In her speech to heads of state, ministers and international partners, Annalena Baerbock, President of the United Nations General Assembly, said that today’s hunger crisis is not the result of scarcity, but rather the result of inequality, conflict and policy choices.
Last year, more than 670 million people suffered from hunger, and 2.3 billion people faced moderate or severe food insecurity. “This means billions are wondering where their next meal will come from. Parents having to see their children go to bed hungry,She said.
This is happening in a world that wastes more than a billion meals every day.
“The hunger crisis is not a lack of food. It is completely preventable,She emphasized, citing failures in access, affordability and social protection.
The meeting was held as Doha hosts the Second World Summit for Social Development, where nearly 14,000 participants will discuss how to strengthen social systems, expand opportunities and reduce inequality.
As the planet heats up, hunger is spreading
Ms. Baerbock highlighted climate change as an accelerating driver of hunger. Referring to a recent visit she made to the Sahel, she described fertile lands turning to dust as temperatures rose and rainfall decreased. “This is the new front line for food insecurity,” she said.
It warned that if global warming continues unchecked, up to 1.8 billion additional people could face food insecurity. But limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C, supported by investments in adaptation and resilience, could prevent millions from falling into poverty.
Launched under Brazil’s G20 presidency in 2024, the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty now includes nearly 200 members – more than 100 countries, regional organizations, international agencies and civil society groups. Monday’s meeting was the first at the leaders’ level, and aims to accelerate practical cooperation, from expanding social protection to promoting climate-resilient agriculture.
“In a world of plenty – where there should be enough food – ensuring that everyone, everywhere has enough food is entirely possible,said Mrs. Burbock.A world free of hunger and poverty is not an unattainable aspiration. It’s within reach, if we figure it out together.“
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