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Geneva, Switzerland, September 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Today, 42 companies pledged a pledge of $ 345 million to help end world hunger in a new initiative led by key international organizations. The Zero hunger Private sector Commitment is a revolutionary solution resulting from the lines of action of the United Nations Summit on Food Systems (UNFSS). It recognizes that governments cannot eradicate hunger on their own and need greater private sector involvement. To date, commitments have been made in 34 priority countries. The commitment is supported by a network of partners, including the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Grow Africa, Grow Asia, the World Benchmarking Alliance, the World Food Program, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), and the United Nations Agricultural Organization (FAO) and Cornell University.
Global hunger continues to rise, with up to 811 million hungry people worldwide in 2020 suffering because they lack access to the most basic needs and the basic right to food . But there is a roadmap to ending world hunger. Additional investments in 10 high impact areas can put hunger on the history books.
“Today, one in ten people go to bed hungry and millions are on the brink of starvation. This is happening in a world that has enough food to feed everyone, everywhere. It is time to end this suffering. But to be successful, WFP and the wider community need the creativity, energy and commitment of the private sector. Through the Zero Hunger Pledge initiative, businesses around the world can join us and make a real difference by giving food, hope and a better future to those in need. them the most. “
~ David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Program (WFP)
Although this financial investment must come mainly from governments, public spending will not be sufficient. This is why the UNFSS has proposed a revolutionary solution to mobilize more investment from the private sector as a catalytic contributor to the achievement of zero hunger. Companies make a financial commitment in at least one of the 10 high-impact intervention areas identified in the Ceres2030 findings and in at least one of the priority countries or regions.
“What we’re seeing with the Pledge is that the private sector is stepping up to become a bigger part of the solution. This is a game-changing approach to solving one of the most challenging challenges. urgent and oldest facing humanity. ”
~ Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, GAIN
With a commitment level so far standing at $ 345 million, implementing organizations are confident that more companies will join the fight against zero hunger. The pledge officially kicks off on Tuesday, September 21 at 10:00 a.m. EDT / 4:00 p.m. CEST.
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The Private sector Zero Hunger Commitment is a multi-stakeholder platform of cooperation and action with one goal of ending hunger for good. It involves companies supported by civil society, governments of member states and international organizations.
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Edwin Shankar, Media Relations, [email protected]
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