Dangerous levels of acute hunger affected 281.6 million people in 59 countries and regions last year - the fifth year in a row that food insecurity has worsened, UN agencies warned on Wednesday.
According to the latest Global Report on Food Crises, the number of people facing severe food insecurity around the world increased by nearly 24 million in 2023 compared to 2022, the fifth consecutive year of growth, making it an urgent challenge to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of eradicating hunger by 2030.
More than one in five people in 59 countries and regions faced acute food insecurity in 2023, up from about one in 10 people in 48 countries in 2016.
The report notes that regional conflicts have become a major cause of potential famine, as the food crisis in conflict hotspots escalates dramatically in 2023, particularly in the Gaza Strip and Sudan. The report says that the only way to save Gaza from famine is to ensure that enough food supply is brought into the area on a daily basis.
Economic shocks have pushed more than 75 million people into severe food insecurity. Despite declining international food prices, persistent inflation in some countries has eroded the purchasing power of poor households, and high levels of public debt has also strained governments' policy space to tackle inflation.
In addition, the report notes that extreme weather events have exposed 72 million people in 18 countries to severe food insecurity. Many countries face long recovery periods after droughts or floods. The report predicts that the full impact of the El Niño phenomenon, which peaked earlier this year, on food supplies could last a full year.
The number of people assisted and the rations of food aid are also downsizing as humanitarian fund aid is contracting and delivery costs are rising, exacerbating the precipice.
Acute hunger affects 281.6 mln people worldwide last year: UN report
Montargis, a scenic town in central France, carries important prints of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in its early days as it hosted Chinese students under a work-study program a century ago, who later played key roles in China's revolution and reform.
Located about 100 kilometers south of Paris and accessible via an hour's train ride, Montargis is affectionately known as "Little Venice" for its picturesque rivers and canals, blending natural beauty with profound historical significance.
In 1919, following World War I, hundreds of progressive young Chinese came to France to learn about Western culture and politics through a work-study program. While many stayed in Paris and Lyon, a group of them settled in Montargis, where they engaged with Marxist ideas, gaining popularity in France at the time.
Among these students were future Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, leader Deng Xiaoping, and early CPC leader Cai Hesen. Their experiences in France profoundly shaped their later contributions to Chinese revolution and governance.
A century later, the connection between France and China was commemorated with the opening of the Historical Museum of French-Chinese Friendship in an old house at the town's center.
"A hundred years ago, these young people sought to change China and the world," said Wang Peiwen, the museum's curator.
The museum now serves as a hub for cultural exchanges, preserving the enduring legacy of those bygone days.
Strolling through Montargis, the town's rich history with China is ever-present, with several monuments and memorials commemorating its extraordinary role.
A square in the town is even named after Deng Xiaoping, while a bronze memorial commemorating the work-study program outside the railway station is a constant reminder of the town's links to modern China. It's a legacy the people here are determined to keep alive.
"I strongly support friendship between our cities and between our people, because we want peace. We are currently working on accelerating and promoting exchanges between young people, young musicians, and high schoolers," said Benoit Digeon, mayor of Montargis.
French town carries early prints of CPC
