UN Secretary-General urges global response to unprecedented humanitarian challenges

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has painted a stark picture of the unprecedented human suffering that unfolded in 2023 and called for urgent and substantial action to address the immense challenges facing millions of people worldwide.
In a video message during the launch of the Global Humanitarian Overview 2024 at Doha Forum 2023 Monday, Guterres described 2023 as a year marked by epic and heartbreaking human suffering, attributing the crisis to brutal conflicts and climate chaos that have transformed life into a living hell for millions.
“Civilians caught in the line of fire, being injured or killed. People fleeing within and across borders in search of safety. Communities battered by earthquakes, floods, fires, and droughts. Women, men, and children dying of hunger and preventable disease,” he said.
Despite the grim realities, the Secretary-General highlighted the resilience and commitment of the humanitarian community, noting that in 2023, these institutions and individuals overcame enormous barriers to provide vital assistance to 128 million people, offering food, shelter, medicine, water, sanitation, and protection in some of the world's most dangerous places.
However, Guterres stressed that this was achieved with only a fraction of the support required, as they faced a funding shortfall representing the worst in years – just one-third of the $57bn needed.
He made a plea for increased generosity from donors in 2024, stressing that the UN and its partners are seeking $46bn to aid 81mn people in need. He underlined the urgency of pulling out all the stops to meet these funding requirements, stating that doing more with less is unsustainable.
Guterres urged not only financial support but also increased investments in building resilience and strength in vulnerable communities, enabling them to withstand shocks and crises.
In addition to addressing immediate humanitarian needs, the Secretary-General also underscored the importance of redoubling global efforts to confront the climate crisis and find political solutions to conflicts causing widespread misery and death.
“We need to redouble global efforts to address the climate crisis and forge political solutions to the conflicts that are inflicting widespread misery and death. We cannot turn our backs on human suffering. Let's make 2024 a year of help and hope for people in desperate need,” he said.