World Humanitarian Day is an international day that honours humanitarian workers and commemorates those who have died while serving humanitarian missions. It recognises and celebrates the spirit of people helping others around the world.
The day was established in memory of the 22 aid workers who lost their lives in a bombing at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, on 19 August 2003, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq. In 2008, the UN General Assembly officially designated the 19 of August as World Humanitarian Day.
Each year, the day adopts a specific theme to unite humanitarian partners in advocating for the protection, dignity, and well-being of people in crisis, as well as the safety of aid workers.
This year’s theme is “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities”. This theme underscores the vital role of working hand-in-hand with communities, not merely as beneficiaries, but as active participants and leaders shaping their own futures.
Our members have been actively delivering humanitarian aid on the ground throughout this year, responding to crises with speed, dedication, and care:
- Concern Worldwide led the Somali Cash Consortium with the support of Acted and provided multi-purpose cash assistance to over 3.5 million displaced people across Somalia since the Consortium began operating in 2018.
- According to 2025 data from the Aid Worker Security Database, the Occupied Palestinian Territories have become the most dangerous place for humanitarian workers, with 156 aid worker deaths reported. Despite these challenging and often life-threatening conditions, our members remain committed to delivering support on the ground. In Gaza, CESVI, in partnership with Welthungerhilfe, has launched a tailored and community-driven WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) response aimed at safeguarding public health and helping displaced families restore a sense of stability and control in their lives.
- Concern Worldwide, Welthungerhilfe, and CESVI founded the Joint Emergency Response in Ukraine (JERU). Together, with a network of 10 Ukrainian partners, they supported impacted communities in 10 oblasts in eastern, southern, and western Ukraine.
- Following the devastating earthquake in Southern Türkiye in February, People in Need provided vital psychosocial support and agricultural assistance to help affected communities and displaced people recover and rebuild their lives.
- Cyclone Chido hit Mozambique last December, leaving thousands of families in a humanitarian crisis situation. In response, Ayuda en Acción launched a series of interventions to support vulnerable communities affected by the consequences of Chido.
Across the world, our network continues to provide vital support and humanitarian aid to communities affected by conflict, climate disasters, and displacement, ensuring access to food, clean water, healthcare, and protection. Together, we remain committed to standing in solidarity with those in need and empowering local communities to rebuild and thrive.
