G20 leaders launch Global Alliance to combat hunger, Poverty

By Kunle Sanni

G20 leaders on Monday launched the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty during the opening session of the 19th Heads of State and Government Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This initiative seeks to accelerate the elimination of hunger and poverty through a dedicated Task Force that will oversee targeted actions between 2025 and 2030.

The alliance, already supported by over 80 countries and various government and civil society organizations, aims to mobilize resources and expertise to implement public policies and social technologies proven effective in combating hunger and poverty worldwide.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who introduced the alliance, described it as both a moral responsibility and a foundation for more peaceful and prosperous societies.

“This is not just about justice,” Lula said. “It is an essential condition for building more prosperous societies and achieving global peace.”

Drawing on Brazil’s success with initiatives like Zero Hunger and Bolsa Família during his first presidency (2003–2010), Lula pledged to position Brazil as a leader in the global fight against hunger.

He noted the alignment of the alliance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goal to end hunger by 2030. However, Lula stressed that hunger and poverty are not caused by scarcity but are symptoms of deeper social inequalities.

Lula highlighted the contrast between the world’s food production—nearly 6 billion tons annually—and military spending, which exceeds $2.4 trillion, emphasizing the need for a shift in priorities toward hunger reduction.

He also announced substantial financial backing for the alliance, including up to $25 billion in loans pledged by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for Latin America and the Caribbean. Other international financial institutions and national development banks have also committed support.

The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty will operate independently of the G20’s rotating presidencies, with management shared between the Brazilian Cooperation Agency in Brasília and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome.

President Lula cautioned that global challenges—including armed conflicts, climate crises, and growing social inequalities—have worsened since the 2008 economic downturn, further exacerbating hunger and poverty.

The FAO reports that 733 million people are currently suffering from hunger worldwide, underscoring the urgency of the alliance’s mission.

“This alliance is a call to action for all of us,” Lula said. “It is time to prioritize humanity’s most pressing needs and build a future where no one goes to bed hungry.”