The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has highlighted a growing global hunger crisis, reporting that an estimated 318 million people now face crisis levels of hunger or worse, with hundreds of thousands already experiencing famine-like conditions. Funding shortfalls are forcing the WFP to cut rations and scale back assistance even as needs surge. With less than half of its required $13 billion budget for 2026 secured, the agency is projected to reach only about 110 million people, roughly a third of those in need.
WFP officials emphasized that hunger is not only a humanitarian issue but also a driver of displacement, conflict, and economic instability. Rania Dagash-Kamara, WFP Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Innovation, warned that a world with hundreds of millions of hungry people undermines stable markets and disrupts business operations. She called on the private sector to invest in resilient supply chains, innovative technologies, and solutions that strengthen fragile markets while protecting workforces.
Alongside WFP, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is using the Davos forum to advocate for a new perspective on migration, presenting it as a driver of economic growth rather than a burden. IOM Director General Amy Pope highlighted that responsibly managed mobility can unlock economic potential, help communities thrive independently, and provide lasting solutions for displaced populations while respecting human rights and national sovereignty.
IOM also stressed the importance of partnerships with the private sector and foundations in realizing this vision. Initiatives include using artificial intelligence to improve health screening and labor market policies, supporting vocational training and entrepreneurship for displaced populations, and enabling diaspora communities to invest in local businesses. Remittances and diaspora capital are being leveraged to open markets, create jobs, and promote self-reliance in affected communities.
Senior UN officials attending Davos alongside WFP and IOM include UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih, and IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi, underscoring the high-level attention being paid to the interconnected challenges of hunger, displacement, and sustainable development.
