As conflicts multiply across the world and humanitarian needs continue to outpace available funding, Bangladesh has urged the United Nations to close widening aid gaps, strengthen support for vulnerable populations and place women at the centre of global peacebuilding efforts.
Speaking at the 2026 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Humanitarian Affairs Segment at the UN Headquarters in New York, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam warned that escalating crises are placing growing pressure on humanitarian systems and leaving millions of people, particularly women and children, exposed to conflict, displacement and insecurity.
Addressing world leaders and policymakers, she called for stronger international action to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches affected populations and stressed that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of women.
The appeal comes at a time when aid agencies are struggling with funding shortages amid multiple global crises, including ongoing conflicts, displacement emergencies and climate-related disasters.
Reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to humanitarian principles, Shama highlighted the government’s efforts to expand social protection programmes, strengthen disaster preparedness, empower women and improve support for vulnerable communities.
At a separate United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, she underscored the critical role women play in conflict resolution, reconciliation and long-term peacebuilding.
She also highlighted the contributions of Bangladeshi women peacekeepers serving in UN missions worldwide, describing them as examples of women’s growing role in international peace and security efforts.
Expressing concern over the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and children, the state minister said the international community must do more to address humanitarian financing shortfalls that threaten aid operations in crisis-affected regions.
Shama also renewed Bangladesh’s call for greater international support for the safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar, reiterating that the protracted refugee crisis remains a major humanitarian challenge for Bangladesh.
Her remarks come as aid agencies continue to warn of declining global humanitarian funding, raising concerns over the future of refugee assistance and support for conflict-affected populations.
During her visit to New York, the state minister is also scheduled to participate in a high-level panel discussion under the ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment and lead Bangladesh’s delegation in a bilateral meeting with Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women.
Bangladesh’s intervention at the UN reflects growing concern among developing countries that widening humanitarian needs, shrinking resources and unresolved conflicts are placing increasing strain on the global aid system, requiring stronger international cooperation and renewed political commitment.
