International support for the world’s hungriest people is “slow, fragmented and underfunded”, meaning many living in the world’s conflict zones will likely not be able to receive enough help next year, the WFP stressed.
Women participating in a food security and livelihood program sort freshly harvested brinjals in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
“The poorest pay the ultimate price,” said UN Under-Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. “When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,” he added, citing an African proverb often used to convey the idea that when powerful nations, organizations or individuals come into conflict, it is the weak or innocent who bear the brunt of the suffering.
All over the world, these “weeds” (innocent civilians in Sudan, Gaza, Haiti, Yemen, the Sahel, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and so many other places) are suffering beyond measure.
Families are paying the price for wars that did not start and for decisions made in rooms where their voices are never heard, the deputy UN chief said.
WFP, a vital lifeline
“WFP provides a critical lifeline to people on the front lines of conflict and climate disasters, as well as those forced from their homes, and we are transforming the way we work to invest in long-term solutions to address food insecurity,” said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain.
In 2026, the agency plans to help 110 million vulnerable people at an estimated cost of $13 billion, providing emergency food, nutritional support, community resilience programs, and technical assistance to strengthen national systems.
“The world is dealing with simultaneous famines in Gaza and parts of Sudan. This is completely unacceptable in the 21st century,” Ms. McCain stressed.
“Around the world, hunger is becoming more entrenched. WFP has shown time and again that early, effective and innovative solutions can save and change lives, but we desperately need more support to continue this vital work.”
Investing in climate adaptation, promoting peace and supporting local markets, while ensuring that women and youth have ownership and decision-making power, are among the key priorities to end world hunger, said Amina Mohammed.