Government through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services confirms Zambia’s commitment to the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty ahead of the G20 Summit taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The commitment was brought to light during a media briefing presented by the Honourable Minister of Community Development and Social Mrs. Doreen Mwamba, MP in Lusaka.

In her remarks, Mrs. Mwamba revealed that the Ministry joined the alliance to pursue the alliance’s mission, objectives and principles as expressed in the terms of reference and governance framework, recognizing that hunger and malnutrition are manifestations of persistent structural poverty and inequality, and identified the need to end poverty and hunger in all its forms and in order to effectively implement the 2030 Agenda.

Mrs. Mwamba acknowledged that despite all significant past and current efforts to end hunger and poverty, the world is not on track to meet sustainable development goals 1 and 2 targets to eradicate poverty in all its forms and zero hunger.

Further, Mrs. Mwamba, endorsed the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and its mission to support and accelerate efforts to eradicate extreme hunger and poverty while reducing inequalities (SDG 10), contributing to revitalize global partnerships for sustainable development (SDG 17) and to the achievement of other interlinked SDGS, while championing sustainable, inclusive and just transitions.

“The alliance is crucial for the world to unite behind large-scale integrated approaches combining international, regional, national and local levels that recognize the interconnected nature of challenges and solutions to hunger and poverty including those instigated by the effects of climate change”. She said.

Speaking at the same event, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Brazil to Zambia, Mr. Arthur Henrique Villanova, commended Zambia for being one of the first countries to join the alliance. The ambassador added that the alliance will provide Zambia an opportunity for sustained political drive and galvanize collective action, thereby building synergies with other existing efforts to combat hunger and poverty.

He further, assured that the alliance will facilitate for resource mobilization and improved alignment of domestic and international support, including public and private financial resources and knowledge focusing on countries most affected by hunger and extreme poverty and persons in vulnerable situations.