The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2019 (SOFI 2019) was presented today to a Geneva audience by FAO, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO). The official worlwide launch of the report took place on 15 July during a special event at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York.

SOFI 2019 is an important measure of global progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger. It gives an updated estimate of the number of hungry people in the world, including regional and national breakdowns, and the latest data on child stunting and wasting as well as on adult and child obesity. The report also offers analysis of the drivers of hunger and malnutrition, and this year includes a special focus on the impact of economic slowdowns and downturns.

The Geneva 23 July briefing featured a presentation by Ms Cindy Holleman, Senior Economist at FAO and Coordinator of the 2019 report, followed by a short address from each partner agency represented by Ms Meritxel Relaño, Director, UNICEF Geneva Office of Emergency Programmes, Ms Gordana Jerger, Director, WFP Geneva Office, and Dr Francesco Branca, Director, WHO Nutrition for Health and Development Department.