PM Abiy advocates for savvy vision to achieve zero hunger worldwide

Addis Ababa, November 7, 2024 (FBC) – In his closing remarks at the final session of the World Without Hunger Conference this morning, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that hunger is not an isolated issue but it requires unified and relentless global response.

The closing ceremony of the three-day Conference is being held at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa in the presence of over 1,500 high-level stakeholders, including Heads of State/Government, Ministers, UN agencies, the private sector, financial institutions, donor community, DFI/IFI, civil society, non-governmental organizations, academia, and media.

The third and closing day of the conference focuses on “Global Action Against Hunger”.

In his statement, APM Abiy Ahmed stated that the vision for zero hunger extends beyond merely addressing hunger and malnutrition. It calls for the creation of sustainable and equitable food systems where everyone has access to sufficient food. It is about enabling our population’s dignified lives’, free from basic ones. Achieving this is just more than a goal. It is a moral imperative and our collective responsibility to build resilient and sustainable agricultural systems that uplift all our communities.

Climate-adaptive practices, sustainable farming and improved market access are key to empower small-holder farmers that are the bedrock of global food security, the Prime Minister underscored.

PM Abiy said Ethiopia has embraced these principles through its national economic reforms by increasing farmland productivity, advancing drought-resilient crops, launching the Ethiopian Green Legacy initiative through which the nation planted over 40 billion tree seedlings.

“During the session on mobilizing investment for sustainable food security initiatives, the necessity of substantial investments and strategic partnerships to drive lasting change has been acknowledged,” he indicated.

PM Abiy said “Made in Ethiopia” initiative exemplifies the power of such investments. Ethiopia’s integrated agro-industrial parks serve as hubs for job creation, income generation for farmers, and economic resilience in enhancing the country’s role in the global agricultural market.

“Hunger is not an isolated issue. It requires unified and relentless global response. Our shared discussions highlighted several critical deliverables to guide our collective actions,” Abiy emphasized.

Speaking on global fund for food security, PM Abiy said; “We have committed to establishing this dedicated financial resource to drive targeted investments in climate-resilient infrastructures, advanced agricultural technology and disaster-resilient food system. This fund will be a life-line, particularly for regional states most vulnerable to food security.”

“On advancing technological innovation and knowledge sharing, to build resilience across food systems, we have agreed to create platforms that facilitate cross-border knowledge exchange and technology transfer, focusing on climate-smart agriculture and post-harvest management,” Abiy pointed out.

On strengthening policy and governance frameworks, PM Abiy said it was noted that it is necessary to align policies across nations which will foster fair market access and equitable food distribution systems which is critical for achieving food security.

“On supporting smallholder farmers, particularly women in agriculture, we have affirmed that smallholder farmers are pillars of food security. Therefore, by expanding market access, providing inclusive financial options, and building capacity, we can empower them to feed their community and our world,” PM Abiy indicated.

These deliverables are not just ideas, but they are a roadmap and a call to action to every government, development banks, and the private sector to mobilize, invest and collaborate. Integrating technology, promoting innovation and building climate-resilience must be central must be central to our collective efforts, the Ethiopian premier pointed out.

Concluding his remarks, Abiy called for the importance of translating these commitments into actions. The Prime Minister further asserted that through concerted efforts, it is possible to create a future where food security, dignity and opportunities that are accessible to all.

He also extended his gratitude to the co-organizers and stakeholders of the World Without Hunger Conference for the success of the three-day event.

The conference was co-organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the African Union Commission (AUC), and the Government of Ethiopia, with technical assistance of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).