A sharp rise in global hunger driven by conflict, climate change, and economic turmoil has left nearly 300 million people in crisis, with UN leaders warning of an unprecedented collapse of the food assistance system unless immediate action is taken.

Hunger Crisis Deepens Worldwide

Launched on May 16, the 2025 GRFC exposes a dire reality: food insecurity is worsening for the sixth consecutive year, with the number of people facing catastrophic hunger more than doubling in 2024 alone. UN Secretary-General António Guterres declared hunger a “chronic catastrophe” and emphasized that the crisis “knows no borders.”

He cited regions such as Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, and Mali as flashpoints where conflict and climate extremes have devastated harvests, collapsed economies, and displaced millions.

Systemic Underfunding and Humanitarian Collapse

Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, said the humanitarian sector is under “unprecedented financial strain,” with WFP forced to cut aid to millions. “Famine has been allowed to tighten its grip,” she warned, adding that 14 million more could soon fall into emergency food insecurity due to funding cuts.

UNICEF’s Executive Director Catherine Russell said at least 14 million children are at risk of severe acute malnutrition, with child hunger escalating in Sudan, Gaza, and Haiti. “There is no excuse for children to go hungry in a world of plenty,” she said.

UNHCR’s Raouf Mazou noted the direct link between displacement and hunger, stating that 70% of refugees live in countries experiencing food crises. In South Sudan alone, a convergence of conflict, displacement, and floods has pushed hundreds of thousands toward starvation.

Global Leaders Call for Coordinated Action

European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib called for stronger advocacy and diplomacy to uphold humanitarian access. “Hunger must never be used as a weapon of war,” she said, highlighting the EU’s continued aid commitment despite shrinking resources.

World Bank Managing Director Axel van Trotsenburg stressed the need for long-term investment, noting that every $1 spent on nutrition yields $23 in economic return. “Strong food systems are smart insurance,” he said.

Local Resilience and Agricultural Solutions

FAO’s Director-General Qu Dongyu and IFAD President Alvaro Lario emphasized investing in rural communities, emergency agriculture, and small-scale food producers. “Communities want resilience, not dependency,” said Qu.

IFAD’s Lario also highlighted successful pilot initiatives in the Sahel and stressed the importance of integrating humanitarian and development investments to reduce fragility and build lasting food systems.

Political Will and Moral Urgency

Irish and UK representatives called hunger a "scandal" and "appalling failure" in a world capable of feeding itself. Ireland’s Peter Cleary invoked Ireland’s historical famine, urging global leaders to “dare to dream big” and act boldly to end hunger.

Speakers across the board urged governments, donors, and agencies to unite and act with urgency. The GRFC’s findings serve as a sobering reminder of the cost of inaction—and a rallying cry to transform food systems and uphold the right to food for all.