The United Nations commenced a three-day summit in Rome on Monday with the objective of addressing the “dysfunctional” international food system, which leaves millions in starvation and two billion overweight or obese, in addition to causing environmental harm.
This summit concerning food systems occurs against the backdrop of escalating food insecurity globally, as UN organizations alert about the rising populace experiencing chronic hunger.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during the inaugural speech, expressed his indignation over the paradox of hunger in a world of abundance. He said, “The global food systems are dysfunctional and the cost is borne by billions.”
Guterres revealed that despite almost a third of the world’s food being wasted or lost, more than 780 million people worldwide are facing hunger.
He also mentioned a concerning disparity in global health, as 462 million people are underweight, while two billion are classified as overweight or obese.
Delegates attending the summit include representatives from the UN’s three Rome-based food agencies – the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Programme (WFP). Heads of states, government representatives, and other delegates are also in attendance.
