Somali Magazine – The United Kingdom held the first Global Food Security Summit, which brought together governments and professionals to address global food insecurity and malnutrition, with co-chairs Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the United Arab Emirates.
Ministers and prominent experts gathered to achieve long-term change on the issues of hunger and malnutrition while also addressing more immediate humanitarian needs, especially here in Somalia. In his opening remarks, UK Prime Minister RishiSunak urged the world community to address the root causes of food insecurity and to act quickly to prevent food crises and malnutrition, as well as to develop resilient food systems.
The Prime Minister will also use the Summit to announce the establishment of a new science center where scientists will develop climate-resilient crops and identify threats to global food systems.
“The UK and Somalia co-chairing the Global Food Security Summit is further evidence of our close partnership on the most pressing challenges facing the world,” said British Ambassador to Somalia Mike Nithavrianakis. We are dedicated to assisting Somalia in addressing food insecurity and building climate resilience, as indicated by up to £100 million in humanitarian support for new development initiatives that improve climate resilience.”
Aside from the food security conference, the UK will welcome the Somali President and other officials of the Federal Government of Somalia for a Strategic Dialogue aimed at deepening the two nations’ partnership.
”We are happy for the opportunity to participate in this global meeting,” Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said. Given our current position, food security is an issue that is very close to our hearts.The United Kingdom is our most important ally, and we hope to strengthen our relationship.”
The summit will look at how innovation, collaborations, and cutting-edge technology can secure long-term food security and improved nutrition for people in the most vulnerable nations, such as Somalia.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s science and research partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is assisting in the discovery of solutions to global food and climate challenges, such as more nutritious, resilient crop varieties and pest and disease innovation.
Working with the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), the UK is already pioneering a novel approach to combating child wasting and starvation in some of the world’s most vulnerable countries.