Why Brazil is a central player in combating hunger worldwide (O Globo, 9/10/2023)

The world currently faces a severe crisis of food security and nutrition. According to the latest report published by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), between 691 million and 783 million people are experiencing hunger, while another 2.4 billion suffer from moderate to severe food insecurity. This accounts for nearly 30% of the global population. At the same time, over half of the population is overweight, and more than 1 billion people are obese. The dual burden of malnutrition points to a crisis that is not only humanitarian and health-related but also social and economic. The situation calls for collective efforts, and President Lula's government is prepared to do its part.

We are the fifth-largest country in terms of land area, the seventh in terms of population, and the fourth-largest food producer in the world. We can increase our production while safeguarding the environment. Brazilian tropical agriculture ranks among the most efficient, modern, and productive globally. Research indicates that it will likely be the fastest-growing sector in the coming years. Additionally, we have a ubiquitous family farming sector, accounting for 77% of rural establishments in the country, which supplies most of the food consumed in Brazilian households. Strengthening family farming in Brazil and worldwide is one of the cornerstones of our domestic and international efforts.

In addition to combating hunger, taking action against climate change is one of Brazil's priorities. We have committed to reversing deforestation by creating incentives for greater sustainability, productive restoration, and agroecological production. The recent Amazon Summit underscores the country's orientation towards greater cooperation for the sustainable development of the region in its three dimensions: environmental, social, and economic.

During the Belém meeting, the role of socio-biodiversity products received attention. Bioeconomy is an irreversible trend in Brazil and worldwide. It promotes increased production, commercialization, consumption, and export of foodstuffs and related products that are adequate, healthy, and simultaneously drive sustainable economic growth. Not coincidentally, this is a theme at the heart of FAO discussions.

In the context of efforts to eradicate hunger, the government is committed to ensuring that all Brazilians have the human right to adequate food. The federal government launched the Brazil Without Hunger plan on August 31, which includes as one of its central pillars the goal of once again removing Brazil from the Hunger Map by 2030, as we did in 2014.

However, our potential extends far beyond our borders. To that end, we will continue to place the issues of food security and nutrition, as well as the fight against hunger and poverty, at the center of international discussions. During our G20 presidency, Brazil will present a project for a Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty. Without intending to duplicate existing initiatives, the proposal aims to provide a systemic approach to the problems of hunger and poverty, focusing on ensuring access to food and financing policies that generate income, especially for the most vulnerable.

We want to be more than simple food suppliers. We want to cooperate and inspire. We have already demonstrated that we can only eliminate hunger through public policies that reduce inequalities, eradicate poverty, and ensure that populations have access to adequate, healthy, and sustainably produced food. Our current struggle is to ensure that these policies are at the forefront of the projects and priorities of international organizations and financial institutions worldwide.