Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has launched the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, a key initiative of Brazil’s G20 presidency, at a meeting in Rio de Janeiro. The alliance aims to combat global hunger, which according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), affected 733 million people, or 9% of the global population, in 2023.Lula emphasized that hunger is not a natural phenomenon but a result of political choices, stating, ‘The world produces more than enough food’. The alliance will focus on coordinating actions, technical and financial partnerships to support national programs in participating countries. It will be managed by a small, efficient secretariat located at FAO headquarters in Rome and Brasília, operating until 2030.The Brazilian government has committed to covering half of the alliance’s costs. Lula also promised that Brazil would exit the hunger map by the end of his term in December 2026. This goal is part of the broader UN Sustainable Development Goal to eradicate hunger globally by 2030.As part of the initiative, there are discussions about implementing a global minimum standard for taxation, particularly targeting the super-rich. Brazil’s Finance Minister, Fernando Haddad, suggested that a 2% tax on large fortunes could raise $200-250 billion annually for anti-hunger efforts. However, this proposal faces opposition from some countries, including the United States.The launch of this alliance marks a significant step in Brazil’s efforts to leverage its G20 presidency to address global issues. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres supported the initiative, stating that ‘hunger has no place in the 21st century’ and that ‘zero hunger is achievable with financial actions’.
Key points
- Brazilian President Lula launched the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty at a G20 meeting.
- The alliance aims to combat global hunger, which affects 733 million people worldwide according to the UN FAO.
- The initiative will be headquartered in Rome and Brasília, operating until 2030.
- Discussions include implementing a global minimum standard for taxation to fund anti-hunger efforts.
Contradictions👾While most sources report the alliance as a positive development, there are differing views on the proposed taxation of the super-rich, with some countries, notably the US, opposing international negotiations on this issue.
