In 2024, over 295 million people in 53 countries faced acute food insecurity, an increase of nearly 14 million from the previous year. This alarming rise is attributed to ongoing conflicts, economic shocks, extreme weather events, and forced displacement.
Austria, through the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), is actively involved in development cooperation to address this global challenge. The ADA has been supporting sustainable development in countries across Africa, Asia, and Southeastern and Eastern Europe since 2004.
A notable example of this commitment is the partnership between the ADA and Donau Soja. In April 2024, they continued their collaboration through the Strategic Partnership Program. The aim is to strengthen the agricultural and food sector in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, and Ukraine through sustainable, traceable, and non-GMO production. This initiative promotes job creation and contributes to poverty reduction in the region.
Furthermore, the ADA welcomed Bernd Brünner as its new Managing Director in June 2025. Under his leadership, the agency will continue to implement projects aimed at improving living conditions in partner countries. Despite these efforts, global food security remains a pressing challenge, necessitating continued international cooperation to combat hunger and ensure food security worldwide.