UNICEF: Children’s Needs Worldwide at Unprecedented Levels, Agency Seeks $7.66 Billion for 2026

UNICEF: Children’s Needs Worldwide at Unprecedented Levels, Agency Seeks $7.66 Billion for 2026
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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that the basic needs of children around the world have reached historic levels, driven by escalating global crises and shrinking humanitarian funding. According to El País, the agency says it urgently requires $7.66 billion in 2026 to provide life-saving assistance to up to 73 million children across 133 countries and territories.

UNICEF’s appeal, released as part of its 2026 Humanitarian Action for Children plan, highlights that this funding will support essential services in nutrition, health, water, sanitation, education and protection. The agency also estimates that more than 200 million children worldwide will require humanitarian aid next year — the highest figure in decades.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said children are facing unparalleled challenges, particularly in regions affected by protracted conflicts, economic instability, displacement and climate-related disasters. She stressed that the shortfall in humanitarian financing is forcing aid programmes to make painful choices that ultimately jeopardize children’s survival and development.

UNICEF has called on governments, donors and international partners to urgently bridge the funding gap to protect vulnerable children and uphold their rights.