Norway provides NOK 1.7 billion to the World Food Programme to combat hunger and humanitarian need
Press release | Date: 29/04/2026 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust today signed a new four-year agreement with the World Food Programme (WFP), committing NOK 1.72 billion to help people affected by hunger. The funding will contribute to saving lives at a time when the number of people facing acute food insecurity is at a record high.
According to WFP, around 320 million people worldwide are living in a situation of acute hunger. The number of people affected has risen sharply since the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside a historically high level of armed conflict.
‘The world is in the midst of a hunger crisis driven by war, conflict and climate change. As needs increase, it is crucial that the international community steps up. WFP is the backbone of the global humanitarian food system. Through this support, Norway is helping to save lives in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions,’ said Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust.
Global hunger crisis exacerbated by war and budget cuts
Five years after the World Food Programme was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to combat hunger and humanitarian need, the organisation is now facing an extremely challenging situation. In recent years, WFP has had to manage a 40 per cent reduction in its budget, while global humanitarian needs are at an unprecedented level.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that a continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global food security crisis. WFP is warning of increasing humanitarian need in the year ahead.
‘When energy crises and disruptions to trade drive up food prices, the poorest are the first and hardest hit. Gas is the most important input in the production of mineral fertilisers. Many small-scale farmers in Africa can no longer access fertiliser, leading to lower yields. This is why it is crucial that the World Food Programme can continue its life-saving work,’ said Aukrust.
Norwegian core funding strengthens WFP’s preparedness
Norway’s support is provided as core funding, giving WFP the flexibility to act rapidly where needs are greatest.
Norwegian core funding helps ensure that WFP has the flexibility to deploy assistance where it is most urgently needed. As a result of budget cuts, WFP has laid off 6,000 staff members in a short period. Norwegian support nevertheless contributes to enabling WFP to maintain the capacity to plan, prepare and deliver life-saving assistance when crises escalate.