UNIDO Chief urges industrialized nations to fulfill climate fund, debt relief commitment for LDCs

Addis Ababa, November 7, 2024 (FBC) – Speaking at the World Without Hunger Conference in Addis Ababa, attended by ministers from 25 countries, UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller emphasized that eradicating hunger is achievable through global peace, effective governance, substantial investments in sustainable agriculture, equitable supply chains, and advancements in innovation and industrialization.

Müller highlighted Africa’s enormous potential but stressed the necessity for genuine partnerships, calling on industrialized nations and the G7 to uphold their commitments, which include the 0.7% aid target, climate funding, debt relief for least developed countries (LDCs) in Africa, equitable access to financial markets, and fair trading conditions.

He reiterated UNIDO’s dedication to collaborating with developing nations to foster industrialization, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs. “Six of the world’s fastest-growing economies are in Africa, thanks to capable leadership from countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone,” he noted. Over the past two days, participants have sought innovative solutions and formed new partnerships, which now need to be translated into actionable steps.

“We possess the necessary technologies and expertise; what is lacking is the political will from global leaders,” he stressed. Müller also pointed out that an additional investment of $50 billion over the next decade could eliminate hunger, which represents only about 2% of annual global military expenditures.

 

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