UN Faces Funding Crisis Amid Hunger Shortages

The global hunger crisis is worsening as wealthy nations reduce their humanitarian aid contributions, with the United Nations projecting that 307 million people will require assistance in 2025, yet funding will only cover about 60% of needs, leaving 117 million without aid. In 2024, the UN raised only 46% of the $49.6 billion it sought for humanitarian efforts, marking the second consecutive year of falling short. Germany has already cut $500 million from its aid budget and plans to reduce it by another $1 billion in 2025, while the U.S. faces potential funding cuts under President-elect Donald Trump. The World Food Program has drastically reduced its reach in Syria, from six million beneficiaries to just one million, due to these funding constraints. Critics argue that major economies prioritize other spending over addressing hunger, raising concerns about global responsibilities. Meanwhile, nations like China and India contribute less than 1% of UN humanitarian funding, highlighting a broader issue of responsibility among the wealthiest countries.