Developing nations offer creative solutions for tackling hunger, says Assembly President

General Assembly President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser. UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré

The President of the General Assembly today lauded the Global South-South Development Expo held in Rome as a strong testimony to the creativity of developing countries to achieve global food security.

“This year’s Expo has demonstrated the power of the Global South to respond quickly to development challenges and meet global needs for adequate food and nutrition,” he stated in remarks to the closing ceremony that were delivered by his Deputy Chef de Cabinet, Tariq Ali Al-Ansari.

“We can leave here today, knowing that the South-South spirit of striving for collective self-reliance is stronger than ever before,” he stated, noting that there have been many “dynamic” examples of successful solutions on display to address the pressing demand for food security.

“Documenting, showcasing and exchanging these solutions and lessons learned will allow for their scaling up and easy replication across the globe,” said Mr. Al-Nasser. “This is imperative for us to truly energise the agenda for South-South and triangular cooperation.”

South-South cooperation is based on solidarity among developing countries and links countries that have development solutions to share, with countries in need of expertise.

Representatives of countries, civil society, the private sector and UN agencies came together at the week-long Expo, hosted by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to share success stories from past and ongoing South-South partnerships, and explore new ideas and solutions for long-term and sustainable food security.

“During our time together, we have been reminded of the tremendous number of hungry people in the world, but we have also been encouraged by success stories shared from all over the world,” stated Mr. Al-Nasser.

“In many Southern countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America, these solutions and innovative partnerships have captured our interest and ignited our imagination.

“As we now prepare to go back to our homes and offices, it is also time to plan for the years ahead, envisioning how best we might translate the knowledge and experiences shared here into real, sustainable solutions,” he said.

“Achieving food security is our collective purpose moving on from this Expo.”

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> UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an intergovernmental organization and has 191 Member Nations, two associate members and one member organization, the European Union. Achieving food security for all is at the heart of FAO’s efforts – to make sure people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.

FAO’s mandate is to raise levels of nutrition, improve agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations and contribute to the growth of the world economy.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is working with its Members and the entire international community for achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

These eight goals – each with specific targets and indicators – are based on the United Nations Millennium Declaration, signed by world leaders in September 2000. They commit the international community to combating poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against women.

The eight Millennium Development Goals are:
Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education
Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women
Goal 4: Reduce child mortality
Goal 5: Improve maternal health
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability
Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development

* More information at UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

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> United Nations (UN).

The United Nations was established on 24 October 1945 by 51 countries committed to preserving peace through international cooperation and collective security. Today, nearly every nation in the world belongs to the UN: membership totals 192 countries.

When States become Members of the United Nations, they agree to accept the obligations of the UN Charter, an international treaty that sets out basic principles of international relations. According to the Charter, the UN has four purposes:

• to maintain international peace and security;
• to develop friendly relations among nations;
• to cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights;
• and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.

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* The above story is adapted from materials provided by United Nations (UN)
** More information at United Nations (UN)