Statement by U.S. Ambassador Bathsheba N. Crocker and
Republic of Kenya Ambassador Cleopa Kilonzo Mailu
on Leveraging Geneva-based Action on the Global Food Security Crisis
Geneva, Switzerland
Today, the Permanent Representatives of the United States and Republic of Kenya to the United Nations and International Organizations in Geneva, Bathsheba N. Crocker and Cleopa Kilonzo Mailu, hosted a roundtable discussion with international organizations, civil society, and diplomatic missions to stimulate action by Geneva-based actors to address food insecurity. Despite investments made to alleviate hunger, the global outlook continues to worsen, with close to 200 million people now facing crisis-level food insecurity or in famine-like conditions.
Our discussion focused on the opportunities and barriers to mitigate the current global food crisis. In addition, we considered ways to address the underlying factors that contribute to the recurring nature of food insecurity, such as conflict, the climate crisis, COVID-19, and economic shocks. We discussed the findings and recommendations published in the 2022 Global Report Network on Food Crisis and considered views on ways to better address and prevent food insecurity. This included the importance of timely, quality data, transforming food production, and improving how we work across sectors, particularly at the country-level.
We recognized the importance of Geneva-based action given the breadth of organizations working on health, climate, trade, development, humanitarian assistance, peace and security, and human rights. Here in Geneva, we endeavor to strengthen coordination and action to contribute solutions to this crisis that affects us all.
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