What can the G20 do in the fight against hunger?

As leaders gather in Cannes for the 2011 G20 summit, the world has their eyes fixed on the European financial crisis and the rescue of the euro zone. Amidst these concerns, however, it must not be forgotten that saving the financial system is not the sole mandate of the G20. Ensuring food security in the most vulnerable countries is officially listed as one the priorities of the summit.

The G20 will be unsuccessful…

…if, in the hour of a devastating food crisis in the Horn of Africa, leaders do not take the necessary measures to ensure that every human being has access to adequate food.

We talk to Benoît Miribel, the chairman of ACF-France, to discuss the G20 summit and the impact it can have on global malnutrition.

Is the G20 able to initiate strong action on food security?

Absolutely, it has the capability, but it also has the responsibility to do so, for two reasons:

• First, because it is the French Presidency of the G20 itself which has made the issue of food security a top priority of the G20. It is the duty of the G20 to stick to it. The ups and downs of international finance should not overshadow this.
  
  
• Second, because the G20 has stated its official goal of "ensuring world growth based on sound, solid foundations." But this is totally impossible without the implementation of policies aimed at ensuring food security. You cannot create global growth on empty stomachs! Moreover, undernutrition is not only reflected in humanitarian crises: it is also measurable in dollars! In affecting the development and career potential of individuals, it is an economic scourge for countries that can lead to losses of up to 6% of GDP a year.
  
  
• Finally, if the leaders of major economies do not implement adequate measures to ensure food security for all, who will?

Given the crisis in the Euro Zone, isn’t it even more urgent to ensure financial stability?

There is much talk of the danger of the Euro Zone crisis to European economies. But the Euro Zone covers 332 million people: almost three times less than the number of people who suffer from hunger worldwide! The devastating food crisis in the Horn of Africa this summer shows the urgency for strong action to prevent more people from dying of hunger. This is all the more important because we will not solve the problems of food insecurity in a day: agricultural policies will take years to ensure access to food for all.

If we want to avoid new crises in 5, 10, 15 years, now is the time to act. The world cannot afford to wait for the next G20 to take these strong measures; we need to take them now. Let no one tell us, if a new food crisis arises, that we have failed to raise the alarm in time: we're sounding it, and it is therefore necessary that it be heard now.

What are you expecting from the G20?

Action Against Hunger, as part of FeedinG20 -- a coalition of international NGOs -- proposed a series of seven measures to the G20 leaders. These include:

• Ensuring that agricultural and development policies are nutrition sensitive, considering the provision of a balanced diet with sufficient nutrients, vitamins and minerals; and not only focus on increasing agricultural production
  
  
• Fulfilling current funding pledges. So far, only 22% has been delivered of approximately $ 22 billion pledged to food security at the G8 Summit in 2009 over the past three years. Increased investment in sustainable agriculture and smallholders is paramount
  
  
• Taking immediate steps to control food prices. Although farming techniques are becoming more efficient, progress in the fight against hunger is being slowed by rising food prices
  
  
• Supporting the implementation and management of a cost-effective system of food reserves, at community, national and regional levels
  
  
• Prioritising the scaling-up of social protection programmes that support people in times of crisis
  
  
• Increasing the resilience of those most affected by climate change. Strengthen States' actions against climate change and help poor countries cope with its effects.
  
  
• Fully supporting the United Nations’ Committee on World Food Security (CFS) and promote an expanded mandate of the Rapid Response Forum, allowing it to take appropriate action when food prices rise.

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