United Nations Radio

There's a call for a political and financial push to boost sustainable agriculture in the world's poor countries, double global food production and free the world of hunger and malnutrition.

Speaking at a ceremony marking World Food Day, Thursday, Diouf said "we know what needs to be done to eradicate the hunger of 923 million people in the world," adding "we also know what needs to be done to double world food production and feed a population that is expected to rise to 9 billion people by 2050."

Noting that US$22 billion was pledged to promote global food security earlier this year, but that only 10 percent of this has so far materialized, Diouf said what is needed is "political will and delivery on financial commitments ..to be able to make the essential investments that are needed to promote sustainable agricultural development and food security in the poorest countries of the world."

This is Donn Bobb for United Nations Radio.

(duration: 56")