One in 11 people faced hunger around world in 2023, UN report shows

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One in 11 people faced hunger around world in 2023, UN report shows

2024-07-25 14:32 Last Updated At：22:27

A new report has shown that one in 11 people around the globe faced hunger last year with the total number rising considerably higher than the pre-pandemic figure of 2019.

The latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report published on Wednesday by five United Nations specialized agencies showed that between 713 million and 757 million people faced hunger in 2023, approximately 152 million more than the level of 2019 when compared to the mid-range of last year's estimate.

The report, launched during the G20 Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty Task Force First Ministerial Meeting in Brazil, warns that the world is significantly off track to achieve the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of 'Zero Hunger' by 2030.

A range of factors such as conflicts, climate change, and economic downturns are exacerbating food insecurity and malnutrition, which continues to worsen globally, the report says.

Highlighting the persistence of food insecurity, the report underscores that approximately 2.33 billion people faced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023, a figure largely unchanged since the peak in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking ahead, the report cautions that about 582 million people could suffer chronic undernourishment by 2030, with half of them expected to be in Africa.

"Sadly, this year, the SOFI is showing that the numbers have not changed from the previous years, basically, which were already [comes after] years where we have seen already the increase because of COVID-19. So what we are reporting this year is that we have between 713 million and 757 million people which are chronically undernourished, people facing hunger. This is one out of 11 people in the world are facing hunger," said Maximo Torero, chief economist of the FAO.

This year's report, themed "Financing to end hunger, food insecurity and all forms of malnutrition," emphasizes the need for increased and more cost-effective financing, calling for a clear and standardized definition of financing for food security and nutrition.

The report noted that achieving the Zero Hunger sustainable development goal requires a comprehensive approach, which includes transforming and strengthening agrifood systems, addressing inequalities, and ensuring affordable and accessible healthy diets for all.

The SOFI report, released annually since 1999, is jointly compiled by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Kenyan woman promotes China-Africa cultural exchanges

2024-09-07 22:43 Last Updated At：09-08 00:07

Ruth Wangui, a Kenyan lecturer working at Tianjin Normal University in north China, has played an active role in fostering better relations and mutual understanding between African and Chinese people, helping to break down cultural barriers.

Ruth's connection with China began in 2005 when she joined the Confucius Institute in Kenya's capital Nairobi. She later benefited from a cultural program launched by the educational institute and Tianjin Normal University in China.

Since graduation with a doctorate degree from Tianjin Normal University, Ruth has been working as a lecturer at the university's China-Africa Language and Cultural Exchange Center.

"I was the first Kenyan to represent Kenya in the Chinese Bridge competition in 2006. So, that was my starting point of coming to China. I had a one-year scholarship to study the language here. Then in 2007, I was lucky enough to get another scholarship to do my bachelor's degree," Ruth recalled.

Alongside her Chinese language studies, Ruth developed a keen interest in the country's culture.

"We were not only taught the language but we were also introduced to the cultural part of it. So, I started from the classroom and went on to do community learning as well. I participated in numerous competitions around the country," she said.

As an outstanding international student excelling in this area, Ruth was even invited to perform twice at the Spring Festival Gala, which is enjoyed by almost every Chinese household and one of the biggest galas in the world.

Regarding Tianjin Normal University, Ruth credits it with playing a key role in breaking cultural barriers between China and Africa. Now, she is also one of those actively involved in promoting Chinese-African cultural exchanges.

"Tianjin Normal University, for one, has been at the center point of China-Africa exchanges, owing to the Confucius Institute. So, it has been at the front of people-to-people exchanges," said the lecturer from Kenya.

In 2005, Tianjin Normal University partnered with the University of Nairobi to establish the first Confucius Institute in Africa. Since then, they have launched a series of combined Chinese teaching programs to cultivate talent.

"We have collaborated with the University of Nairobi to establish Chinese teaching majors, including 1+1 Masters and 2+2 Bachelors programs, working together on undergraduate, masters and doctoral training. Ruth is a typical representative of these efforts," said Gong Jinlong, president of Tianjin Normal University.

Ruth's experience also has a positive impact on other African students.

"I saw her participating in some of Chinese competitions, and she inspired me very much," said Ike Kitili, an African PhD student in public policy and governance at Tianjin Normal University.