‘In a World of Plenty, No One – Not a Single Person - Should go Hungry,’

Says Secretary-General, Announcing the ‘Zero Hunger Challenge’ in Rio

Following is the text of a video message from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the ‘Zero Hunger Challenge’, in Rio de Janeiro, 21 June:

Food and nutrition are among my top priorities.  In a world of plenty, no-one - not a single person - should go hungry.

When I was a child in war-time Korea, many families faced starvation and shortages.

Many countries, including my own, took bold steps to end hunger.

But almost one billion people still do not have enough to eat.

I want to see an end to hunger everywhere, within my lifetime.

I invite all of you to join me in working for a future without hunger.

My “Zero Hunger Challenge” has five objectives.

First, a world where everyone has access to enough nutritious food all year round.

Second, no more malnutrition in pregnancy and early childhood: an end to the tragedy of childhood stunting.

Third, all food systems sustainable – everywhere.

Fourth, greater opportunity for smallholder farmers – especially women - who produce most of the world’s food - so that they are empowered to double their productivity and income.

And fifth, cut losses of food after production, stop wasting food and consume responsibly. 

I am not proposing a new goal – but I am sharing my vision for the future.

A future where food systems are resilient.  Where everyone enjoys their right to food.

This would boost economic growth, reduce poverty and safeguard the environment. It would foster peace and stability.

Now is the time to work together and honour our promises.

Governments, business, farmers, scientists, civil society and consumers – we all have an important role to play.

An end to hunger in our lifetime.

Please – join me:  respond to the challenge and make it happen.

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For information media • not an official record