A concerted action against hunger must remain a global priority, says the Resident Coordinator in Bahrain

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Khaled El Mekwad, addressed the state of hunger in the world on Thursday during a United Nations simulation organised by the French International School of Bahrain.

"We cannot think of a greater catastrophe, nor a greater tragedy," said Mr. El Mekwad, recalling that one in eleven people in the world, and one in five in Africa, suffer from hunger.

"Hunger is also a moral issue that should concern us all. In our world of abundance, how can we accept that a person dies of hunger every few seconds?" said the Resident Coordinator.

According to the United Nations, more than 733 million people worldwide lack food due to conflicts, marginalisation, climate change, poverty, and economic recessions.

In 2015, world leaders committed to eradicating hunger by 2030. But with less than five years to go, the world is not on track to eliminate hunger. According to projections, more than 600 million people worldwide will suffer from hunger in 2030.

A concerted action against hunger must remain a priority for the International Community, said Mr El Mekwad.

"We have the resources, knowledge, and tools necessary to fight this battle," he said, citing the need for peace, respect for humanitarian law, and a global effort at all levels, including unprecedented political and financial commitment to address entrenched inequalities.

"The United Nations system is at the centre of these efforts, in terms of emergency humanitarian response, peace-seeking and conflict prevention, climate action, and development aid," El Mekwad said.

The United Nations is and will always be alongside young people.

Addressing the MUN delegates, the Resident Coordinator emphasised the importance of youth engagement for the United Nations.

"The United Nations has consistently emphasised the crucial role of young people in addressing global challenges, such as hunger, and in creating a better and more sustainable future where no one is left behind," he said.

He recalled that UN member states recommitted at the Future Summit held in New York last September to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through urgent and intensified actions, policies, and investments.

"And this is where young people have a role to play, especially in pushing governments to keep their promises," Mr El Mekwad said.

"I encourage you to fully seize such opportunities to discuss world problems and think together about solutions. The world being built today is yours. It cannot be built without you. Imagine the world you want to live in and make it happen."

The event marked the opening of regional MUN simulations within French Schools in the Gulf countries. It was also attended by HE Ambassador Nasser Al Belooshi, Representative of Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and HE Mr Eric  Giraud-Telme, French Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, who also delivered remarks.