United Nations previews $23 billion appeal to help 87 million people; secretary‑general to visit Turkey

United Nations spokesperson Steph told reporters that the humanitarian community aims to reach 87,000,000 people this year and will need about $23,000,000,000 to do so.

"We once again stress the urgent need for immediate de‑escalation," Steph said, and noted an event tomorrow in Geneva where Tom Fletcher, the Under‑Secretary‑General for Humanitarian Affairs, will brief reporters on the scale and funding priorities for the appeal.

Why it matters: Steph framed the appeal as central to sustaining life‑saving operations across multiple crises. She described acute needs in Gaza and Lebanon, growing displacement in South Sudan, damage to civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, ongoing delivery challenges in Myanmar, and an energy‑driven health crisis in Cuba that has left many patients unable to access treatment.

Operational details and field figures: Steph said humanitarian partners delivered more than 427,000 liters of fuel into Gaza on Sunday, bringing the total to 1,400,000 liters since Tuesday, but added that more than 2,000,000 liters are needed each week to avoid interruptions to health, water and sanitation services. In Lebanon, she said more than 660,000 people registered as displaced through the Lebanese government in the past week.

On other fronts, Steph summarized that UN agencies and partners had reached millions last year in Myanmar and planned to reach about 2,600,000 this year; that nine convoys have reached frontline communities in Ukraine since the start of 2026 helping about 8,000 people; and that the UN plan of action after Hurricane Melissa asking for $74,000,000 is only 33% funded.

Human rights and protection: Steph relayed calls from the UN human rights office and cited statements by the High Commissioner for Human Rights about grave violations in South Sudan, including civilian deaths and damage to water sources, and urged prompt impartial investigations and accountability.

Next steps: Tom Fletcher will brief tomorrow at 2 p.m. Geneva time (9 a.m. New York) on the humanitarian response and funding priorities; the spokesperson said the secretariat will circulate connection details and further updates on resource needs.