humanitarian role in these unprecedented times. We also confirm the World Food Program’s readiness to work with the UAE, to ensure that this necessary support reaches millions of people who face an acute shortage of food. Food around the world.

This support comes as an extension of the existing strategic partnership between the UAE and the United Nations humanitarian system, and confirms that the country continues to play a pivotal role in confronting the most urgent humanitarian challenges, enhancing the international community’s ability to protect lives, and supporting stability in areas affected by crises, in line with the directives of His Highness the President of the State, to maintain the UAE’s leadership approach in global humanitarian work.