Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Dec 10: The United Arab Emirates has announced a major humanitarian commitment, pledging $550 million to support the UN’s Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) 2026, following directives from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The GHO seeks to raise $33 billion to assist around 135 million people across 23 global humanitarian operations, including aid for refugees and migrants.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the immediate priority of the appeal is to protect up to 87 million people requiring urgent assistance, with $23 billion needed for rapid-response interventions. The ministry affirmed that the UAE remains steadfast in its mission to bolster international efforts that save lives and respond swiftly to crises affecting the world’s most vulnerable populations.
The government further highlighted the UAE’s strong cooperation with UN bodies—especially the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)—and various relief and development agencies. The support, it noted, aligns with the leadership’s directive to ensure fast, efficient delivery of aid.
Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, stated that the pledge reflects the UAE’s commitment to global humanitarian solidarity and its dedication to ensuring equitable access to life-saving assistance. She emphasised that the aid is rooted in the country’s belief in collective responsibility and the protection of human dignity.
The UN welcomed the UAE’s substantial contribution. Tom Fletcher, UN Under-secretary-general for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief coordinator, said the UAE’s “rapid and generous” support sends a powerful message at a time when vulnerable communities face severe shocks. He stressed the importance of delivering an effective and forward-looking humanitarian response.
UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell and WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also expressed their gratitude. Ghebreyesus noted that early indicators of collapsing health systems—rising outbreaks, increasing malnutrition, preventable deaths—can be reversed when the international community acts together. He said the UAE’s support will provide essential healthcare to millions in crisis-affected regions.
The UAE’s announcement reinforces its growing role as a major global humanitarian actor and a key partner in multilateral relief efforts.