On October 25, national forum on “Food Supply and Security – Livestock” was organized under the auspices of the President of Mongolia. FAO Representative, Vinod Ahuja delivered remarks during the forum. The following is his speech in full.

Excellency Mr. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, President of Mongolia,

Ms. Ariunzaya Ayush, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mongolia

Excellency Ms. Saranchimeg Batsukh, Parliament Member and Head of Standing Committee on Environment, Food and Agriculture

Excellency Mr. Bolorchuluun Khayangaa, Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry

Distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

At the outset, I wish to thank the organizers, the Office of the President of Mongolia and the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry for the opportunity to co-organize this National Forum on Food Supply and Security – Livestock. As the specialized agency of the United Nations, FAO has been and will remain a long term and trusted UN partner to Mongolia in ensuring Mongolia’s efforts to achieve food security. 

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen

 These are unprecedented times. We are facing numerous challenges from natural and man-made disasters. After more than two years of a global pandemic, with interruptions to international supply chains, and now with the impacts of the war in Ukraine, we are left with a weak global economy. The most vulnerable have been pushed to the brink of starvation. Globally, the number of people suffering from hunger continues to rise and currently stands at 828 million. 3.1 billion people globally cannot afford a healthy diet, and the number of acutely food insecure people has risen from 135 million to 193 million. These numbers are the sad confirmation that too many people are being left further behind!

In September, FAO’s Food Price Index averaged 136.3 points - 5.5% above its value one year ago. Prices of most foodstuffs remain high and continue to be under upward pressure due to a number of factors such as declining stocks for some commodities, high energy and fertilizer costs, poor weather conditions, uncertainties related to trade policies, and risks associated with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Price rise and weakening of national currencies has also contributed to increased food import bills and additional fiscal pressure in a large number of countries.  

Mongolia has also not been spared of the impact although I must say with concerted and decisive efforts from the Government, Mongolia has avoided any serious food crisis. Yet however as per the latest numbers approx. 5 percent people suffer from severe food insecurity and another 20 percent from moderate food insecurity.  And almost 50% of the people in Mongolia are not able to afford a healthy diet. As a result, the number of people who suffer from food-related diseases has been increasing. At 32 percent, Mongolia has the second highest levels of premature mortality among low middle income countries. The National Nutrition Survey that was carried out 5 years ago, 90% of children under 5 years and 95 percent pregnant women suffered from vitamin D deficiency. 27% of children below 5 years and 21% of pregnant women were anemic; In global studies comparing diets and NCD risk across countries, Mongolia ranked 1st among all countries in the fraction of cardiovascular mortality attributable to dietary imbalances. These numbers are quite concerning. 

But these times are also unprecedented for one more reason. We are also seeing an increased and strengthened political will on food security from all those in the government, and key partners at local, national, regional, and global level. The Food Revolution initiative led by the President of Mongolia is a clear testimony of such leadership. There is momentum to do more and better – to build back better and stronger, together.

At the global level as well we have seen positive actions that give us hope. For example, at the global level, a new food shock window has been established after FAO recommended a Food Import Financial Facility to the G20 Presidency in April this year. The purpose of this Facility is to help vulnerable countries cope with food shortages. By providing professional assessments and analyses that enhances market transparency and policy response, we have shown the world that FAO is a reliable, neutral, professional service provider for all Members. We hope to also support the Government of Mongolia in doing more professional and science based assessments, provide strategic policy advice and bring in new innovations in support of more sustainable food systems development of Mongolia. We also hope to work together with the Government of Mongolia in realizing its goal of food exports.

As we look ahead, it is important to be aware that the main drivers of food crises are expected to persist in 2023. The high costs of energy, inputs, production and trade are likely to have a major impact on the coming agricultural seasons. These factors can put us at increased risk of facing a food crisis. We must all work together to prevent such a scenario! We must also support food access for vulnerable groups, expand social protection programs, commit to an open, predictable and well-functioning market and trading system. We must also give our Youth, especially the young herders, the opportunities they need. The future is in their hands, the planet is their home to stay.  

Just about two weeks ago, we celebrated the World Food Day in Mongolia. I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the President for sending his message. This message meant a lot. During this day we also recognized four outstanding women in Mongolia who are making outstanding contribution to food security. We derive inspiration from their contribution and encourage investment in women and even greater collaboration to transform agrifood systems.

Excellencies, ladies and gentleman

 To conclude, let me say that if we look at the history of agriculture development around the world, there are many examples where countries have turned the crisis into opportunity and came out stronger on the other side of the crisis. I firmly believe it is time to repeat that history. FAO has been working very closely with the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and a range of national institutions and international partners and I wish to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to continue these partnerships, focusing on a range of areas including improvement of safety, supply and quality of food products, productivity enhancement, digitalization in agriculture, value chain development, disease control, natural resource management, climate-smart agriculture, prevention of ecosystem degradation and biodiversity, sustainable forest management, emergency preparedness, social protection, and resilient livelihoods.  

Thank you so very much once again and I wish everyone a productive and exciting meeting.