World Humanitarian Day 2025: Strengthening global solidarity and empowering local communities

In a world where conflicts, climate shocks, and displacement drive unprecedented humanitarian need, KCCF and our Founder - The King’s unwavering support for humanitarian causes offers a beacon of hope, showing how strategic philanthropy can reinforce global solidarity by uplifting communities from within.  

Established in 2009 by the UN General Assembly, World Humanitarian Day commemorates and recognises the sacrifices made by humanitarian organisations and their personnel to promote awareness of humanitarian causes globally. This year’s theme, Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities, resonates more deeply than ever amid escalating global crises—from conflict zones to climate disasters. Humanitarian workers continue to risk their lives to reach out to those in need, embodying courage and compassion while highlighting the urgent call for collaborative action and sustainable support.  

For more than four decades, KCCF has supported this important work which was also highlighted in The King’s Christmas Speech in December 2024.

…..we cannot help but think of those for whom the devastating effects of conflict — in the Middle East, in Central Europe, in Africa and elsewhere — pose a daily threat to so many people’s lives and livelihoods…..We also think of the humanitarian organisations working tirelessly to bring vital relief.

Our Founder’s values have helped shape our core strategy and mission enabling our funding to play a pivotal role in supporting a number of humanitarian organisations including The British Red Cross, Disasters Emergency Committee and The International Rescue Committee . These organisations work collaboratively with local partners and decision makers helping to shift the focus from reliance on external aid to empowering grassroots initiatives, fostering resilience, dignity, and sustainable change.   

The British Red Cross (BRC) provides vital support for people in desperate need whether through conflict or natural disasters. Their commitment to neutrality, impartiality, and independence uniquely enables them to reach people in conflict zones where others cannot. The BRC works in collaboration with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement who have a unique mandate to promote and uphold international humanitarian law along with the support of millions of volunteers in over 190 countries helping to prevent and ease human suffering. 

KCCF has provided vital funding and lifesaving support for urgent appeals in various countries including Spain, Sudan, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.  The work carried out by BRC and its partners is helping to bridge the gap by empowering those on the ground, normally first responders from local communities best positioned to act swiftly and sensitively to crises by providing search and rescue assistance, evacuation and medical support, training, hygiene and sanitation support, and distribution of food, water and shelter.

Founded in 1963, the Disasters Emergency Committee UK (DEC) brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of humanitarian crisis overseas. The organisation is on a mission to save, protect and rebuild lives by working with the communities affected. By pooling resources to work as one, the DEC is pivotal in leading the UK’s public response to overseas disasters, acting quickly for immediate impact. Since its inception, 79 appeals have been launched for major disasters overseas, raising £2.5 billion and saving countless lives and working with local communities to rebuild. 

Recent KCCF funding has supported an appeal in the Middle East where 1.9 million people have been displaced due to the on-going conflict.  We have also contributed to their aid efforts in Myanmar where 17 million people have been affected and more than 6 million people remain in urgent need of assistance after the earthquake in March.

Since 1933, The International Rescue Committee UK (IRC) has grown into a global force for change—delivering health care, education, and pathways to self-reliance for individuals and communities uprooted by conflict or natural disasters. As Patron of the IRC, our Founder – His Majesty, The King is passionate about their vital mission, recognising the shared commitment to strengthening global solidarity and empowering communities to shape their own futures. KCCF funding has played a crucial role in supporting refugee crises particularly child malnutrition  in Jordan, Türkiye, Lebanon and Syria where people have faced over a decade of conflict and instability with over 7 million people displaced, with women and children making up two thirds. 

Khusbu Patel, IRC UK acting executive director said in January 2025  

His Majesty’s contribution underscores his deep commitment to addressing urgent global challenges and helping people affected by humanitarian crises to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.

This assistance will enable us to provide essential services, including healthcare, child protection and emergency cash to those people most in need. His dedication shines a vital spotlight on these pressing challenges, and we hope it inspires others to join in supporting these efforts.

As the world reflects on the sacrifices of humanitarian workers and the resilience of those they serve in the most desperate of circumstances, its contributions stand as a reminder that meaningful change begins with empowered communities—and that solidarity, when matched with decisive action, has the power to transform lives. 

World Humanitarian Day 2025 is not just a commemoration – it’s a call to action!