Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly

18 July 2022

 

Excellencies,

 

I thank everyone involved for a very productive discussion on coordinating an effective international response to the global food security crisis.

 

It was my honor to co-convene this event, in partnership with the Committee on World Food-Security.

 

I thank the Executive Office of the Secretary-General for their generous assistance in organizing the event.

 

My friends,

 

As we have repeatedly emphasized throughout our discussions, the world is at a critical point, as multiple serious challenges converge.

 

These challenges have put humanity in a precarious condition, and severely affected our food security.

 

As prices continue to rise, as supply chains remain disrupted, as conflicts and crises continue to proliferate and plunge millions into poverty, adequate food and nutrition becomes more expensive and less accessible for much of the global community.

 

As I have previously mentioned, even prior to 2020, we were already falling short of meeting our food security targets, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 2 – a world of zero hunger, by 2030.

 

However, the multiple global shocks which have occurred over the past two years have monumentally added to our difficulties.

 

Yet, that is precisely why we need to approach the issue of food security with fresh resolve. It would be a stain on our conscience to stand idly by as millions more fell victim to hunger and malnutrition.

 

I am heartened that our discussions have captured the urgency of the issue, and have shed light on solutions, and on how we can coordinate better globally to implement those solutions.

 

Going forward, let us not waste time.

 

Let us match our words with substantive action – for the sake of the millions of our fellow human beings that are at this very moment starving and malnourished.

 

And let us do so with a deeper commitment to multilateralism. Because only together can we alleviate hunger and malnutrition, and the ongoing crises and inequalities that contribute to these ills.

 

Rest assured that I stand ready to support your efforts in any capacity I can.

 

By mobilizing our collective resources, and the necessary political will, we can achieve our shared vision of a world without hunger and malnutrition. 

 

Thank you.