London, UK – The United Kingdom hosted the inaugural Global Food Security Summit on 20 November, aiming to address the growing challenges of global food insecurity and malnutrition. Co-chaired by the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and representatives from the United Arab Emirates, the summit convened government ministers and leading experts to foster long-term solutions to hunger and malnutrition. The event also focused on addressing immediate humanitarian challenges, particularly in Somalia.
According to Somali National News Agency, who opened the summit, the international community must address the root causes of food insecurity. He emphasized the urgency of acting now to prevent food crises and malnutrition and to build resilient food systems. The Prime Minister announced the launch of a new science center dedicated to developing climate-resilient crops and identifying risks to global food systems. Mike Nithavrianakis, the British Ambassador to Somalia, highlighted the summit as a testament to the strong partnership between the UK and Somalia, particularly in tackling food insecurity and building climate resilience. The UK’s commitment includes up to £100 million in humanitarian funding for new development projects to enhance resilience to climate change in Somalia.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the global summit, emphasizing the importance of food security to Somalia given its current situation. He acknowledged the UK as a key ally and expressed hopes for an enhanced partnership. The summit also served as a venue for a Strategic Dialogue to strengthen ties between the UK and the Federal Government of Somalia.
The summit explored how innovation, partnerships, and technological advances could ensure long-term food security and improved nutrition, especially in countries severely affected by food insecurity like Somalia. Through its science and research partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the UK is working on solutions to global food and climate challenges, including developing more nutritious and resilient crop varieties and innovations to combat pests and diseases. Additionally, in collaboration with the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), the UK is leading innovative approaches to tackle child wasting and famine in some of the world’s most vulnerable countries.