JAKARTA - The head of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) on Monday called on world leaders to take urgent action to prevent man-made hunger, as global hunger reaches alarming levels.
According to the WFP Global Outlook Report 2026, 318 million people worldwide face crisis or worse levels of hunger, with hundreds of thousands already experiencing famine-like conditions. The agency's early warning system points to violent conflict, extreme weather, and economic downturns as the main drivers of increased food insecurity.
"Only two weeks into the new year, the world is already facing the risk of a dangerous and worsening global hunger crisis," WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain said in a statement, launching Anadolu (13/1).
"WFP's determination remains firm. We will take advantage of every opportunity to mobilize the support and resources needed to reach those who depend on us for their survival," he said.
McCain is scheduled to outline the WFP's strategic priorities for 2026 in a meeting at the organization's headquarters in Rome, including expanding the funding base, leveraging new technologies, and ensuring frontline staff can operate safely and effectively, according to the statement.
He will also reiterate the importance of the WFP's four-year Strategic Plan, which was recently approved by consensus by the agency's Executive Board.
"WFP has repeatedly proven that early, strategic, and innovative solutions can stop hunger, stabilize communities, address the drivers of migration, and allow families to recover," McCain said.
However, WFP currently estimates funding will only reach less than half of the $13 billion budget needed to help the world's 110 million most vulnerable people, "while the more complex and dangerous operating environment makes humanitarian work more difficult and dangerous."
"WFP cannot end hunger alone," he said.
"I call on world leaders to intervene early during humanitarian crises, free our world from man-made famine, and most importantly, end the catastrophic conflicts that drive hunger and despair," McCain concluded.
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