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10.06.2018 | Press Release

G7: Missed opportunity in the fight against hunger

Welthungerhilfe is disappointed about the outcome of the G7 summit in Charlevoix (Canada): “The G7 countries have missed an opportunity to follow up on their own promises to fight hunger with concrete actions,” said Bärbel Dieckmann, President of Welthungerhilfe. The ambitious plans from the last few years are not mentioned in the outcome document.

The heads of state and government pose for the traditional "family photo" at the G7 summit 2018
The heads of state and government pose for the traditional "family photo" at the G7 summit 2018 in Charlevoix, Canada. © #g7charlevoix/ Flickr

“Three years ago, at the G7 summit in Elmau, there was a commitment to raise 500 million people out of hunger and malnutrition. The summit in Canada also failed to provide an implementation plan and financing details. This is a fatal signal in light of rising figures for starving people worldwide. The G7 cannot forget people in countries like South Sudan or Yemen, who are currently threatened by famine caused by drought or military conflicts,” explained Dieckmann.

The only glimmer of hope from the summit meeting are the initiatives on the promotion of women and gender equality. The Canadian G7 presidency was able to make $2.9 billion US available for the education of women and girls in crisis regions. “Women feed the world. In developing countries, they produce more than half the food and thus ensure that their children get something to eat. Nevertheless, the face of hunger is female, as women do not have the same rights as men. Girls have to break off their schooling more often than their male classmates, above all in crisis regions. The initiative of the Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau is therefore welcome – if the announcements are followed by actions,” Bärbel Dieckmann said.

The G7 summit was overshadowed by differences, for example, in the trade policy. This led to the USA again questioning the joint outcome document after the summit. “A trial of strength between the industrial nations in the trading sector can have a negative impact on developing countries,” warned Bärbel Dieckmann. “It is thus all the more important to implement promises made in respect of the people who are living in poverty”.

Welthungerhilfe is one of the largest private aid organisations in Germany; politically independent and non-denominational. It is fighting for “Zero Hunger by 2030”. Since it was founded in 1962, more than 8,500 overseas projects in 70 countries have been supported with 3.27 billion euros. Welthungerhilfe works on the principle of help for self-help: from fast disaster relief to reconstruction and long-term development cooperation projects with national and international partner organisations.

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