The Summit “Hunger Zero” makes 21 proposals to ensure food safety

The III Summit of Regions for Food Security, organised by ORU Fogar, the Azuay prefecture and CONGOPE, concluded with the approval of the "Charter of Cuenca", a declaration with 21 proposals aimed at reducing hunger and promoting food production. The Summit, with more than 2,500 participants, was attended by governors, mayors, prefects and regional presidents from 37 countries. Also present were eight foreign former leaders, including José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero of Spain, Felipe Calderón of Mexico, Laura Chinchilla of Costa Rica, Eduardo Duhalde of Argentina, Nobel Prize winner Óscar Arias of Costa Rica and Cesar Gaviria of Colombia.

At the opening, the prefect of Azuay, Paul Carrasco, placed the issue in context, explaining that in the world 795 million people suffer from hunger. The president of ORU Fogar, Abdessamad Sekkal, recalled the organization's historic commitment to food security, being the Azuay Summit the third summit of regions on this topic. Sekkal argued that, equally or more important than holding summits, is the implementation of projects to fight hunger. At this point he highlighted the 'Maná' project promoted by Antioquia, Colombia, hosts of the Second Summit, and the 'Crecer' project led by Azuay.

Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno said all governments must aim to end hunger. He demanded recognition of the rural environment and the role of the peasant. "We may need a doctor a few times a year. A lawyer once a year. We need a farmer three times a day", he said. Former President Rodríguez Zapatero was convinced that this generation "is going to see the eradication of hunger". Meanwhile, Felipe Calderón called for a "green revolution" that respects ecosystems.

For two days, representatives of regional governments from America, Europe and Africa debated in working groups, forums and conferences, within the framework of "Zero Hunger", a reference to the second Sustainable Development Objective: "Ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture". Thus, the summit addressed policies to improve food production, provide better livelihoods for agricultural producers and ensure access to quality food for all. The discussion dealt with very current issues. Paradoxically, alongside hunger, there is food waste and obesity.

The "Charter of Cuenca" will be disseminated among all the regional governments, as well as among all the heads of government around the world. It will also be submitted to the United Nations.

The Summit “Hunger Zero” makes 21 proposals to ensure food safety

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