Brazil Triumphs Over Hunger and Scales Up Global Leadership in 2025

Brazil achieved a landmark milestone in 2025 by being officially removed from the United Nations' Mapa da Fome (Hunger Map), marking the nation's successful eradication of hunger two years ahead of schedule. This accomplishment was announced by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in July 2025 and was based on a triennial average from 2022 to 2024 showing that less than 2.5% of Brazil's population suffered from undernourishment.

The significant reduction came after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's third presidential term pledged to eliminate hunger, addressing a critical spike in food insecurity symbolized by the "fila do osso" in 2022. By 2024, Brazil had lowered hunger rates to historic lows, lifting 26.5 million people out of hunger in the prior two years, with severe food insecurity affecting only 3.2% of households. This progress resulted from comprehensive government policies focused on poverty reduction, job creation, and support for family agriculture.

Central to this achievement was the expansion of the National Food and Nutritional Security System (Sisan), which grew to include over 2,000 municipalities and achieved 91.7% coverage in large cities. Additionally, Brazil approved the III National Food and Nutritional Security Plan, organizing 18 strategies and 219 initiatives to guarantee access to adequate food nationwide. The ongoing Plano Brasil Sem Fome aims to further deepen action against poverty and food insecurity, contributing to Brazil's best income levels and largest reductions in poverty and inequality in three decades, according to the Institute for Applied Economic Research (Ipea).

Internationally, Brazil amplified its leadership by spearheading the First Leaders Meeting of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, engaging over 200 members—including 107 countries and organizations—in efforts to combat hunger and inequality globally. Minister Wellington Dias, co-chairing the Alliance, underscored that "hunger and poverty are not inevitable," emphasizing political responsibility in eradicating these issues. Brazil showcased its successful social protection models at the Second Social Development Summit in Doha and further strengthened South-South cooperation by sharing expertise with African and Latin American countries.

Brazil also played a pivotal role as host of COP30 in Belém, where over 40 countries signed the Belém Declaration focusing on hunger, poverty, and climate action as interconnected challenges. Regionally, Brazil consolidated its social development leadership through the VI Regional Conference in Latin America and the Caribbean and its presidency of Mercosul. These international initiatives demonstrate Brazil's commitment to driving inclusive policies that go beyond its borders.

The coordinated domestic and international efforts of 2025 have not only eradicated hunger within Brazil but also positioned the country as a key global actor in promoting food security and social justice worldwide.