UK Hosts a Global Food Security Summit to Spearhead Science and Innovation for a Hunger-Free Future

Dear Lion Helard Reader

The Global Food Security Summit kicked off Today in London. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed the UK's commitment to driving lasting change in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. The summit, attended by representatives from over 20 countries and co-hosted by the UK, Somalia, UAE, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, serves as a platform to address the urgent need for global food security solutions.

A key highlight of the summit was the unveiling of a new science center by the UK, where experts will focus on developing climate-resilient crops and assessing risks to global food systems. This virtual hub, led by CGIAR(the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research), a global research partnership dedicated to food security, aims to enhance the resilience of global food systems against future shocks in a changing climate. It will facilitate collaboration between UK scientists and international research initiatives, emphasizing the creation of crops resistant to climate change impacts and diseases.

Prime Minister Sunak urged the international community to address the root causes of food insecurity, emphasizing the importance of building resilient food systems and taking immediate action to prevent food crises and malnutrition. The UK's new international development white paper, unveiled at the summit, outlines a long-term approach to global food challenges, emphasizing collaboration with partner countries to tackle extreme poverty and climate change.

The white paper's priorities include mobilizing international finance, reforming the international system, promoting innovation, and prioritizing the role of women and girls. International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell emphasized the summit's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge science and innovative partnerships to create a healthier, more secure, and prosperous world.

The UK's support extends beyond research, with up to £100 million in humanitarian funding allocated to countries severely affected by food insecurity, including Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Malawi. This funding aims to address critical food and nutrition needs, particularly in regions grappling with climate-related cyclones and droughts.

Notably, the UK is actively involved in averting future food and nutrition crises in Somalia by enhancing resilience to climate shocks and strengthening health services. The summit also highlighted the UK's commitment to combating malnutrition, a contributing factor to 45% of child deaths globally. Additional support for the Child Nutrition Fund, totaling £16 million, will scale up efforts to promote breastfeeding, improve infant feeding and healthcare, and enhance monitoring to prevent severe child malnutrition.

The announcements made at the Global Food Security Summit underscore the UK's dedication to driving transformative change in global food security, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and targeted support to vulnerable communities around the world.

Fabrice Iranzi, Editor in Chief / Lion Herald

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