Why in the News?
The recent G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, featured the official launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty (referred to as “the Alliance”).
What are the primary objectives of the Global Alliance?
- Eradication of Hunger and Poverty: The Alliance aims to eliminate hunger and poverty by 2030, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Support for Vulnerable Populations: It focuses on providing targeted assistance to vulnerable groups through various initiatives, including cash transfers and school meal programs.
- Resource Mobilization: The initiative emphasizes large-scale resource mobilisation to support its objectives, aiming to reach 500 million people through income distribution programs by 2030.
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Who are the key stakeholders involved in this initiative?
- The Alliance has 148 founding members, including 82 countries such as India, Brazil, and Bangladesh.
- It includes participation from 26 international organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNICEF.
- Nine financial institutions and 31 philanthropic foundations and non-governmental organizations are also involved in supporting the Alliance’s goals.
How will Alliance function?
- The Alliance serves as a platform for countries to share best practices and access technical expertise or financial support from other member nations.
- It offers more than 50 evidence-based policy instruments that member countries can utilize to develop their national strategies against hunger and poverty.
- Unlike traditional funding bodies, the Alliance does not have an exclusive fund but acts as a matchmaking entity connecting countries in need with donors and technical support providers. Its operational costs are estimated at $2-3 million annually, funded by member contributions.
What challenges does the Global Alliance aim to address in combating hunger and poverty?
- Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has exacerbated issues of hunger and poverty, reversing progress made toward the SDGs. The Alliance aims to counteract these setbacks by fostering international cooperation.
- Global Inequalities: It addresses deepening social, racial, and gender inequalities that have been intensified by recent global crises.
- Food Insecurity Projections: Current trends suggest that without intervention, millions will continue to live in extreme poverty and hunger by 2030—double the target levels set in the SDGs. The Alliance seeks to reverse these projections through coordinated action.
Conclusion: The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty aligns with SDGs 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by mobilizing resources, fostering collaboration, and implementing targeted interventions to combat hunger, poverty, and inequalities, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future.
Mains PYQ:
Q Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? (UPSC IAS/2024)
