Rio de Janeiro [Brazil], November 19: The G20 Summit held in Brazil concluded with the release of the ‘G20 Rio de Janeiro Leaders’ Declaration’, addressing pressing global challenges. A cornerstone of the declaration is the establishment of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, aimed at mobilizing resources and sharing knowledge to combat hunger and poverty effectively.
The declaration emphasized the setbacks caused by COVID-19 in the fight against hunger and poverty and called for stronger global commitments to counter these twin crises.
“The world produces more than enough food to eradicate hunger. Collectively, we do not lack knowledge nor resources to fight poverty and defeat hunger. In light of this, we have launched the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and welcome its innovative approach to mobilizing finance and knowledge sharing to support the implementation of country-led, country-owned, large-scale, and evidence-based programs aiming at reducing hunger and poverty worldwide,” the declaration stated.
Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty
The alliance invites countries, international organizations, multilateral development banks, knowledge centers, and philanthropic institutions to work together to eradicate hunger, reduce inequalities, and revitalize global partnerships for sustainable development.
The alliance will focus on proven strategies such as:
- Cash transfer programs.
- Development of homegrown school feeding initiatives.
- Improved access to microfinance and formal financial systems.
- Strengthening social protection systems tailored to national contexts.
“The Alliance champions proven strategies such as cash transfers, development of homegrown school feeding programs, improving access to microfinance and the formal financial system and social protection, among other strategies that can be adapted to each country’s national circumstances,” the declaration added.
Addressing Global Crises
The declaration expressed profound concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and escalation in Lebanon, emphasizing the urgency of expanding humanitarian assistance and ensuring the protection of civilians.
“We demand the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale,” the statement emphasized.
On the war in Ukraine, the G20 reaffirmed its concerns regarding its impact on global food and energy security, inflation, and supply chains.
“We welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace, upholding all the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter for the promotion of peaceful, friendly, and good neighborly relations among nations,” the declaration stated.
Leaders’ Commitments
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, during the launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, expressed sorrow over the prevalence of hunger and urged global leaders to take swift and collective action.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Brazil’s initiative, emphasizing the significant impact of the food, fuel, and fertilizer crises on the Global South. Modi underscored the importance of prioritizing the concerns of these vulnerable regions.
“We support Brazil’s initiative for a ‘Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.’ This is an important step towards the implementation of the Deccan High-Level Principles for Food Security, adopted at the New Delhi Summit,” PM Modi said.
