The United Nations has released a stark warning that global food insecurity is worsening in 2025, with more than 780 million people around the world struggling to access adequate food. The report highlights that conflicts, climate change, economic instability, and rising food prices have combined to deepen the crisis, particularly in vulnerable regions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
According to the UN’s State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 report, the number of people facing hunger has increased by nearly 30 million compared to last year. Alarmingly, one in ten people globally now lives with food insecurity, and children remain among the most severely impacted. Malnutrition rates are also rising, with millions of children under five facing stunted growth or wasting due to lack of proper nutrition.
The report points out several drivers of this crisis:
- Conflict: Wars and political instability have disrupted supply chains, displaced populations, and worsened hunger in regions such as Gaza, Sudan, and parts of the Sahel.
- Climate Change: Unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events have reduced crop yields across South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Economic Pressures: Inflation and rising input costs have made food unaffordable for millions, especially in developing economies still recovering from the pandemic and global recession.
UN Secretary General António Guterres called for urgent global action, stressing that hunger is not just a humanitarian concern but also a barrier to sustainable development. “Food should never be a privilege it is a basic human right. The world has the resources to end hunger, but we need stronger political will and coordinated action,” he said.
The report urges governments and international organizations to:
- Invest in climate resilient agriculture.
- Improve social protection programs for vulnerable populations.
- Strengthen international cooperation to stabilize global food markets.
- Address inequalities in food distribution and access.
If no immediate action is taken, the UN warns that the world is at risk of missing the 2030 goal of Zero Hunger under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
