Hunger in the World : FAO Calls for General Mobilization to Eradicate it

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), more than 730 million people suffer from hunger worldwide, due to natural or anthropogenic disasters, conflicts, repeated climate disruptions, inequalities, and economic recessions. Malnutrition is also a major problem, affecting over 2.8 billion people who do not have access to healthy food.

On the occasion of World Food Day, which this year has the theme “The Right to Food for a Better Life and Future”, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu is advocating for the realization of the “right to food”, a fundamental right that should guarantee everyone access to healthy, nutritious, and accessible food.

It is a well-established fact. Global agriculture produces enough to feed the entire population. Yet, hunger persists and affects millions of people, mainly in developing countries. The reasons are multiple: conflicts, climate change, inequalities, and limited access to healthy and varied food. And yet, the right to food is a fundamental right recognized by the United Nations. It guarantees every individual the right to access sufficient, healthy, and nutritious food to lead a healthy and active life. This right is at the heart of FAO’s concerns, which, under Qu Dongyu’s leadership, is calling for a general mobilization to make it a reality. “The right to food is a fundamental human right, essential for the dignity and health of every individual,” declared Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

According to the FAO, more than 730 million people suffer from hunger worldwide, due to natural or anthropogenic disasters, conflicts, repeated climate disruptions, inequalities, and economic recessions. Malnutrition is also a major problem, affecting over 2.8 billion people who do not have access to healthy food. “The FAO is striving to make this right a reality, despite the challenges,” said Mr. Qu Dongyu. “We are working to rebuild agricultural infrastructure, ensure the availability and accessibility of food, and promote medium- and long-term food security and nutrition.”

The FAO has launched several initiatives to achieve these objectives, including the “Hand in Hand” initiative, “One Country, One Priority Product”, the Blue Economy, and technical cooperation programs. FAO-funded school meal programs are also essential in combating malnutrition and changing eating habits. “Young people are particularly concerned, as a secure food future is part of their rights,” said Mr. Qu Dongyu. “We must work together to build more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems that respect everyone’s right to varied and nutritious food.”

The FAO is calling for collective action to ensure food security and nutrition for all. Governments, the private sector, universities, and civil society must work together to transform global agri-food systems. Science and innovation can play a crucial role in this transformation.

The FAO reiterates its commitment to building more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems that respect everyone’s right to varied and nutritious food. Together, we can get back on track to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The right to food is a crucial issue for a better future, and it is essential that we work together to promote food security and nutrition.

Elvis Serge NS

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