U.N. Humanitarian Aid Chief Pledges “Ruthless” Prioritization amid Shrinking Donations

Tom Fletcher, the new head of the U.N. humanitarian aid agency, vowed to be “ruthless” in how the organization allocates its resources, acknowledging the increasing difficulty of fundraising for global crises such as those in Gaza, Sudan, Syria, and Ukraine. Fletcher, who took up his post last month, stated that his agency will seek $47 billion in 2025 to assist 190 million people across 32 countries, a decrease from this year’s appeal of $50 billion, which was only 43% fulfilled.

Fletcher explained that the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) will focus on the most urgent needs, despite the growing number and intensity of crises worldwide. The agency’s 2025 appeal includes major requests for Syria ($8.7 billion), Sudan ($6 billion), the Occupied Palestinian Territory ($4 billion), Ukraine ($3.3 billion), and Congo ($3.2 billion).

The shortfall in donations has had significant consequences, including an 80% reduction in food aid for Syria amid escalating violence. With donor fatigue affecting longstanding trouble spots as well as newer crises, Fletcher emphasized the need for tough decisions on where to direct limited funds, stressing that his office would prioritize areas where aid can have the greatest impact.

Fletcher also noted that he plans to meet with U.S. officials to discuss humanitarian funding, particularly with the new presidential administration taking office soon.