Global Hunger Crisis Deepens as Aid Funding Declines
The global hunger crisis is escalating, with the United Nations projecting that 117 million people will go without humanitarian assistance in 2025 due to shrinking aid from wealthy nations, Reuters reported.
Despite a rising number of individuals facing hunger, total humanitarian funding has decreased, leaving the U.N. unable to meet the needs of approximately 307 million people requiring aid next year.
In 2024, the U.N. raised only 46% of the $49.6 billion needed for humanitarian efforts, marking the second consecutive year of underfunding. This shortfall has forced organizations like the World Food Program (WFP) to cut the number of people it can assist in crisis areas, such as Syria, where aid has dropped from 6 million to just 1 million.
Germany, one of the largest donors, has reduced its humanitarian aid budget by $500 million for 2024, with another potential $1 billion cut for 2025. The U.S., which contributed $64.5 billion over the past five years—accounting for 38% of total U.N. humanitarian aid—may also see reductions under the incoming Trump administration.
Notably, China and India, both among the world’s top economies, contributed less than 1% of U.N. humanitarian aid, with China donating only $11.5 million and India $6.4 million in 2023. In contrast, Norway, with a much smaller economy, ranked as a top contributor.
The ongoing conflict, political instability, and climate change are exacerbating the situation, leading to widespread food insecurity. Humanitarian agencies are struggling to adapt to these challenges amid donor fatigue, logistical hurdles, and stringent conditions attached to aid.
To address these issues, experts suggest a reevaluation of funding strategies, including the implementation of a fee system for U.N. member states to ensure more consistent and flexible funding for humanitarian initiatives. The U.N. continues to seek a more diverse donor base to alleviate the growing hunger crisis worldwide.
