Ending Conflict Is Number One Thing to Reduce Hunger
Provpnmatrix.com – Ending conflict is number one thing the world can do to reduce hunger, according to newly appointed World Food Programme Executive Director Luke Lindberg. Speaking at his first press conference at UN Headquarters in New York, he said violence remains a central cause of food crises and must be addressed alongside humanitarian assistance.
Conflict is connected to two thirds of the acute food insecurity affecting 266 million people worldwide, Lindberg said. When fighting forces people from their homes, disrupts harvests, damages transport routes and closes markets, families can lose both their food supplies and their ability to earn an income.
“Conflict is a man-made situation. It is something that we can solve.”
Peace and humanitarian access can reduce hunger
Lindberg argued that ending conflict is number one thing for reducing global hunger because it can restore safer conditions for farming, trade and aid delivery. He said a reduction in violence would directly improve the ability of communities and humanitarian organizations to respond to growing needs.
Climate pressures are also worsening food insecurity. El Niño could place an additional 49 million people in acute food insecurity, he said. Disrupted supply chains can further complicate efforts to move food and essential items to communities facing hunger.
The new WFP chief said the agency needs practical execution rather than sweeping statements. His priorities include protecting staff, strengthening relationships with donors and improving the effectiveness of daily operations.
“[We do not need] big platitudes or big announcements” but execution.
Protecting aid workers and preventing famine
Humanitarian personnel working in dangerous environments remain a major concern. More than 700 aid workers have been killed in recent years while trying to help people in crisis, Lindberg said. He pledged to support WFP staff and to speak out when humanitarians are attacked.
“Nobody should lose their life trying to save somebody else’s.”
Preparedness will remain part of WFP’s approach before emergencies escalate. Lindberg said the organization will continue investing in anticipatory action, including artificial intelligence and other tools that can help forecast needs and enable faster assistance. He also said WFP would “go big” on school meals.
Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia are among the operations receiving immediate attention. Lindberg said his short-term goal is clear: “In the short run, it’s no more famines.” His first overseas trip as Executive Director will be to Sudan, where he plans to thank teams working under exceptionally difficult conditions.
Gaza also remains a serious concern. WFP has access to bring in food, Lindberg said, but funding shortages are forcing the agency to reduce its work. The situation shows why access, resources and safety must all be available if food assistance is to reach people at the necessary scale.
Donor support remains essential
Ending conflict is number one thing for long-term hunger reduction, but humanitarian operations also depend on reliable funding. Lindberg noted that the United States remains WFP’s largest contributor and that private-sector support has increased. Sustained partnerships will be essential for the agency to respond to emergencies while helping communities become more resilient.
Frequently asked questions
Why does conflict cause hunger? Armed violence can force families to flee, interrupt planting and harvesting, damage infrastructure, restrict trade and make it unsafe for aid organizations to reach people in need.
Which places are currently a priority for WFP? Lindberg identified Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia as operations requiring particular attention, while also highlighting serious hunger concerns in Gaza.
How can WFP act before a food crisis worsens? The agency invests in preparedness and anticipatory action, using tools such as artificial intelligence to identify risks earlier and support faster assistance.
