United States Mission to the United Nations
Office of Press and Public Diplomacy
For Immediate Release
October 16, 2021
Statement by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on World Food Day
Today, we mark World Food Day at a time when 41 million people remain at imminent risk of famine unless we take urgent action. An estimated 811 million people went hungry last year, and the world has witnessed a dramatic rise in food insecurity in 2021, driven by conflict and climate change, as well as the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. From Ethiopia to Yemen we can address acute malnutrition and save lives if unhindered humanitarian access is provided.
The United States will continue our efforts to improve global food security and nutrition. In March, the United States’ signature event of our UN Security Council Presidency focused on combating “Conflict-Driven Hunger” to raise awareness and break the cycle of famine and food insecurity. President Biden announced a $10 billion, multi-year initiative to strength food security and improve nutrition in his September speech to the UN General Assembly. This initiative will also accelerate our attempt to mitigate the effects of climate change, adapt to the challenges climate change brings about, and expand inclusive food systems, with a special focus on the most vulnerable. At the UN Food Systems Summit held last month, the United States reinforced its commitments to end global hunger.
The United States will continue to work with domestic and international partners as we work to eradicate hunger and poverty and to build more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems at home and around the world. We also call on others to join us in committing much-needed financial resources to address malnutrition and food insecurity. Together, we can tackle the challenges facing the global community and better the systems that sustain and nourish us.
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