Speaking at the signing in Geneva, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher paid tribute to aid workers operating in increasingly difficult conditions, describing the past year as “a very, very difficult year for everyone engaged in humanitarian action.”
Despite the challenges, he said the agreement, known as a memorandum of understanding or MOU, offered reasons for optimism.
“Millions, millions more will receive much-needed support,” Mr Fletcher said, adding that this funding would help save tens of millions of lives over the coming year.
The agreement covers 17 crisis-affected countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Ukraine, Haiti, Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Mozambique, Myanmar, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, Bangladesh, Syria, Uganda, Kenya and Chad, as well as the UN. Central Emergency Response Fund (DEER).
Save lives
Mr Fletcher said the real impact of this “historic deal” would be its impact on the ground. “One number that really matters…is that millions of lives will be saved,” he said.
He noted that the funding supports the UN’s 2026 plan to provide emergency assistance to 87 million people. This plan, he said, was “hyper-prioritized” to reduce duplication, streamline bureaucracy and maximize the efficiency of the entire humanitarian system.
The deal is a major vote of confidence in the “humanitarian reset” – announced by Mr Fletcher in March 2025 – aimed at delivering aid faster, smarter and closer to the people who need it most.
Responsibility
Reform and accountability featured prominently in his remarks.
Mr Fletcher stressed that donors expect results, saying accountability mechanisms would ensure “every dollar we spend” is tracked to confirm it is saving lives. He also stressed that the agreement does not imply alignment on all issues but reflects a common focus on urgent priorities that save lives.
He also highlighted the link between humanitarian action and diplomacy, calling for 2026 to be “a year of diplomacy and peacemaking.” Ending conflict, he said, remains the most effective way to reduce humanitarian needs.
“This life-saving announcement does not mark the end of the process,” concluded Mr. Fletcher. “This is the beginning.”
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
