UNITED NATION: The world is facing a dire global hunger crisis, leaving over 700 million individuals uncertain about when or if they will have their next meal.
The demand for food is escalating unabated, while humanitarian funding is dwindling, according to the head of the United Nations food agency.
Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Program (WFP), conveyed to the U.N. Security Council the harsh reality of having to reduce food rations for millions due to insufficient funding. She emphasized that further reductions in assistance are imminent, illustrating the pressing need for immediate action.
We are confronted with concurrent and prolonged crises that will continually drive global humanitarian needs, McCain remarked. This is the new reality for the humanitarian community — a reality we must navigate for years to come.
McCain underlined that almost 47 million people across more than 50 countries are just one step away from famine, with a staggering 45 million children under the age of 5 enduring acute malnutrition. WFP estimates reveal that in 79 countries where the agency operates, up to 783 million people, or one in 10 of the global population, go to bed hungry every night. Shockingly, over 345 million people are grappling with high levels of food insecurity in the present year, signifying an increase of nearly 200 million compared to early 2021 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The root causes of this escalating crisis, as per the WFP, are a lethal combination of conflict, economic shocks, climate extremes, and soaring fertilizer prices. The economic repercussions of the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine have propelled food prices out of reach for millions worldwide. Concurrently, high fertilizer prices have led to reduced production of essential crops such as maize, rice, soybeans, and wheat.
The need for an urgent and comprehensive response was emphasized during the council meeting, focusing on humanitarian public-private partnerships. Cindy McCain urged business leaders to join hands in addressing hunger and poverty effectively, emphasizing not only financial assistance but also innovative solutions to aid the world’s neediest.
Michael Miebach, CEO of Mastercard, stressed that the private sector can contribute significantly beyond financial donations, utilizing its expertise to enhance infrastructure and innovate new approaches. He emphasized that businesses should engage in partnerships with the public sector to tackle the prevailing challenges effectively.
Jared Cohen, president of global affairs at Goldman Sachs, highlighted the immense revenue and workforce strength of multinational companies, emphasizing their responsibility to support humanitarian efforts during crises. He advocated for collaboration and leveraging institutional memory to respond swiftly and effectively.
Lana Nusseibeh, the United Arab Emirates ambassador, pointed out the funding gap in humanitarian appeals and stressed the increasing importance of public-private partnerships in this scenario. She shared the UAE’s efforts in developing digital platforms and humanitarian logistics hubs to enhance international support in times of natural disasters.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield acknowledged the generosity of businesses in aiding humanitarian causes but emphasized the need for a more holistic and collaborative approach. She highlighted the necessity for the public sector to harness the expertise and capabilities of the private sector to drive actionable solutions.
