PM places five recommendations for global resilient food system

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has placed a five-point recommendation at a summit in New York for developing a "resilient food system" globally by producing more food for growing population of the world.

She was addressing the virtual "United Nations Food Systems Summit 2021" in the High-Level Week of the 76th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday.

The Bangladesh prime minister noted that food security is interconnected with climate change. “Access to adequate food is a basic right which is linked to the well-being and health of all citizens and the global system has social, economic, political and environmental implications,” she said.

“By 2050, the global population is expected to be 10 billion. Therefore, it is imperative for us to grow more food for these additional people,” she said in her pre-recorded speech.

In her suggestions, Sheikh Hasina stressed research, investment, and advanced technology sharing for agricultural development to ensure food security.

The prime minister said increased funding needs for developing countries to achieve sustainable food system.

Sheikh Hasina also advocated for disbursing the committed fund to adapt to the climate-led extreme events, including sharing of technologies to achieve sustainable security.

She thanked the UN Secretary General for taking leadership in organizing this summit, saying, "The event is important for post-pandemic recovery and for achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) through resilient food approach."

The prime minister said the constitution of Bangladesh, framed under the guidance of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, recognizes food and adequate nutrition as a fundamental right.