IIMSAM Middle East Office Observed World Food Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 15, 2010 --

Observing World Food Day Dr. Naseer Homoud Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Permanent Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council has stressed on the need to promote awareness for hungry and poor people and highlighted the plight of millions of undernourished people in the world. He said that global warming and biofuel boom are now threatening to push the number of hungry even in the decades to come and the climate change will affect the suitability of land for different types of crops, the incidents of pests and diseases, bio-diversity and eco-systems. He has called upon the people to adapt measures for more efficient managements. “I urge everyone including states and all other stakeholders to use this day as an opportunity to raise public awareness to the fight against world hunger and to promote universal food security”, said Dr. Homoud.

“On the occasion of World Food Day, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all those who are engaged in the efforts of eliminating hunger and working for making this world self sufficient and capable of feeding world populace”, said Dr. Homoud. This year’s theme of World Food Day is “United against Hunger”. In the backdrop of global economic meltdown, IIMSAM resolves and pledge to achieve the world without hunger. Dr. Homoud maintained that there is no dearth of resources to feed hunger ridden people rather what we lack is determination and effective implementation of policies aimed at curbing hunger. He said that unified approach to fight hunger is the need of hour. “Let us conclude that until and unless we are not united with definite goal for fighting this menace the problem is not going to be resolved; what we need is comprehensive unity and once this achieved we as global civilization would see a new world without hungry peoples”, said Dr. Homoud. He further added “at this time of crisis, I encourage all nations to pursue coordinated and comprehensive strategies for agricultural development and effective social protection so that vulnerable people – women and children in particular – can get the food they need for nutritional security and well-being”.

The Goodwill Ambassador indicated that the population of hungry people worldwide kept increasing, saying currently over one billion people go to bed hungry and this, according to him, is a situation on which we cannot close our eyes. He maintained that a united front was needed at the global level to fight hunger and ensure food sufficiency to people. “The achievement of the MDG 1–to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger- faces the risk of serious setbacks and it has occurred because of several reasons originating from global financial meltdown which has resulted in panicky price hikes that have reduced incomes and access to food of the poor, more severely those in the poorest part of globe”, said Dr. Homoud. He urged governments to initiate and implement various programmes to increase food production, reduce inflation, create employment, expand social security nets and ensure food supply up to the people at the marginal level.

Dr. Homoud said that the Billion of people, whose very lives are threatened, because they are deprived of a minimum of the necessary nourishment, call for the attention of the International Community, because we all have the duty to take care of our brothers. Hr further asserted that true global development, organized and integral, which is desired by all, calls on the contrary to know in an objective manner the human situations, to define the true causes of poverty and to provide concrete answers, with an appropriate formation of persons and communities as a priority.

Dr. Homoud also stressed the need to take practical initiatives to fight against hunger and malnutrition in the world reiterating IIMSAM strong will to boost international co-operation in this field and contribute to achieving the objectives set by the international community, through international solidarity, to eradicate hunger and poverty. “"More than a billion people around the world do not have enough to eat", said Dr. Homoud.”Without access to a consistent supply of nutritious food, people cannot hope to move further than meeting their basic needs in order to contribute to their families, communities and societies." He further added while expressing his agony on the hunger prevailing in the world of plenty.

Dr. Naseer Homoud     Food Day     IIMSAM