Global hunger fell for the third consecutive year, with 645 million people facing hunger in 2025, 14 million fewer than in 2024. Despite this decline, acute food shortages persist in conflict-ridden regions like Gaza and Sudan, driven by conflict, economic shocks, and climate extremes.
A new UN report reveals 2.69 billion people, one in three globally, cannot afford a healthy diet, despite a decline in overall hunger. Africa now has the highest number of hungry people, while adult obesity rates are rising, prompting calls for urgent action on food affordability and policy changes.
Tens of millions globally face acute hunger due to the fallout from the US-Iran conflict, despite a ceasefire. Disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has driven up energy, fertilizer, and food prices, exacerbating crises in vulnerable regions like Nigeria, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Yemen, with impacts expected to last until 2027.
El Niño has returned, with scientists warning it could be "very strong" and exacerbate global crises. The phenomenon, characterized by hot years and extreme weather, historically caused famines and societal collapse. This year's El Niño arrives amid debt distress in poor countries, high energy prices, and restricted fertilizer supplies, increasing the risk of widespread hunger and humanitarian crises.
Jean Ziegler, a prominent and controversial Swiss intellectual known for his fight against Swiss bank secrecy and global hunger, has died at the age of 92. His legacy is marked by his outspoken activism and criticism of economic injustices.
The prolonged conflict in Iran could severely impact vulnerable populations in poor countries, according to the acting head of the World Food Programme. Rising fuel prices due to the Strait of Hormuz blockade are increasing aid delivery costs, while reduced funding from major donors like the US exacerbates the crisis.
Jean Ziegler, a prominent and controversial Swiss intellectual known for his fight against Swiss banking secrecy and global hunger, has died at the age of 92. His activism and writings made him a significant figure in Swiss public life.
