Deputy Secretary-General Urges Immediate Investment in Climate Adaptation to Address Hunger

Following a high-level open debate on conflict-related food insecurity at the United Nations Security Council, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed emphasized the urgent need to address the intertwined crises of war and hunger. She commended Sierra Leone for prioritizing this critical issue, highlighting that conflict not only devastates infrastructure but also severely impacts food security. With millions trapped in conflict zones facing acute hunger, Mohammed called for immediate action to protect food systems and ensure humanitarian access.

Amina Mohammed articulated the harsh realities faced by those living in conflict zones, where war and hunger are often inseparable. She noted that armed conflict is a significant driver of acute food insecurity, affecting 14 out of 16 global hunger hotspots. Last year, approximately 295 million people experienced acute hunger, marking a troubling increase of 14 million from the previous year. The situation is particularly dire in regions like Sudan, where violence exacerbates famine, and Gaza, which has recently confirmed famine conditions. The interconnectedness of global crises was also highlighted, as conflicts in one area can lead to food shortages and inflation in distant regions, ultimately impacting the most vulnerable populations.

Mohammed stressed that the destruction of agricultural systems and the weaponization of food are violations of international humanitarian law. She described how conflicts lead to the obliteration of farms, markets, and transportation routes, which are essential for food distribution. The systematic targeting of food infrastructure not only exacerbates hunger but also destabilizes entire communities, creating a vicious cycle of violence and desperation.

Call for Humanitarian Action

The Deputy Secretary-General called for immediate humanitarian access and the enforcement of international humanitarian law. She emphasized that ceasefires must be respected, and humanitarian workers should be allowed to reach those in need without obstruction. The ongoing crises in Sudan and Gaza illustrate the dire consequences of restricted humanitarian access, where food systems have become battlegrounds rather than lifelines for civilians.

Mohammed referenced existing resolutions that condemn starvation as a method of warfare and demand protection for civilians. However, she noted that enforcement remains a challenge. To address this, she advocated for broader engagement with civil society organizations and regional actors who can provide critical insights and leverage to ensure accountability for violations. By facilitating humanitarian access, parties to conflicts can create opportunities for recovery and pave the way for lasting peace.

Building Resilient Food Systems

Mohammed underscored the importance of transforming food systems from short-term relief efforts to long-term sustainable solutions. She argued that resilient food systems are essential for breaking the cycle of hunger and conflict. Investments in local agriculture, infrastructure, and market access can empower communities and foster economic growth.

She pointed to initiatives like the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, which aims to increase agrifood output and enhance climate resilience. By ensuring that smallholder farmers thrive and that women and youth have a voice in food systems, communities can build a foundation for stability and peace. Mohammed stressed that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ending hunger by 2030 requires a fundamental shift in how the international community approaches food security.

The Path to Peace and Climate Action

In her remarks, Mohammed highlighted the critical link between climate action and food security. She warned that climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities, with extreme weather events threatening agricultural productivity and increasing the risk of conflict. Early warning systems and adaptation finance are vital for helping communities manage resources and build resilience against climate stress.

Ultimately, she asserted that peace is the only sustainable solution to the crises of hunger and conflict. Humanitarian action can provide immediate relief, but lasting peace requires addressing the root causes of conflict, including inequality and the lack of basic services. Mohammed concluded with a powerful reminder that the innocent civilians caught in these conflicts are paying the price for decisions made by others. She urged the Security Council to act decisively to ensure that food is never again used as a weapon and to create a future where all people can access the nourishment they need to thrive.

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