South Africa Urges Global Collaboration to Combat Food Insecurity
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Synopsis
On April 24, Johannesburg, South Africa's Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen stressed the need for global unity to address food insecurity and climate challenges at the G20 Agriculture Working Group meeting in Durban. He emphasized technological transfer and inclusive approaches to ensure no community is left behind.
Key Takeaways
- Global cooperation is essential to combat food insecurity.
- Technology transfer is crucial for agricultural innovation.
- Inclusive market participation must be prioritized.
- Ubuntu principles guide South Africa's G20 agricultural priorities.
- Collaboration can create sustainable agricultural solutions.
Johannesburg, April 24 (NationPress) Nations around the globe must unite to tackle food insecurity, climate instability, and systemic exclusion, which persistently jeopardize the integrity of global food systems, stated a South African representative.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen expressed these views on Wednesday in Durban during the G20 Agriculture Working Group meeting, which is being held from Wednesday to Friday.
He noted that South Africa is grappling with soaring input expenses, unpredictable climate events, and limited fiscal resources.
According to Steenhuisen, the pathway to solutions lies in the transfer of technology and innovation, specifically aimed at bridging the divide between inventors and those requiring access to such advancements.
Countries must develop systems that can nourish the world without compromising the ecosystems that sustain them, he emphasized.
Steenhuisen pointed out the pressing challenges that keep agricultural stakeholders awake at night, such as the rising incidence of destructive animal and plant diseases, escalating impacts of climate change, enduring poverty, and high rates of hunger.
"South Africa is dedicated to an approach that is inclusive, transparent, and action-oriented. As the host nation and chair of this working group, we are profoundly committed to ensuring that this forum becomes a platform for collective ambition, practical collaboration, and long-term transformation," the Minister stated.
The Minister asserted that no nation can confront these crises in isolation and urged for enhanced global cooperation rooted in the principles of Ubuntu, which highlight collective action, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.
"South Africa's G20 Presidency has positioned Ubuntu at the core of its four agricultural priorities for 2025, reinforcing that only through unity can sustainable solutions be realized," Steenhuisen further added.
He outlined four key areas to achieve this goal. The first is to advance inclusive market participation and food security by ensuring that no farmer, trader, or community is overlooked.
"We believe that if we collaborate, we can construct a future where agriculture nourishes not just stomachs, but also economies, ecosystems, and futures."
Various G20 working groups have convened in South Africa since the country took over the G20 presidency on December 1 of last year.
South Africa is set to host the G20 Leaders' Summit in November.
