UN Secretary-General Challenges All Nations to Achieve Zero Hunger

21 June 2012, Rio de Janeiro

United Nations Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon today launched a “Zero Hunger Challenge” inviting all nations to be boldly ambitious as they work for a future where everyone enjoys their right to food and all food systems are resilient.

He called on governments, business, farmers, scientists, civil society and consumers to join the challenge by honoring past promises and working together to put an end to hunger.

“In a world of plenty no one, not a single person, should go hungry. I invite all of you to join me in working for a future without hunger,” said the Secretary-General, at an event organized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO  [2]), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD  [3]), World Food Programme (WFP  [4]), World Bank  [5] and Bioversity International during the UN Conference on Sustainable Development: Rio+20.
“Zero Hunger would boost economic growth, reduce poverty and safeguard the environment. It would foster peace and stability,” added the UN chief.

The Zero Hunger Challenge has five objectives:

1. 100% access to adequate food all year round.
2. Zero stunted children under 2 years, no more malnutrition in pregnancy and early childhood.
3. All food systems are sustainable.
4. 100% growth in smallholder productivity and income, particularly for women.
5. Zero loss or waste of food, including responsible consumption.

Inspiration for the Challenge came from the bold work done by many countries and organizations to end hunger, including Brazil, whose ‘Fome Zero  [6]’ programme is beating back hunger using local food from family farmers and community kitchens. It works thanks to a powerful combination of civil society action and strong political leadership.

Read more:

•  The Zero Hunger Challenge (437 KB)  [7]
•  Q&A on  the Secretary-General's Zero Hunger Challenge (350 KB)  [8]

Press contacts:

David Nabarro
Tel: +41-78-610-2625
 David.Nabarro(at)undp.org   [9]

Charlotte Scaddan:
Tel: +55 21 8731 9666 (Rio de Janeiro) 
 scaddan(at)un.org   [10]

Anthea Webb:
Tel: +1-917-332-9296
 Anthea.Webb(at)undp.org   [11]

Gabriel Ferrero:
Tel: +1-646-643-0009
 Gabriel.Ferrero(at)undp.org  [12]

www.un.org/futurewewant  [13]
www.un-foodsecurity.org  [14]