UN warns Middle East military escalation risks plunging 8.8 million in Asia-Pacific8.8 million in Asia-Pacific into poverty

The United Nations Development Programme released reports on April 13-14, 2026, warning that ongoing military escalation in the Middle East, now in its sixth week despite a temporary ceasefire, could cost the Asia-Pacific region between $97 billion and $299 billion in output losses. This equals 0.3% to 0.8% of regional GDP, driven by surges in energy, food, and transport costs, with 8.8 million people at risk of falling into poverty, especially low-income households, informal workers, and women. Globally, the crisis threatens to push 32 million into poverty across 162 countries.

These economic shocks highlight vulnerabilities in energy-importing nations like those in South Asia, straining public budgets and social protections while disrupting supply chains for fertilizers and other essentials. The UNDP urges targeted cash transfers and subsidies over broad measures to shield the vulnerable, as prolonged disruptions could erase years of human development gains and spark food shortages.