LONDON (Kaab TV) – The UK is currently hosting a landmark global food security summit in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) to address the critical issues of hunger and malnutrition on a global scale.
Somalia and the UAE are taking on the co-chair responsibilities for the summit, which has brought together more than 20 countries, experts, and international organizations to devise strategies and solutions. Globally, nearly one billion people suffer from inadequate food, and 345 million face acute hunger and starvation.
On November 20, the UK is hosting the inaugural Global Food Security Summit, with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and UAE as co-chairs. Ministers and leading experts will collaborate to drive long-term change in addressing hunger, malnutrition, and immediate humanitarian challenges, especially in Somalia.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized addressing the root causes of food insecurity during the summit’s opening speech, urging the international community to take action against food crises and malnutrition while building resilient food systems. As part of the summit, the Prime Minister is launching a new science center to develop climate-resilient crops and identify risks to global food systems.
British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, highlighted the UK’s commitment to assisting Somalia in tackling food insecurity and building climate resilience. He noted the substantial humanitarian funding of up to £100 million for new development projects to enhance resilience to climate change.
In addition to the food security summit, the UK is hosting a Strategic Dialogue with the Federal Government of Somalia, aimed at strengthening the partnership between the two countries.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed gratitude for Somalia’s participation in the global summit, emphasizing the significance of food security given the challenges faced by the nation. He acknowledged the UK as a key ally, expressing hope for an enhanced partnership.
The summit will explore innovative solutions, partnerships, and technological advances to ensure long-term food security and improved nutrition, particularly in hard-hit countries like Somalia.
The UK, through its science and research partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is actively contributing to finding solutions for global food and climate challenges.
The UK is already leading innovative efforts, in collaboration with the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), to address child wasting and famine in vulnerable countries globally.
New support for development projects in Somalia includes £99.6 million for climate resilience, covering areas such as shock-responsive social protection support, natural water resource management, and building resilient rural communities.
As a significant humanitarian donor to Somalia, the UK is providing £48 million in humanitarian support this year, including measures for prevention and early action in response to El Nino and flooding.
With nearly one billion people worldwide experiencing severe food insecurity, and 345 million acutely food insecure, this summit serves as a critical platform to address pressing global challenges and foster collaborative solutions.