David Miliband, former UK foreign secretary and current president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), has highlighted both challenges and opportunities in global humanitarian aid amid significant funding cuts. The IRC, one of the leading American humanitarian organizations, provides education, food, and medical assistance across more than 40 countries, including conflict zones such as Sudan and Gaza. However, its operations have been severely impacted by reductions in US government funding following cuts implemented under the Trump administration.

Since 2013, Miliband has overseen the organization’s efforts to assist approximately 20 million people worldwide. In the fiscal year ending October 2025, the IRC reported a total income of $1.5 billion, with $630 million coming from US government sources—divided between $280 million for international projects and $350 million for domestic programs. For the current year, however, the IRC expects a dramatic reduction in government funding, projecting less than $100 million for international activities and around $120 million for domestic work, representing an overall decrease of about 80 percent.

Miliband described the consequences of these cuts as substantial, with an estimated two million people losing all services supported by the IRC and an additional five to six million experiencing partial reductions. He cited specific examples such as the loss of education for 300,000 children in Afghanistan, the suspension of health services for Sudanese refugees in South Sudan, and discontinued agricultural support for farmers in Niger. Similar program suspensions have occurred in countries including Iraq and Tanzania.

To adapt, the IRC reduced its workforce from 18,000 to around 12,000 employees last year, a restructuring Miliband said was done promptly to avoid prolonged uncertainty among staff. He emphasized that remaining employees remain highly motivated and focused on delivering the charity’s mission.

Fundraising has become a central focus for Miliband, who devotes roughly 20 percent of his time to expanding private donations. Following advice from former US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, who served as IRC co-chair until recently, the organization adopted a conservative financial approach to reassure donors of its stability. An emergency fundraising appeal successfully raised $50 million within six weeks. The IRC aims to increase private donor contributions from $400 million to $700 million by 2033, under the campaign slogan “The smart money’s on humanity,” which Miliband suggests is a subtle critique of the Trump administration’s reduction of aid.

While Miliband refrains from commenting on most UK political issues, he spoke positively about recent changes in British leadership and the appointment of Andy Burnham as prime minister, expressing confidence in Burnham’s economic approach. He voiced hope that Burnham’s government will encourage growth and talent attraction, which Miliband sees as essential to managing the country’s economic challenges.

Miliband’s own political future remains a topic of speculation. Once considered a frontrunner for Labour Party leadership until his brother Ed Miliband’s successful bid, David Miliband has remained in the humanitarian sector. Nonetheless, he hinted at potential reengagement in UK politics, noting the value of professional expertise and his experience managing a billion-dollar organization.

Finally, Miliband underscored the importance of sustained international aid amid geopolitical instability, urging the United States not to abandon its role in global assistance. He argued that effective aid not only alleviates suffering but also supports global stability and enhances soft power, countering narratives that view foreign aid as expendable during domestic budget constraints.