UN warns: Triple Crisis Could Push Millions Back into Poverty

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) issued the warning ahead of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok this week. Alexander De Croo, the UNDP's administrator, called for "solidarity and global action" from the international community [1].

The three crises are hitting developing countries simultaneously. High energy costs are straining budgets. El Niño—a climate pattern that causes extreme weather including droughts and floods—is damaging crops and food supplies in vulnerable regions. And rising borrowing costs are making it harder for poorer nations to manage their debts [1].

The debt burden alone is staggering. Developing countries paid nearly $1 trillion in debt interest in 2025, according to the United Nations Trade and Development body (UNCTAD). In 51 developing countries, interest costs now exceed spending on health or education [2].

The warning highlights the growing pressure on poorer nations as they struggle with costs they did little to create [1].

In Sudan, civilians are facing a similar combination of crises. The United Nations reports that ongoing violence and severe climate shocks are putting millions of people at risk. Families are being forced to flee their homes while also facing droughts and floods [3].

Aid groups warn that the situation is getting worse and are calling for urgent help to protect civilians and get them basic supplies. The UN urges all sides to stop the fighting so that relief efforts can reach those in need [3].

Meanwhile, in the central Sahel region of Africa, the United Nations warned Friday of a growing displacement crisis. Nearly four million people have been forced to leave their homes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger [4].

The combined pressures of conflict, climate shocks, and economic strain are creating a deepening humanitarian emergency across vulnerable regions.