Minister Hussen Reaffirms Canada’s Commitment to Fighting Global Hunger on World Food Day
Ottawa, Canada — On World Food Day, October 16, 2024, Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, reiterated Canada’s dedication to addressing the global hunger crisis, highlighting the alarming statistic that 733 million people worldwide continue to face food insecurity. In a message shared on social media, Hussen emphasized the importance of ensuring that everyone has the right to food, underscoring Canada’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with international partners to end hunger and malnutrition, both domestically and abroad.
Hussen’s call to action came as part of the global observance of World Food Day, an initiative spearheaded by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to raise awareness about food insecurity and to promote sustainable agricultural practices. His tweet highlighted the Canadian government’s pledge to support the world’s most vulnerable populations in accessing sufficient, nutritious food.
Everyone has the right to food.
It is not okay that, 733 million people globally are still going to bed hungry.
On #worldfoodday we are committed to working with partners to end hunger and malnutrition for the most vulnerable, in Canada and around the world. pic.twitter.com/yN3MeVYu71
— Ahmed Hussen (@HonAhmedHussen) October 16, 2024
“Everyone has the right to food. It is not okay that 733 million people globally are still going to bed hungry,” Hussen stated. “On #WorldFoodDay, we are committed to working with partners to end hunger and malnutrition for the most vulnerable, in Canada and around the world.”
Canada has been active in tackling global hunger through various programs, including providing humanitarian aid, supporting agricultural development projects, and investing in climate resilience initiatives to improve food systems in affected regions. The government’s approach aims to not only alleviate immediate hunger but also address the root causes, such as poverty, conflict, and climate change.
Hussen’s reaffirmation comes at a crucial time, as rising food prices and supply chain disruptions have worsened food insecurity in many parts of the world. Organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) and the FAO have reported that conflict, economic downturns, and climate-related shocks have exacerbated hunger levels, with millions at risk of starvation.
Canada’s efforts in international food security include partnerships with agencies such as the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and other non-governmental organizations working to deliver food assistance and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Hussen’s remarks further reinforce Canada’s position as a global leader in advocating for food security and sustainable development.
As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of hunger and malnutrition, Hussen’s message on World Food Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need for collective action. He encouraged nations, institutions, and individuals to unite in the fight to ensure that everyone, regardless of their geographic location or economic status, can access adequate and healthy food.
Ahmed Hussen’s call aligns with Canada’s broader international development strategy, which prioritizes food security, gender equality, and environmental sustainability as key pillars in its efforts to create a more equitable world.
As Canada continues to champion the right to food, Hussen’s message resonates as a call for stronger partnerships and coordinated responses to the global hunger crisis.