Hunger is the one thing all G20 leaders hate; it could bring them together

(Hamburg, Germany—July 7, 2017) G20 leaders are poised to make more promises and pledges this week to address unprecedented levels of acute hunger globally, specifically in taking action to avert the looming famines in Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia and Yemen. At the 2015 G20 in Turkey leaders committed to a plan to address the growing problems of hunger and under-nutrition globally. The same leaders made similar pledges when they signed on to Agenda 2030. Meanwhile, in East Africa alone, more than 1.4 million children are already in famine’s grip and the response is only 1/3 funded.

“World Vision is on the ground providing life-saving and life-changing aid to millions of Africa’s most vulnerable boys and girls but we want to do much more,” said Chris Derksen-Hiebert, director of public policy at World Vision International, “The money is just not there.”

For the G20 commitments this year to make a real difference for those children and their families, the G20 nations must rapidly commit the money they promise so it addresses the acute need but also stops the famine cycle. To do that, they must:

1.     Invest more in food and nutrition security, in line with country plans and targeting the poorest, most marginalised and vulnerable groups, especially women and girls.

2.     Track investments and outcomes in support of the G20’s food security and nutrition framework, with a specific emphasis on tracking contributions towards reducing child stunting and wasting.

3.     Increase investments in sustainable and resilient smallholder farmers’ livelihoods and national-level safety nets. Additionally, ensure the most vulnerable children and their families have sufficient access to affordable, nutritious food year-round, even in the hardest-to-reach places and target women with these programs.

“There are many things we don’t expect the G20 leaders to agree on this week, but if they deliver on their previous hunger-related commitments this summit has the potential to avert the catastrophe of famine, save lives and make a significant impact in the global hunger crisis, now and in future,” said Derksen-Hiebert. “That is a legacy all 20 leaders can be proud to own.”