63. The Conference considered regional implications and dimensions related to the upcoming World Food Summit: five years later (WFS:fyl).5
64. Delegates noted with concern that, although the total number of undernourished had declined since the World Food Summit (WFS), the global annual net decrease had been only about 6 million, or less than one-third of the number required to meet the WFS goal of cutting the number of undernourished in half by the year 2015.
65. The Conference noted that the rate of reduction of 10 million in Asia and the Pacific had also fallen short of the annual target of 13 million. About 16 percent of the region's population, or every sixth person in Asia and the Pacific remained undernourished, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the world's total.
66. The Conference reviewed the experiences of countries in the region in addressing food insecurity and the major factors underlying the differing levels of success. Delegates recognised that performance in reducing the numbers of undernourished improved with economic and agricultural growth and distribution, macro-economic stability, poverty reduction, population control, improved access to food, progress in health and sanitation conditions, conducive public policies and peace and order. The Conference acknowledged that many of these factors were significantly influenced by natural and man-made disasters as well as internal and external economic and political circumstances.
67. Delegates recognised the need to intensify efforts to reduce the undernourished population and discussed measures for strengthening action plans to achieve the World Food Summit commitments and targets. The Conference urged member countries to give priority to sustainable, broad-based agricultural growth (including enhanced productivity) and rural development as cornerstones for reducing undernourishment. It encouraged all countries, that have not yet prepared national action plans, to do so as quickly as possible and to support their effective implementation.
68. The Conference recommended that countries pay special attention to the roles of women in agriculture and to utilise the vast potential of community-government partnerships in combating hunger. Delegates stressed the significant benefits to be gained from collaboration between governments and non-governmental and civil society organizations in mobilising community-level actions and advocating agricultural and rural development.
69. Delegates stressed the importance of good governance and enhancing participation of the poor in policy making and implementation of hunger-eradication programs. The Conference also recognised that political stability and peace were essential conditions for increased private investment in food production.
70. The delegates noted with concern the declining flow of financial resources to the agriculture sector. The Conference called for substantial increases in agriculture and rural development investments. In this regard, the Conference was encouraged, by the recently concluded International Conference on Financing for Development, held in Monterrey, Mexico and urged follow-up action to enhance allocations of financial resources to the agriculture and rural development sectors.
71. The delegates welcomed the positive outcomes of the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization in Doha, Qatar, that supported fair and equitable agricultural trade regimes and urged countries in the region to ensure that the important principles adopted at Doha are implemented. Several delegates suggested that future trade negotiations and follow up should focus on improved market access, special and differential treatment for developing countries and on reducing subsidies and other trade distortions.
72. Appreciating the important role of international trade in enhancing food security and rural livelihoods, member countries were urged to participate fully and effectively in the upcoming round of negotiations on agriculture to ensure fairness and equity in existing arrangements. The Conference requested FAO to support such involvement by helping to strengthen national capacities to analyse trade issues, assisting countries in formulating and updating national trade legislation and facilitating regional and sub-regional information sharing related to trade negotiations.
73. Recognising the potentially serious implications of climate change on agriculture and food security, the Conference urged national and international organizations to step up research efforts to identify sound approaches for adapting agriculture to meet the challenges of climate change.
74. Delegates emphasised the importance of food insecurity and vulnerability information mapping systems (FIVIMS) for identifying and addressing chronic food insecurity. The Conference encouraged member countries to extend their full support to the application of FIVIMS. FAO was requested to provide support to member countries in establishing and strengthening national FIVIMS.
75. The delegates recognised FAO's efforts in improving food security at the country level through its multi-disciplinary technical support of the Special Programme for Food Security.
76. The Conference considered ideas for a “Global Coalition Against Hunger” and noted the potential for such a coalition to further mobilise political will in combating hunger.6 Delegates acknowledged the need for increased political commitment, resources and action to reduce hunger and recognised the benefits of improved coordination of efforts. Some delegates requested further information on the potential form and functions of a possible global coalition, and clarification on how it would relate to existing efforts. Some other delegates expressed strong support for a “Global Coalition Against Hunger” and considered it a timely initiative to accelerate progress toward the target of halving the number of undernourished by 2015. In this respect, the Conference looked forward to further discussion of the concept at the next session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) and the WFS:fyl.
5 APRC/02/6
6 APRC/02/6/Sup. 1
