"This conference is a new stage in our efforts to eradicate hunger and malnutrition throughout the world. I congratulate the governments on a successful conclusion of negotiations regarding the Rome Declaration on Nutrition and Framework for Action," said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, according to the UN News Center.
The UN also notes that the number of starving people in the world has dropped by 200 million over 20 years, while 805 million people still remain undernourished. Malnutrition is the main cause of 45% of all child deaths. Fifty-one million children under the age of five are undernourished, with 17 million being in a state of extreme exhaustion. At the same time the world has to deal with growing food losses and obesity problems. As of today, 42 million children under five are overweight and more than 500 million adults are obese.
"Today, more than 100 developing countries have committed to combat hunger by 2025. Many countries have pledged to fight obesity," the UN Secretary-General said.
He stressed there was a need to enhance efforts in this area and expressed the hope that the states would immediately adopt national programs based on the Rome documents.
"We possess the knowledge, experience and resources necessary to put an end to all forms of malnutrition. Governments must take a leading role in this process. But joint efforts of civil society organizations and private sector should serve as the impetus towards improvement of global nutrition" said Graziano da Silva, Director-General of Food and Agriculture Organization.
The Rome conference is held under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The event is also attended by the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Ihor Shvaika. According to the Ministry’s press service, during his visit the minister held a meeting with the Food Minister of Bangladesh Kamrul Islam, during which they discussed the conditions of further cooperation, and signed a contract for the supply of Ukrainian grain.
