Home - Zero Hunger

Global hunger is on the rise again, affecting over 690 million people – around one out of every nine people in the world. At the same time, multiple forms of malnutrition are threatening the health of millions worldwide.

Collaboration among the United Nations Rome-based agencies (RBAs), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP) is a core priority at local, regional and global levels. Achieving a Zero Hunger world (Sustainable Development Goal 2) is at the heart of their mandates.

The three agencies are working closely together on a long-term sustainable development agenda that transforms people’s lives and improves their food security today and in the future.

Achieving food security for all is at the heart of FAO's efforts – to make sure people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives by addressing reasons for hunger and poverty.
IFAD is the only international financial institution dedicated exclusively to investing in rural areas to eradicate poverty and hunger. Our loans and grants enable developing countries to increase food production, create jobs and protect resources.
Responding to emergencies and saving lives and livelihoods – either through direct assistance or by strengthening country capacities – remains at the heart of WFP’s operations, especially as humanitarian needs become increasingly complex and protracted.

Leadership

Qu Dongyu

FAO Director-General

Alvaro Lario

IFAD President

David Beasley

WFP Executive Director

Working together for a #ZeroHunger world

FAO, IFAD and WFP collaborate in many ways to further the global community’s goal of creating a #ZeroHunger world. Each agency has a unique mandate related to technical expertise, international financial assistance and food aid. By working together, they give Member Countries the benefit of their complementaries and combined strengths. The three agencies coordinate their activities at international, national, and regional/local levels, contributing to the broader effort of UN system-wide coherence and coordination.

News

US Ambassador Cindy McCain’s visit to Sri Lanka highlights work on food security by FAO, IFAD and WFP

Sep 29, 2022

The United States Permanent Representative to the UN Agencies in Rome, Ambassador Cindy McCain concluded a two-day official visit to the North Western and Central Provinces of Sri Lanka today. Accompanied by the United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, Ambassador McCain visited several projects of FAO, WFP and IFAD.

Empowering Rural Women: UN Joint Programme’s new phase to target countries in Africa, Asia and the Pacific

Mar 16, 2022

Four United Nations agencies today announced the forthcoming launch of a new phase of a joint programme that aims to secure rural women’s livelihoods, rights and resilience to advance sustainable development.

UN Food Agencies Call for Climate Adaptation Solutions that Include Women and Girls

Mar 8, 2022

As climate extremes become more frequent and intense, women and girls - who are at a higher risk than men and boys of experiencing the devastating effects of the climate crisis - including food insecurity, need to be front and centre when planning and implementing climate change adaptation solutions, said three United Nations' food agencies at their joint International Women's Day event today.

Documents

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2022

Jul 6, 2022

With eight years remaining to end hunger, food insecurity and all forms of malnutrition (SDG 2), the world is moving in the wrong direction.

Regional overview of food security and nutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean 2021

Nov 30, 2021

The Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean 2021 gathers the latest data on the food security and nutrition situation in Latin America and the Caribbean region, showing a worrisome landscape.

The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2021

Jul 12, 2021

The 2021 SOFI report presents the first global assessment of food insecurity and malnutrition for 2020 and offers some indication of what hunger might look like by 2030 in a scenario further complicated by the enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.