Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 20 August 2025
UNIC-Islamabad
20 August 2025
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UNOCHA
PRESS RELEASE
World Humanitarian Day 2025: A Call to #ActForHumanity Amid Ongoing Flood Crisis in Pakistan
Today, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Pakistan joins the global community in commemorating World Humanitarian Day (WHD) a solemn occasion that honors the lives of humanitarian workers lost in the line of duty and reaffirms our collective commitment to protect civilians and uphold humanitarian principles. WHD marks the anniversary of the 2003 attack on the UN headquarters in Baghdad, which claimed 22 lives. Since then, over 900 humanitarian workers have been killed globally.
This year’s theme, #ActForHumanity, is especially poignant as Pakistan faces floods across several regions. As of today, over 600 homes have been destroyed and more than 1,000 people displaced, with major cities like Karachi at risk of being further impacted. Many affected communities are located in hard-to-reach areas, making emergency response efforts even more challenging.
In response, the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with Rescue 1122, Red Crescent Society, NDMA, and PDMA, and UN agencies has launched urgent relief and evacuation efforts. Thousands have received aid, including food, shelter, and medical support. This highlights the strength of coordinated action in the face of crisis.
"Pakistan is the fifth most climate-vulnerable country globally," said Carlos Geha, Head of OCHA Pakistan. "We are working closely with the Government and development actors to build resilience, reduce vulnerability, and enhance national capacity to manage future disasters."
Despite these efforts, humanitarian needs are rising faster than funding resources. Of the $45 billion required globally in 2025 to meet humanitarian needs, only 18% has been received. The gap puts millions at risk, including vulnerable populations in Pakistan facing threats from climate change, food insecurity, education disruptions, and local conflicts.
This year's observance also calls attention to the Humanitarian Reset, a framework introduced by UN leadership to respond more effectively despite shrinking resources. Its four pillars are:
- Define: Clarify roles between government and humanitarian actors.
- Deliver: Prioritize aid to those in greatest need.
- Devolve: Strengthen local capacity and leadership.
- Defend: Protect humanitarian workers and uphold international humanitarian law.
Importantly, Pakistan currently serves as President of the ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment (HAS), reinforcing its long-standing partnership with the UN and commitment to human rights and humanitarian norms.
OCHA also recognizes and commends the Prime Minister of Pakistan for his continued commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. We applaud the work of NDMA and PDMA in leading disaster preparedness and contingency planning efforts nationwide in collaboration with UN agencies and humanitarian partners.
“Every disaster we face is one we did not ask for,” Mr. Geha noted. “But every act of compassion – by governments, humanitarian partners, and citizens reminds us of our shared humanity. On World Humanitarian Day, we stand together to honor those who serve and recommit to action.”
Watch the recording of this special segment featuring Mr. Carlos Geha, Head of OCHA Pakistan, in conversation with Mr. Omar Khalid Butt on PTV World – Newsroom, marking World Humanitarian Day 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngZXqqdH_P8