Islamabad: In the midst of escalating climate challenges, countries in the Global South, like Pakistan, are confronting a daunting dual challenge: the immediate impacts of natural disasters and a seismic shift in global humanitarian aid practices. The convergence of these challenges is creating an overwhelming situation for nations already vulnerable to climate change.
Pakistan, on the frontlines of the climate crisis, is enduring a multitude of extreme weather events ranging from flash floods and droughts to earthquakes and heatwaves. These disasters disrupt communities, destroy infrastructure, and weaken already fragile resilience, calling for increased international support.
However, amid these growing needs, significant funding cuts and policy changes have reshaped the global humanitarian landscape. A pivotal moment came when the President of the United States decided to halt USAID operations worldwide, citing misalignment with national objectives. Prior to this, the Netherlands announced a €1 billion reduction in aid, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs cut $10 billion from its funding requests for 2023-2025.
This backdrop set the stage for a “humanitarian reset” under the UN80 initiative, launched on March 11, 2025. The reset aims to overhaul the humanitarian system to address bureaucratic inefficiencies and foster responsiveness and inclusivity. It emphasizes localization, democratizing data, transforming funding mechanisms, and strengthening accountability to affected communities.
While well-intentioned, the reset raises significant concerns, particularly regarding funding cuts that threaten the survival of many humanitarian organizations. These cuts jeopardize ongoing operations, lead to job losses, and weaken emergency response capacity.
Moreover, the reset’s focus on structural reform risks sidelining key stakeholders, especially when local actors are excluded from decision-making forums. Meaningful inclusion of local organizations in shaping responses is crucial for genuine transformation.
The humanitarian sector must evolve to be more responsive and equitable. However, abrupt changes involving funding cuts and structural shifts require careful handling to maintain the delicate balance of coordination among UN agencies, NGOs, and community organizations.
At this critical juncture, a dual focus on transformation and continuity is essential. Empowering local partners and prioritizing people-centered programming are vital, but they must be supported by adequate funding and international cooperation.
Ultimately, the humanitarian reset offers a chance to build a more inclusive system, but it must remain focused on serving those most affected by climate change and conflict. True transformation involves enabling local organizations to lead rather than struggle with fewer resources, ensuring the system improves rather than abandons those in need.