What is Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, launched at Brazil G20?

• The G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was headlined by the official launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.

Highlights:

• The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty ("the Alliance") was officially launched at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• A flagship initiative under Brazil’s G20 presidency in 2024, it aims to combat hunger and poverty by connecting countries in need with partners offering expertise or financial support.

The Urgent Need for the Alliance

Reversals in Progress:

• 2030 Agenda Goals: The UN’s 2015 agenda aimed to eradicate hunger and poverty by 2030.
• Pandemic Impact: The Covid-19 pandemic reversed progress, with extreme poverty and hunger rising, especially in the Global South.
• Worsening Trends: Climate change, conflicts, and uneven economic recovery have further hindered global efforts.

Stark Projections:

• By 2030, 622 million people are expected to live below the extreme poverty line of $2.15/day—double the target.
• 582 million people may still face hunger, the same figure as in 2015.

Global Call to Action:

• Brazilian President Lula da Silva highlighted the need for urgent action, citing deepening inequalities, conflicts, forced displacements, and extreme weather events.
• Lula described hunger and poverty as the ultimate symbols of the global tragedy.

How the Alliance Works

Membership and Collaboration:

• Participants:
  • 81 countries, including India.
  • 26 international organizations.
  • 9 financial institutions.
  • 31 philanthropic foundations and NGOs.
• Platform Function:
  • Facilitates exchange of best practices and identification of partners for technical and financial assistance.
  • Focuses on evidence-based policies and a “policy basket” of over 50 instruments.

Six “Sprints 2030” (High-Impact Initiatives):

• School Meals: Enhancing nutritional support for children.
• Cash Transfers: Financial aid for vulnerable populations.
• Smallholder and Family Farming Support: Strengthening agricultural livelihoods.
• Socio-Economic Inclusion Programs: Uplifting marginalized communities.
• Maternal and Early Childhood Interventions: Focusing on health and nutrition.
• Water Access Solutions: Addressing water scarcity.

Unique Model of the Alliance

Matchmaking Role:

• Unlike traditional initiatives, the Alliance does not maintain an exclusive fund.
• Acts as a facilitator, connecting countries in need with donors and technical experts.

Funding and Headquarters:

• Operational costs of $2-3 million annually to be covered by member contributions and institutions like the FAO, UNICEF, and the World Bank.
• Likely headquarters: Brasilia or another Global South country, with an additional office in Rome at FAO headquarters.

Prelims Takeaways

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• UNICEF