TAORMINA, 30 May, 2017: RESULTS UK welcomes the focus on food security and nutrition and in particular the reaffirmed G7 commitment to lift 500 million people in developing countries out of hunger and malnutrition by 2030 recently agreed by G7 leaders in Taormina.
Enough food does not necessarily ensure enough nutritious food. Malnutrition, in all its forms, continues to threaten the survival and thriving potential of millions worldwide; particularly amongst women and children. This is why all efforts to improve food security must prioritise improving nutrition.
Aaron Oxley, RESULTS Executive Director said: “Tackling hunger and malnutrition is one of the great challenges of our time. With famine decimating parts of Africa and the Middle East, and the silent crisis of stunting holding back growth and prosperity worldwide, global leaders need to act now, not later.”
“We are encouraged to see the G7 leaders prioritise hunger and malnutrition in their communique today, but what happens next is what really matters. We now urge world leaders to come together and hold a public pledging moment where they can turn these promises into well-funded action.”
As the world currently stands at the brink of an unprecedented four famines, more than 20 million are at risk of starvation and death. RESULTS supports the emphasis in the communiqué to mobilise humanitarian assistance to address this crisis. However, short-term humanitarian efforts must be accompanied by a long-term plan to address underlying food and nutrition insecurity, including addressing climate change.
Amy Whalley, Head of Policy at RESULTS UK says, ““The G7 must demonstrate concrete steps towards reversing the impacts of climate change with a clear focus on policies to protect the poorest from climate induced loss and damage. Without action on climate change, food insecurity will undermine all our efforts to improve nutrition, save lives, and eliminate extreme poverty”.
As the Leaders’ summit draws to a close, it is vital that the G7 leaders convert their words and commitments into measurable action, without which the goal to end extreme poverty will remain beyond our reach.
Notes to the Editor:
For further information, please contact Tom Maguire, Communications Manager on [email protected] or 020 7793 3970.
RESULTS UK is a movement of passionate, committed, everyday people who together use their voices to influence political decisions that will bring an end to poverty. For more information please visit www.results.org.uk.