ROME, JULY 25 – Tackling the root causes of hunger remains a top priority for Cindy McCain, the Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), as she reiterated during a meeting on the sidelines of the Rome summit on Food Systems with the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.
“Italy is an indispensable partner for the WFP and an influential advocate for global food security,” McCain stated on Twitter following the “important discussion” with the Prime Minister.
As the head of the UN agency and a former envoy of the Biden administration to the agencies of the Roman agri-food hub, McCain has committed to strengthening mutual collaboration to address the underlying reasons for hunger. This collaborative approach is seen as vital in ensuring effective and sustainable solutions to one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today.
Hunger and malnutrition continue to affect millions of people around the globe, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the situation, pushing more individuals into food insecurity. The World Food Programme plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid and relief to those in need, but McCain believes that a deeper focus on addressing the root causes of food insecurity is necessary to achieve lasting impact.
By working closely with Italy, an influential player in the global efforts to combat hunger, the WFP aims to implement targeted and long-term strategies that can uplift communities and create self-sufficiency in food production. Addressing the root causes of hunger involves addressing issues such as poverty, conflict, climate change, and social inequalities that prevent people from accessing nutritious and sufficient food.
Italy’s commitment to food security and sustainable agriculture aligns with the goals of the World Food Programme. As a nation known for its rich culinary tradition and focus on the Mediterranean diet, Italy brings valuable expertise and experiences to the table. The collaboration between Italy and the WFP holds the potential to serve as a model for other countries looking to improve food security and combat hunger in their regions.
As Cindy McCain and Prime Minister Meloni discussed strategies to address the root causes of hunger, they emphasized their commitment to building a sustainable and resilient food system by taking proactive measures to ensure that vulnerable communities have access to food. (@OnuItalia)
