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UNICEF projects 20% drop in 2026 funding after US cuts : Michelle Nichols / Reuters

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Summary
UNICEF expects a funding drop of at least 20% in 2026 compared to 2024, largely due to deep cuts in U.S. foreign aid. The agency is already seeing a decline in its 2025 budget and warns that the cumulative effect of U.S. policy changes and global donor fatigue will seriously undermine its operations, especially in health, education, and emergency response.  UNICEF's budget decreased from $8.9 billion in 2024 to an estimated $8.5 billion in 2025. Projections indicate a further decline of at least 20% by 2026 .

Quotes
“We are projecting at least a 20% decrease in 2026 from 2024 levels,” said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden.
“There is no way to sugarcoat this. The impact is going to be massive.”
“We are seeing the start of the unraveling of the global aid architecture,” she warned.
“If you don’t believe in the rights of children — regardless of where they are born — then of course you will slash aid.”
“It is not only a matter of ethics, it is a matter of enlightened self-interest.”

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