Global Alliance Against Hunger Launched at G20 Summit
On November 18, 2024, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva officially launched the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty during the G20 summit held in Rio de Janeiro. This initiative, which aims to tackle the urgent issue of hunger affecting millions worldwide, has garnered support from 82 signatory countries, along with the European Union, the African Union, and numerous international organizations and NGOs. Lula emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, "It is up to those around this table to take on the urgent task of eradicating this scourge that shames humanity."
The ambitious goal of the Alliance is to reach half a billion people by 2030, addressing the stark reality that 733 million individuals were suffering from hunger in 2023, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Lula highlighted that hunger is not merely a result of scarcity but a consequence of political decisions that perpetuate exclusion. He called for a united effort to mobilize financial resources and replicate successful local initiatives to combat this global crisis.
Among the commitments made, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) pledged $25 billion to support programs aimed at reducing hunger and poverty from 2025 to 2030. The Alliance will focus on initiatives such as early childhood nutrition, free school meals, and support for small farmers. Notably, Nigeria plans to double its school meals program, while Indonesia is set to launch a new initiative to provide meals to millions of schoolchildren by 2029.
Pope Francis Supports the Alliance
Pope Francis, represented by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, expressed strong support for the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. In a message delivered at the G20 summit, the Pope emphasized the need for a long-term vision to combat malnutrition and called for the redirection of military spending towards development initiatives aimed at eradicating hunger. He described the acceptance of famine as a "scandalous injustice" and reiterated that food is an inalienable right.
The Pope's message highlighted the importance of collaborative action among governments, international organizations, and society to effectively address hunger and poverty. He pointed out that the eradication of malnutrition cannot be achieved solely by increasing food production, as there is already enough food to feed the global population; rather, the focus should be on equitable distribution and reducing food waste. The ongoing conflicts and wars were also noted as significant contributors to famine and poverty, underscoring the need for peace and stability to restore human dignity.
The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty represents a significant step towards addressing one of the most pressing issues facing humanity today. As Lula and global leaders rally support for this initiative, the world watches closely to see if this coalition can make a meaningful impact in the fight against hunger and poverty.
