UN Reports Global Hunger Declines for Third Year Amid Ongoing Risks

1-Minute Brief

Despite recent progress, conflicts and high food costs continue to threaten global food security and nutrition.

Key Facts

• Global hunger has declined for the third consecutive year, according to United Nations agencies.
• Hunger levels remain higher than those recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Middle East conflict and El Niño weather phenomenon are cited as ongoing risks to food security.
• Conflicts and disruptions to global energy markets may increase fuel, fertilizer, and food costs, potentially pushing more people into hunger.
• A UN report found that 2.69 billion people cannot afford a healthy, diverse diet.

What Happened

United Nations agencies released reports indicating that global hunger has decreased for the third year in a row, but highlighted ongoing risks from conflict, climate events, and food affordability.

Why It Matters

While the reduction in hunger marks progress, millions remain food insecure, and external shocks such as conflict and rising costs threaten to reverse these gains. Addressing affordability and access to nutritious food remains a significant challenge.

What's Next

Experts and UN officials are calling for urgent action to address food affordability and mitigate risks from conflicts and climate events. Ongoing monitoring of global hunger trends is expected.