The challenge for policy-makers

Do we have the right policies to help ensure that the world's future needs are met? Are the governments of low-income countries in a position to enable their poor and hungry improve their livelihoods and feed themselves? Are trade policies and Official Development Assistance sufficient and properly focused to feed the world better over the coming decades? What are the priority areas for policy action and where are the present and future hot spots where policy action is needed most urgently? What can be done to ensure food security in Sub-Saharan Africa, the continent facing the highest population growth rates, the severest impacts from climate change and the heaviest burden of HIV/AIDS?

An open forum

To discuss these vital issues and analyse policy options to be considered by the Heads of State and Government attending the World Summit on Food Security in Rome, November 16-18, senior experts in relevant disciplines from around the world were invited to come to Rome for a two-day forum in October. There were six moderated panel sessions focusing on aspects of the problem, with opportunity for audience participation.

Partners

We are particularly grateful to the Government of Spain and our sister Rome-based UN agency, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), for their support to the organization of the forum and the participation of many experts from developing countries.