The United States pledged $2 billion in humanitarian aid on Monday to assist tens of millions of people in over a dozen countries next year, part of a new UN-backed mechanism to improve efficiency and accountability following steep aid cuts under the Trump administration.

The funding will prioritize life-saving assistance in 17 countries, including Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Sudan, while excluding areas like Yemen, Afghanistan, and Gaza, which will be funded through separate channels.

The new program reflects a shift toward targeted aid, with climate and non-priority projects excluded, and additional countries to be added as more funds become available.

The US and UN will formalize the initiative through memorandums of understanding with the priority countries, aiming to streamline delivery of assistance, The Guardian has reported.

UN officials said the funding will help save millions of lives amid a global humanitarian funding shortfall, though challenges remain due to declining donor support.