Topic: Environment
The United Nations reported that global hunger levels decreased for the third year in a row. However, regional disparities persist, and progress is fragile.
Global hunger declined for a third consecutive year in 2025, showing that progress is possible. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 (SOFI 2026) report, released by five United Nations specialized agencies, estimates that 7.8% of the global population faced hunger in 2025, down from 8.1% in 2024 and 8.6% in 2022.
This means that around 645 million people were affected by hunger in 2025, representing a reduction of nearly 14 million compared with 2024 and 43 million compared with 2022. Despite global progress, recovery remains uneven across regions. Asia, together with Latin America and the Caribbean, has recorded steady improvements in recent years.
In contrast, Africa is now home to approximately 309 million hungry people, compared with 292 million in Asia. Although Africa's previously rising trend is beginning to stabilize, with the share of its population facing hunger decreasing from 20.3% in 2024 to 20.0% in 2025, the continent now has the highest number of hungry people in absolute terms amid a rapidly growing population.
Why It Matters
This report matters because it highlights the ongoing struggle against global hunger and the need for continued efforts to address regional disparities.
Key Facts
- Global hunger levels decreased for the third consecutive year in 2025, with 7.8% of the global population facing hunger.
- Around 645 million people were affected by hunger in 2025, a reduction of nearly 14 million compared to 2024 and 43 million compared to 2022.
- Africa has the highest number of hungry people in absolute terms, with approximately 309 million people facing hunger.
- Regional disparities persist, with Asia and Latin America making steady improvements while Africa's trend is beginning to stabilize.
- The report warns that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and weather extremes could undermine progress made against global hunger.
Key Terms
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Goals set by the United Nations to achieve a better world for all people by 2030.
Implications
This report matters because it highlights the ongoing struggle against global hunger and the need for continued efforts to address regional disparities.
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