Secretary-General Draws Links between Food, Livelihoods, Conflict, in Video Message Marking Global Report Launch

Following is the text of UN Secretary‑General António Guterres’ video message to a high‑level event on “Food and Agriculture in Times of Crisis”, marking the launch of the Global Report on Food Crises in 2019, in Brussels today:

This year’s Global Report on Food Crises highlights the plight of millions of people who must fight every day against severe hunger and malnutrition.  The report also points the way towards solutions that can rebuild lives and livelihoods in communities around the world.

Climate-induced disasters, economic crises and, above all, armed conflict, continued to drive hunger rates and food insecurity in 2018.  Last May, the United Nations Security Council condemned the use of starvation as a weapon of war.  Determined action is needed to uphold this pledge.  In this spirit, I welcome your efforts to focus on food and agriculture in times of crisis.  Let us all commit to building societies without hunger — and a world at peace.

Thank you.