The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has highlighted that approximately 318 million individuals globally are experiencing crisis levels of hunger or worse, with many facing famine-like situations. The organization warned that significant funding deficits are compelling it to reduce aid and assistance amid rising demands. WFP’s projected funding is just below half of its required $13 billion budget for 2026, enabling the agency to aid only about 110 million people, a third of those in need.
Combatting hunger provides benefits, as emphasized by Rania Dagash-Kamara, WFP Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Innovation. Hunger contributes to displacement, conflict, and instability, impacting markets that businesses rely on. The world cannot build stable markets with 318 million people suffering from hunger. Dagash-Kamara urged the private sector to invest in addressing food insecurity by supporting supply chains, technology, and innovation to stabilize markets and safeguard workforces.
WFP calls on business leaders in Davos to prioritize hunger and food security, invest in supply chain systems to bolster fragile markets, and back food-related technologies for efficiency and resilience.
The UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) is advocating for a reevaluation of migration as a catalyst for growth. IOM Director General Amy Pope stated that migration can drive development when managed responsibly, unlocking economic potential, aiding community independence, and providing displacement solutions while respecting sovereignty and rights.
IOM noted that partnerships with private entities are advancing this approach, utilizing artificial intelligence for health screening and labor market policies and providing vocational training, entrepreneurship, and sustainable solutions for displaced populations. At Davos, the agency underscores the role of diaspora communities as investors and innovators, using remittances and diaspora capital to foster business creation and digital financial access, aiming to create jobs and enhance community self-reliance.
Other senior UN officials attending the forum include President of the General Assembly 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.
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