The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed on 24 April 2026 that Minister Jenny Chapman outlined the UK’s response to worsening global hunger at the launch of the Global Report on Food Crises.
The speech was delivered in London on 24 April 2026 during a high-level event marking the tenth edition of the Global Report on Food Crises, bringing together international partners, policymakers and humanitarian organisations focused on global food security.
The statement addressed rising levels of severe hunger, highlighting the role of conflict, economic disruption and climate pressures, while setting out the UK’s approach to improving coordination and strengthening resilience in affected regions.
Global report highlights worsening hunger trends
The Global Report on Food Crises identifies a continued rise in severe hunger and food insecurity across multiple regions. It highlights increasing pressure on global systems as humanitarian needs grow faster than response capacity.
- Report milestone: tenth edition of the Global Report on Food Crises released
- Trend: rising number of people facing severe hunger worldwide
Conflict identified as primary driver of food insecurity
The report and ministerial remarks emphasise conflict as the leading cause of hunger globally, with ongoing instability disrupting production, trade and livelihoods and contributing to prolonged food insecurity in affected regions.
Economic and climate pressures intensify crisis conditions
Rising fuel and fertiliser costs, combined with climate-related shocks, are increasing pressure on food systems and contributing to higher prices and reduced access to essential resources for vulnerable populations.
Strait of Hormuz disruption raises global supply concerns
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz was identified as a recent development affecting global supply chains, contributing to rising costs and heightened risks for countries dependent on imported fuel and fertiliser.
- Supply impact: increased fuel and fertiliser prices
- Exposure: higher risks for import-dependent regions
UK approach focuses on early intervention and resilience
The UK highlighted the need to act earlier in addressing food insecurity by strengthening systems and investing in resilience, with the approach designed to prevent crises from escalating into humanitarian emergencies.
Targeting resources and improving coordination
The statement outlined the importance of using forecasts and evidence to direct resources more effectively, while stressing the need for coordinated action across organisations to reduce inefficiencies.
Long-term investment and political engagement required
The minister emphasised the importance of shifting from short-term responses to long-term solutions. This includes addressing underlying causes of food insecurity and improving political and institutional coordination.
Global Hunger Indicators Overview
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Severe hunger levels | Increasing | Driven by conflict and prolonged crises affecting multiple regions |
| Food system pressure | Rising | Linked to economic shocks and climate-related disruptions |
| Response capacity | Strained | Growing needs exceeding available humanitarian resources |
International partnerships and coordinated response efforts
The UK reaffirmed its commitment to working with global partners, including governments and international institutions. Collaborative approaches were highlighted as essential to addressing the scale of the crisis.
Response Strategy Focus Areas
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Early intervention | Expanded | Focus on identifying risks before escalation |
| Resource targeting | Improving | Use of data and forecasts to guide funding decisions |
| Partnership coordination | Strengthened | Increased collaboration across international actors |
Ministerial Comments
Jenny Chapman, Minister for Development said;
“Conflict remains a leading cause of hunger and malnutrition, disrupting production, trade and livelihoods while increasing global vulnerability.”
“We must act earlier, invest in resilience and coordinate more effectively to reduce human suffering and prevent future crises.”
The UK government has outlined a coordinated response to rising global hunger, focusing on early intervention, resilience and improved international cooperation.
The Global Report on Food Crises highlights growing pressures from conflict, economic disruption and climate factors, reinforcing the need for sustained partnerships and long-term investment to address the underlying causes of food insecurity.
Sources: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Baroness Chapman of Darlington.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
