By the year 2026, an alarming 318 million individuals are projected to experience severe hunger or worse, more than double the number reported in 2019, according to the World Food Programme’s (WFP) 2026 Global Outlook. The agency highlighted that international aid for those most in need remains “slow, fragmented, and underfunded,” indicating that many residing in the world’s most troubled regions may struggle to receive adequate assistance in the coming year.
In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, women involved in a food security livelihood initiative are seen sorting freshly harvested eggplants.
“The most vulnerable bear the heaviest burden,” remarked Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General. She referenced an African proverb, stating, “When the elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,” which illustrates how conflicts among powerful entities often leave the weak and innocent to endure the consequences. The “grass” in this context refers to innocent civilians in places like Sudan, Gaza, Haiti, Yemen, the Sahel, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who are enduring extreme hardships.
Families are facing the repercussions of conflicts they did not instigate and decisions made in spaces where their opinions are overlooked, the UN deputy chief noted. WFP serves as a vital support system: “WFP is a crucial lifeline for individuals affected by conflicts and natural disasters, as well as for those displaced from their homes. We are evolving our approach to invest in sustainable solutions for food insecurity,” stated WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. In 2026, the agency aims to assist 110 million at-risk individuals, projecting a cost of $13 billion for emergency food, nutritional aid, community resilience initiatives, and technical support to enhance national systems.
“The world is facing concurrent famines in Gaza and parts of Sudan, which is entirely unacceptable in the twenty-first century,” emphasized Ms. McCain. “Globally, hunger is becoming increasingly entrenched. WFP has consistently demonstrated that early, effective, and innovative strategies can save lives and transform livelihoods, but we urgently require greater support to maintain this essential work.” Amina Mohammed outlined key priorities necessary to eradicate global hunger, including investing in climate resilience, fostering peace, bolstering local economies, and ensuring that women and youth have ownership and a voice in decision-making processes.
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