We must build a world free of hunger: Food security at risk
IM short, modernity triumphs everywhere. Yet, it is deeply regrettable that we have still not managed to create a world free from hunger.
Even today, billions of people across the globe go to sleep hungry every single night.
According to newspaper reports, citing data from the United Nations and various other international organizations, a segment of children is growing up facing hunger and malnutrition.
Most concerning is that the risks to food security may intensify in the future.
Against this backdrop, World Food Day was observed globally on Friday. The theme for this year is highly significant: “Innovations for Today, Nutrition for Tomorrow.”
Besides, the data also states that 673 million people worldwide do not receive the food they need on a regular basis, while 260 million people are suffering from a severe food crisis.
Global climate disasters are causing a decline of approximately 0.5 percent in the GDP growth of many countries.
Furthermore, rising food prices, volatility in fuel and fertilizer markets, and ongoing conflicts are increasing risks to food security.
Meanwhile, during a panel discussion on ‘Food Security in the Face of Crisis’ — held on the fourth day of the week-long IMF and World Bank meetings in Thailand last Thursday — experts discussed global food security, climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and the macroeconomic impact of these crises.
A report of the Global Hunger Index 2026 indicates that the goal of eradicating hunger by 2030 is becoming increasingly out of reach.
Another report by the World Food Programme (WFP) indicates that the number of people at risk of food insecurity in Bangladesh is rising.
The report states that between September and December, the number of people facing the risk of severe food insecurity could reach 18.1 million — an increase of 2.8 million compared to the beginning of the year.
Furthermore, because our dietary habits are heavily reliant on rice, there is a pronounced lack of balanced nutrition, even though rice production in Bangladesh has increased.
However, rampant inflation has eroded the real income of ordinary people, leaving them unable to purchase the food they need.
This reality is echoed in the observations of Jessie Wood, Head of the Country Programme at the World Food Programme (WFP) in Bangladesh.
We believe that to achieve the goal of creating a hunger-free world by 2030, it is essential to enhance our collective capacity.
Special attention must be paid to countries that are relatively lagging behind.
At the same time, the world must unite to mitigate the damage caused by climate change.
