United Nations Radio

The situation of hunger in the world is urgent.

hungry boy

That according to a joint statement by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Prime Minister Rodriguez Zapatero of Spain at the conclusion of a high-level meeting to chart the way ahead to eliminate hunger, promote smallholder agriculture and improve food security for the world's poorest people.

The statement warns there are nearly one billion hungry people in the world today, and the number is rising as a result of the economic crisis.
It calls for hunger and food security to be placed at the top of the political and development agenda of the world.
According to the statement, the way forward is a comprehensive approach that links nutrition, food security, agriculture and trade and one that "depends on inclusive, broad-based partnerships" bringing together governments, civil society, farmers' organizations, businesses and international organizations.

The joint statement by Spain and the United Nations says they "will work together with nations and other stakeholders to explore options for a global partnership that sustains a movement against hunger and promotes smallholder agriculture."

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.
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