Global Hunger Surges to Record Levels Due to Conflict and Extreme Weather: UN Report

Global hunger reached a record high in 2024, affecting over 295 million people across 53 countries, with the outlook for 2025 deemed "bleak," according to the UN-backed Global Report on Food Crises. Conflict was the leading driver, impacting nearly 140 million people, particularly in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, and Mali. Economic shocks and extreme weather also contributed significantly. Acute food insecurity has nearly tripled since previous years. UN Secretary-General Guterres called it a “failure of humanity.” While aid helped ease hunger in some regions, reduced donor funding threatens future relief efforts, raising fears of worsening crises and famine in multiple countries.