Editorial: Headwinds

More than 735 million people suffered from hunger in 2024. Around 30 percent of the world’s population is affected by malnutrition or hunger. Even before the Swiss parliamentary budget cuts to development aid were made, the level of hunger was already scandalously high. Progress made in recent years has been undone by the deteriorating climate and biodiversity crisis, wars and conflicts and economic upheaval.

With the US government’s payment freeze on USAID, one third of global contributions for international cooperation and 40 percent of funding for humanitarian aid was lost at the beginning of 2025. This move has resulted in a huge increase in global need.

Hunger is not just a lack of food – it is a symptom of deep-rooted structural global injustices. And this is exactly why systemic solutions are needed. Agroecology has proven its worth as a comprehensive and scientifically sound concept. The success of this approach, which SWISSAID is systematically pursuing together with its alliance partners, gives hope in these difficult times.

SWISSAID is also feeling the headwinds in the fight against hunger and poverty. But we will not be discouraged. Thank you for joining us in our mission to create a more just world.