“Every year, we come together on World Humanitarian Day to honor the women and men who have given their lives in service of others, and express appreciation for the selfless dedication of those who put everything on the line to help those whose lives have been shattered by unimaginable shocks.

Today, we face unprecedented challenges—protracted, complex crises.  A record 130.5 million people are in need across 40 countries, and more than 65 million people have been forcibly displaced by conflict and violence.  In conflict zones, humanitarians brave barrel bombs, roadside attacks, and countless other perils to reach those in need.  Most of these brave heroes are local aid workers helping their fellow men, women, and children.

In the face of these staggering challenges, we’re reaching millions of people with life-saving humanitarian aid.  We respond with persistence, creativity, and grit that are so emblematic of the global humanitarian community.  But the world must do more to support aid workers and those they serve.

This past May, at the World Humanitarian Summit, USAID stood alongside 9,000 participants from 180 countries, non-governmental organizations, the UN, and private sector companies to commit to long overdue changes to how the international community provides aid and to reinforce a commitment to protect civilians in conflict zones.

Today, as we stand in solidarity with everyone affected by crises and recognize the tremendous service of all of our humanitarian heroes, let’s seize the opportunity to create lasting solutions together.”