Foreword

Since Norway’s humanitarian strategy was launched in May 2024, global humanitarian needs have continued to grow. At the same time, the amount of funding allocated for humanitarian action and long-term development efforts has been severely reduced. From 2024 to 2025, humanitarian funding declined by 36 % 1 , and there was a shortfall of USD 30 billion in funding for the UN’s hyper-prioritised global appeal. Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine, now in its fifth year, has led to persistent and complex humanitarian needs and has changed the development assistance priorities of Norway and other major humanitarian donors. In 2025, two cases of famine were documented simultaneously for the first time – in Sudan and in Palestine (Gaza).

Parallel to this, respect for international humanitarian law and the humanitarian ­principles has diminished significantly among the parties to conflict. Fewer countries are willing to speak out against violations of international law. As a result civilians, including humanitarian ­personnel, are not receiving the protection to which they are entitled.

We therefore find ourselves facing a dual crisis: 1) a funding crisis that has created an urgent need for reform of the UN, the development assistance system and the wider humanitarian sector, and 2) a civilian protection crisis in which warring parties must demonstrate that they are once again willing to respect the international legal framework that limits the harmful effects of war.

This was the backdrop when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with many of its most important national and international partners, marked the two-year anniversary of the humanitarian strategy. The aim was to highlight the strategy’s continued relevance in the geopolitical context of today.

We have chosen to refine our approach to humanitarian policy and action and target it along two tracks: how we will fund humanitarian efforts via a more effective, reformed humanitarian system, and how we will work in the political arena to strengthen the protection of civilians in crises and conflict. At the same time, we will maintain our efforts to reduce humanitarian needs through long-term development cooperation and peace efforts.

More effective, results-based funding. Norwegian humanitarian funding will be used more strategically to promote reform and efficiency, with clear expectations relating to visibility and results. Our humanitarian assistance will increasingly be provided in the form of core funding, pooled funds, unearmarked contributions and strategic partnerships. We also expect our partners to commit to implementing efficiency measures within their own organisations and complying with coordination reforms across the humanitarian system. Incentive structures to promote efficiency will be developed in cooperation with other key donor countries. In cases where partners are unable to fulfil their commitments, or results fail to materialise, support levels will be re-evaluated.

Effective, principled humanitarian action requires cooperation between international and local actors. Locally led humanitarian efforts must be granted a larger proportion of humanitarian funding than it has today. We will look at new mechanisms for providing direct financial support to local actors, and will also work to strengthen their participation in decision-making processes.

Strengthening protection of civilians in armed conflicts and crises. Norway will remain a firm defender of international humanitarian law and the humanitarian principles in conflict areas across the world. To maintain the legitimacy of this framework, we must avoid double standards. It is a key aim of humanitarian response to protect people from violence and abuse, and this may also involve dialogue with the parties on both sides of a conflict. Norway will focus in particular on ensuring protection of children, refugees and internally displaced persons; preventing sexual and gender-based violence; and addressing the use of weapons with unacceptable humanitarian consequences.

Continuing the fight against hunger. As many as 343 million people are living with acute food insecurity today. Efforts to combat hunger by providing food assistance, implementing preventive measures to sustain food production and safeguarding long-term self-sufficiency in crisis situations will therefore remain a high priority for Norway.

Espen Barth Eide