U.N. General Assembly Reveals Shift in global Aid Landscape Amid U.S. Funding Cuts
NEW YORK – Attendees at this year’s U.N. General Assembly report a palpable shift in tone, marked by both concern over reduced funding from the United States and a renewed spirit of collaboration to address global challenges. The observations come as aid organizations grapple with the impact of U.S. aid cuts affecting healthcare and education initiatives worldwide.
Vikram Satija, who leads a non-profit addressing poverty in India, noted a “deeper” quality to conversations this year, stating, “It is a lot about the problems that we are facing globally, and how we can collectively solve them. So I am enjoying it because it’s a lot more real.” He expressed concern about the capacity to continue vital work, asking, “Do we have the space and the quiet to do the work we want to do?”
Peter Sands, CEO of the global Fund, described the current moment as being on a “high wire,” acknowledging funding cuts and service disruptions alongside “remarkably exciting scientific innovations.” Sands, a former CEO of Standard Chartered PLC, emphasized the economic benefits of investing in global health, stating, ”investing in global health is one of the highest return on investment things you can do.” The Global Fund is currently fundraising for its next three-year cycle.
Jackie Aldrette, executive director of AVSI-USA, returned to the General Assembly after a years-long absence, driven by the need for clarity following funding losses due to the U.S. cuts.She observed a “new energy” and a sense of collective purpose, describing a collaborative moment where she and a representative from another association “were kind of dreaming together.” Aldrette also noted a perceived diminished role for the U.S. in global aid, but expressed optimism, stating, “the lack of U.S. presence meant the table collapsed… No, we were still at that table, so we can go on.”
