G20 summit 2024: India leads charge to tackle global hunger, poverty crisis; Advocates for sustainable solutions

World News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the opening session of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, underscored the challenges faced by the Global South, particularly due to the ongoing food, fuel, and fertiliser crises exacerbated by global conflicts. Modi’s statement highlighted India's dedication to amplifying the voice of the Global South and reinforcing the necessity of addressing their most urgent needs.

Modi's Advocacy for the Global South

In his address, Modi expressed the pressing need for G20 discussions to center around the Global South's priorities. He emphasized that these nations are the hardest hit by the global crises, including shortages of essential resources like food, fuel, and fertilisers. “I would like to say that countries of the Global South are most adversely impacted by the food, fuel and fertiliser crisis caused by global conflicts. So, our discussions can only be successful when we keep in mind the challenges and priorities of the Global South,” he remarked.

Strengthening Global Food Security

In alignment with Brazil’s leadership, which hosts the G20 summit, Modi lent his support to Brazil’s initiative to establish a "Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty." This coalition aims to provide a comprehensive approach to global food security. Modi also echoed India’s continuous efforts to address food insecurity both domestically and internationally, underscoring the importance of long-term solutions to hunger and poverty.

Modi’s statement not only reflected India’s focus on supporting countries in need but also showcased the nation’s ongoing commitment to global development goals. He highlighted that India had made significant strides in reducing poverty, lifting 250 million people out of poverty over the last decade and providing free food grains to over 800 million citizens. India also offers the world’s largest health insurance scheme, benefiting 550 million people.

India’s Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture

Modi also pointed to India's push for sustainable agriculture, noting the country’s efforts to support farmers. More than 40 million farmers have received substantial financial aid, and India has invested in developing over 2,000 climate-resilient crop varieties. Additionally, India’s adoption of natural and organic farming practices has been pivotal in promoting food security and environmental sustainability. India is also contributing to global food security. We have provided humanitarian assistance to Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe recently,” Modi added, emphasizing India's global role in alleviating hunger.

Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

The summit saw the launch of the "Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty" by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This initiative aims to tackle world hunger, a problem that affects 733 million people worldwide. The alliance, which has garnered support from 81 countries, including all G20 members except Argentina, also seeks to replicate successful national programs globally, aiming to improve nutrition and food access for millions of children by the end of the decade.