Sunday May 28th marks World Hunger Day 2023. Caritas Internationalis stands in solidarity with the global community in support of populations facing times of unprecedented poverty and famine
In order to end hunger, we must promote sustainable agriculture and food production, reduce food waste and support local food systems.
Millions of people are faced with the inadequate access to nutritious food due to conflict, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising costs of living. Food wastage is often the result of unsustainable food production and low investment in agriculture.
Pope Francis, in the Encyclical Fratelli tutti says that “it is wrong when the only voices to be heard in public debate are those of the powerful and “experts”. In response to this call, Caritas has been working alongside local communities to implement sustainable farming practices, build capacity to adapt to climate change, as well as advocating to world leaders and decision makers to address and review policies that exacerbate worldwide food deficit.
In Kenya, Caritas continues to work alongside vulnerable communities in Marsabit by providing emergency food rations and clean water. Since 2018, Caritas Pakistan has been promoting sustainable farming practices and implementing programs focusing on making small farm households resilient and enhance their capacity for adaptation to climate change.
Caritas Somalia is providing funding for initiatives by supporting drought response work in Somaliland, which also includes education activities for girls and marginalised Somali clans.
During the Bonn Climate Change Conference (June 5-15), Caritas will further address the issue of world hunger in a side event to be held on June 8 titled Perspectives of Faith and Local Actors on the New Joint Work on Agriculture and Food Systems which will include views from the UN Food Agriculture Organization (FAO), Green Climate Fund (GCF), Africa Group Negotiators and the European Union (EU).