Vietnam Stresses Importance of Food Security in Conflict and Peace Debates

Strategic Insights -

Vietnam considers food security as a foundation of peace, stability, and development, with Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang emphasizing the country's shared concern about the global food system's challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and natural disasters. He highlighted the need for sustainable measures to strengthen developing and conflict-affected countries' capacity to secure food supplies and improve living standards. Giang commended UN and partner organizations' efforts in responding to hunger and suggested prompt sharing of information on food insecurity caused or aggravated by conflicts.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vietnam views food security as a crucial aspect of peace, stability, and development, as stated by Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang at the UN Security Council open debate.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and natural disasters have significantly impacted the global food system, affecting countries, especially developing ones and those with conflicts.
  • Ambassador Giang stresses the need for sustainable measures to strengthen developing and conflict-affected countries' capacity to secure food supplies and improve living standards.
  • He highlighted the responsibility of parties involved in conflicts for respecting international humanitarian law and not using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, as stated in Resolutions 2417 and 2573 of the UNSC.
  • Vietnam aims to become a regional "food innovation hub" and continues to contribute to joint efforts in addressing global food security challenges.
  • Participants at the debate expressed deep concern about the unprecedented increase in food insecurity, with over 811 million people suffering from food shortages.

Statistics:

  • Over 811 million people suffer from food shortages, as expressed by participants at the debate.
  • The international community faces unprecedented challenges in addressing food insecurity due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and natural disasters.
  • Vietnam aims to strengthen coordination with the international community to address food shortages and related challenges.

Sources:

  • Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang's statement during the UN Security Council open debate on conflict and food security, May 19.
  • Resolution 2417 of the UNSC.
  • Resolution 2573 of the UNSC.
  • Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) efforts in responding to hunger.