For the first time, the leaders of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Caritas Internationalis, and World Vision International have co-signed a joint open letter calling on governments, multilateral institutions, and faith communities to act urgently on global hunger and malnutrition. The letter brings together three of the world’s largest faith-based organisations in a common public stand.
“Hunger amid abundance is a moral failure,” the letter reads. “No one should suffer or die, especially children, because political decisions prioritise war, division, and short-term interests over human life and the common good.”
The letter identifies conflict, displacement, economic instability, and climate shocks as the principal drivers of a crisis that has left approximately 318 million people facing crisis-level hunger in 2026 so far, according to the Global Report on Food Crises 2026. An estimated 673 million people – 8.2% of the global population – experienced hunger in 2024, according to the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025.
“Today, hunger is not caused by a lack of food. The world continues to produce more than enough to feed every child, woman and man. Yet millions are being pushed deeper into hunger and malnutrition because of conflict, displacement, economic instability and climate shocks. Children and women are paying the highest price for failures they did not create.”
“The global hunger crisis is not inevitable. It is the result of choices — and different choices are possible.
“As churches and faith-based organizations, we reaffirm our commitment to walk alongside communities affected by hunger, advocate for just and sustainable food systems, and work together for a world where every child can grow, flourish and live free from hunger and malnutrition.“When Jesus landed and saw the large crowd, he had compassion on them…” then turning to his disciples, he said, “You give them something to eat.” (Matthew 14:14-16)
“Together, we must ensure that there is enough for all.”