The year 2018 was full of political, humanitarian and environmental crises. Wars and conflicts flared and dragged on, and storms, floods and fires ravaged communities. New figures in September showed another rise in the number of hungry people, driven by conflict and climate shocks.

The UN Security Council approved a landmark resolution in May that explicitly recognized the link between conflict and hunger, demonstrating a fast-emerging global consensus on the need to break the cycle driving increased hunger. That consensus was more than just rhetoric – member states and private donors contributed more to WFP than ever before.

As we worked through emergencies and helped people caught in conflict, we focused even more in 2018 on the long-term. WFP is providing a cornerstone for sustainable development to make the world a stable, more peaceful place. We have a Country Strategic Plan everywhere we operate, outlining a results-oriented map for true development.

And in 2018, we took a long hard look in the mirror, beginning a global conversation about our culture and our values, fueled by a strong drive to make WFP a great place to work for every one of our 17,000-person staff.

David Beasley
Executive Director - World Food Programme

  • No society is immune to hunger and malnutrition.

    But conflict, climate shocks, natural disasters or inequality leave many nations perilously exposed to this burden.

    Across the world, 821 million people are going hungry – 124 million acutely so. At risk are not just the lives and health of millions but also the economic viability of fragile states.

    In 2018 as in previous years, our partners among UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, donors, national and local governments and communities helped us to achieve a scale of intervention that was both broad and impressive, laying a foundation to promote food security and provide a nutritious future for millions.

    • 86.7

      million

      overall WFP beneficiaries

    • 70%

      proportion of those facing critical hunger levels assisted by WFP

    • 83

      countries with WFP operations:

      region

  • THE LAST RESORT
  • THE FIRST DEFENCE

  • Know more about our culture and funding