Tackling threats to global food security…

–President Ali says, calls for global collaboration to address existing crisis

IN a compelling virtual speech at the World Food Forum, President Irfaan Ali emphasised the critical theme of “Good Food for All for Today and Tomorrow,” highlighting the urgent need to address the ongoing global food crisis.

President Ali began his address by acknowledging the profound sense of urgency embedded in this year’s theme.
“Today, threats to global food security loom large,” he said, underscoring how climate change and ongoing conflicts exacerbate the already precarious food situation.
“This year’s World Food Forum is not merely an opportunity to discuss these challenges; it is a call to action,” he stressed.

The World Food Forum (WFF) was launched in 2021 by the Youth Committee of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), as an independent network of partners. Hosted within FAO, it serves as the premier global platform to actively shape agri-food systems for a better food future, accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Through youth action, science and innovation and investment, the WFF forges new paths of action and multi-sector partnerships for agri-food impact at the local, regional and global levels to achieve a more sustainable, resilient, inclusive and hunger-free food future for all.

Dr. Ali’s address to the forum resonated with the realities of a world grappling with climate change, conflict, and deepening inequalities, calling for immediate action to ensure that every individual has access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable food now and in the future.

The President alluded to a significant global mission: the eradication of hunger by the end of this decade. However, he stressed that hunger is not simply a matter of scarcity; it is intrinsically linked to the systemic failures that prevent equitable access to food.

“We are already in a global food crisis,” he warned, revealing that over 700 million people go to bed hungry each night—a stark reminder of humanity’s failure to address one of its most basic needs.

“Even more alarming, nearly three billion people do not have access to healthy, nutritious diets, resulting in widespread malnutrition, preventable diseases and stunted development,” he noted.
Dr. Ali emphasised that the current food crisis is not a distant threat but a harsh reality unfolding now.

He noted that the exacerbating factors such as climate change, conflict, and economic inequalities demand immediate attention.
He articulated that if global leaders and stakeholders fail to reverse these trends, the devastating human costs will only continue to grow.

“If we cannot reverse this trend, the devastating human cost will only continue to grow, condemning millions to hunger, illness and premature deaths,” he warned.
Dr Ali added: “This is a crisis that we can and must address together. It would be an indictment on all of us if we fail to do so. I’m particularly concerned about the millions of innocent people in conflict zones without access to basic nourishments. They suffer not only from the trauma of conflict but also from the consequential deprivation of basic access to food and water.”

GUYANA’S COMMITMENT
He expressed Guyana’s unwavering commitment to standing with the global community in the pursuit of building more climate-resilient food ecosystems.
Drawing from the nation’s own experiences with rising sea levels and extreme weather events, Dr. Ali highlighted the pressing need for investment in resilient agricultural systems that can withstand the shocks of climate change.

He said: “We also know that no country can tackle these challenges alone. It requires global collaboration, significant investment and the need for a more rapid diffusion of innovative technologies. Guyana is transforming its agriculture sector by embracing sustainable practices and modern technology. We’re investing in climate smart agriculture and inviting partners from across the world to join us in making our region a model for sustainable and resilient farming.”

Central to this, he pointed out, is the energy and creativity of the country’s young people.
“They are destined to be the champions of new approaches that can increase productivity while minimising environmental impacts. However, achieving good food for all cannot be accomplished through words alone, it requires actions and partnerships that unite governments, the private sector, civil society, young people and women,” the President explained.

Dr. Ali emphasised the need to enhance food production, improve nutrition, and ensure that the advantages of a more efficient food system reach the most vulnerable populations.
He assured the world of Guyana’s commitment to collaborating with others to transform the vision of providing good food for everyone into a tangible reality.
President Ali urged collective action not only for individual benefit but also for the millions who rely on a united effort to create positive change in food security and nutrition.

“In doing so, we must understand that the food ecosystem is not just about agriculture alone. Agriculture is just but one component of the food eco-system. The food ecosystem must be able to address financing and the cost of financing, technology and access to technology, climate change and the consequential effect of climate change, changes in land fertility levels, nutrition and health programmes, trade and trade barriers,” Dr. Ali said.

He noted that in Guyana, there is an initiative aimed at increasing gender equity in agriculture. The plan, according to him, states that by 2030, at least 35 per cent of all farms and agribusinesses should be owned by women, with a goal for more than 50 per cent of these businesses to be owned by women and young people.

Dr. Ali reasoned: “This is important if we are to build sustainable, resilient agro-businesses. We have to ensure that women and young people are central to the development. For this to happen, we have to invest in the technology, we have to make agriculture more attractive.”