New York, 16 July 2022 (TDI): Pakistan’s Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal spoke at the Ministerial-level Side Event: “Food System Transformations as 2030 Agenda Accelerators” on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2022 on Friday.
Minister for Planning, Development, & Special Initiatives, Prof Ahsan Iqbal @betterpakistan @PlanComPakistan speaking at the
Ministerial-level Side Event: “Food System Transformations as 2030 Agenda Accelerators” on the sidelines of #HLPF2022, July 15, 2022, NewYork pic.twitter.com/0qD8JWrN3K— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to UN, NY (@PakistanUN_NY) July 15, 2022
He stated that today 44 million people in 38 countries are on the edge of food insecurity. In addition, over 50 countries are in financial and debt stress and are posed to a financial meltdown.
He also reiterated that countries today, face major challenges of disease, covid, climate change, and conflict.
Covid 19 pandemic and the economic fallout have disrupted the agricultural and food supply chains. He highlighted that supply chains should be carefully kept operational.
He further stated that in this regard Pakistan hopes that UN Secretary-General and Turkiye will succeed in securing an agreement.
This agreement would be not only about opening access to Ukrainian wheat but also Russian wheat and fertilizer.
The Planning Minister also highlighted that Pakistan contributes to local and national food production through adequate access to seeds, fertilizers, and finance.
While mentioning the economic and social havoc in so many countries, he pointed out that member states should look into measures to resolve these issues.
Measures to tackle food insecurity
Food security is one of the many priorities of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda.
Pakistan’s Minister said that countries must device emergency grants, concessional finance, and technical assistance. Moreover, countries need to ensure sustainable food security for all.
He further reiterated that it is essential to promote sustainable systems of food consumption and production.
There is a need to establish a global fund to help the developing countries and under-developed states that are fighting global food insecurity.
Most importantly, countries should work to introduce new agriculture technologies to produce more weather-resistant seeds. These technologies should help agriculture products withstand the changing climate.
Significantly, Pakistan is jointly working with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), IFAD, and World Food Programme (WFP). Especially in consolidating the opportunities and priorities of the country’s food systems going forward.
