The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) kicked off a two-week meeting today, closely examining the issues underpinning the current food crisis.
Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs
has called for long-term planning and analysis of deeper problems that have threatened food security to determine how to avoid such a crisis in the future.
“The international community has only belatedly recognized this food crisis, threatening much of humanity,” said Sha Zukang,
He added “The basic problem is that agricultural productivity growth has been slowing since the 1970s, even as demand for food has been accelerating.”
The current session which will run until 16 May begins a two-year cycle that seeks to tackle topics which include agriculture, land use, rural development, desertification and drought; alt are key to boosting the world’s food supply while addressing problems pertaining to poverty, hunger and the environment.
Among those present at the meeting will be government officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society representatives as well as more than 50 government ministers who are expected to take part in the high level segment from 14-16 May.
