Today, on World Humanitarian Day, the African Union Commission pauses to honour the courage, compassion and unwavering commitment of humanitarian workers across Africa and around the globe. These men and women, often working in the most dangerous and fragile environments, embody the highest ideals of service, solidarity and sacrifice.

This year’s global theme, “Act for Humanity” reminds us that humanitarian action is not just a response, it is a lifeline. It is both a call to action and a reminder that every life matters, no matter who they are, where they live or the circumstances they face, upholding the principles of accountability. Humanitarian work is driven by compassion, but it is carried out in realities that are often harsh: war zones where violence claims lives daily; regions where climate change is pushing families into food insecurity; and communities uprooted by disasters, displacement or political instability. In the face of conflict, climate-induced disasters, displacement and disease, humanitarian workers bring hope where despair threatens to take root. They deliver food, clean water, shelter, medical care, dignity and protection to those who need it most. And far too often, they do so at great personal risk.

Humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels in Africa. In 2025, the continent continues to face complex humanitarian challenges - from protracted crises in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, to the growing impact of climate change and forced displacement. Armed conflicts continue to devastate communities, climate-related disasters are increasing in frequency and severity, and forced displacement has reached historic highs. Today, as we commemorate World Humanitarian Day, millions of people in Africa are forcibly displaced. Notably, the longstanding crisis in Sudan, and the resurgence of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have ensued millions of civilians in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. Compounded by the uncertain humanitarian funding landscape, which has been unfolding recently, the humanitarian situation in Africa is now more daunting and unsettling than ever. Yet, we also see extraordinary resilience and innovation from local communities, civil society and frontline responders. Their leadership must be recognised, supported and protected. Their legacy must inspire us to build a future where compassion is not a risk, but a right.

The African Union remains dedicated to humanitarian excellence by prioritising policy interventions that restore human dignity and empower communities. Through strategic partnerships and demonstrated solidarity, the Commission continues to ensure that affected Member States are active participants in their own recovery and resilience-building processes, further solidifying the localisation agenda. By advocating for unobstructed humanitarian access, the Commission will continue to help create safe pathways for aid workers to deliver critical support, protecting their ability to reach vulnerable populations without fear of loss of their lives, attack or destruction of their assets. More so, the operationalisation of the African Humanitarian Agency (AfHA) stands as a sturdy testament to the Commission’s unwavering commitment towards developing comprehensive, long-term solutions that address humanitarian crises in the continent.

On this important day, we urgently call upon African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), donors, development partners and the global community to take decisive action in supporting humanitarian efforts across the continent. We implore governments to strictly uphold international humanitarian law (IHL), ensuring the protection of vulnerable civilians, courageous aid workers and their properties in crisis-affected regions. We challenge donors and partners to move beyond traditional emergency response models by strategically investing in comprehensive prevention, preparedness and resilience-building initiatives, equally exploring innovative humanitarian financing mechanisms. By uniting our efforts and demonstrating genuine compassion, the world can create meaningful change and provide hope to affected populations.

As we commemorate this day, let us cause a global paradigm shift in our approach to tackle the challenges we are facing in the humanitarian space globally.

Let us commit to a future where no one is forgotten, no one is invisible and no one is left behind.

Together, we can build a more humane, just and resilient Africa.

I thank you.