2019 World Pulses Day
07/02/2019
2019 World Pulses Day
Carla Mucavi, Director, FAO Liaison Office to the United Nations in New York
H.E. Mr. Eric Tiare, Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Burkina Faso to the United Nations,
H.E. Madame Louise Blais, Ambassador/Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations,
Mr. Rauf Alp Denktaş, First Counsellor/Deputy Permanent Representative of Turkey to the United Nations,
Ms Cindy Brown, Executive Vice President, Global Pulse Confederation Ambassadors, Delegates,
RBAs and UN colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to represent FAO at today’s inaugural celebration of the World Pulses Day and provide concluding remarks on the success and legacy of the International Year of Pulses, approved by the General Assembly in 2013 and officially launched in FAO in November 2015 under the Slogan “Nutritious seeds for a sustainable Future”.
The celebration of IY of Pulses presents an immense opportunity to raise awareness of the critical role Pulses play in addressing the challenges of poverty, food security and malnutrition and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
In the last years we have seen a growing trend in chronic undernourishment that has reached 821 million people, acute food insecurity that now affects 124 million and obesity, which is a problem for 672 million people.
As we are alarmed by the increasing numbers provided by the SOFI 2018 the importance of pulses becomes even more critical in improving our diets and contributing to sustainable food systems.
After hearing from the distinguished speakers about the importance of innovation, productivity and cultural significance of Pulses, I would like to highlight the legacy of the International Year of Pulses and why we believe this undertaking was successful?
The Year has significantly contributed to raise awareness on how pulses contribute to health diets , food security and nutrition; promote pulses throughout the food systems , including their environmental benefits and boaster the production of pulses, foster research, better utilization of crop rotations and address the challenges in their trade.
It also contributed to increase the profile of pulses among all sectors of the population as well as strengthen the level of collaboration and partnership among key players - be it Governments, UN, Academia, Research, Civil Society, Private Sector, Media and individuals.
It is important to recall the key role played by the Special Ambassadors appointed from each Region of the world, who offered their names, talent and time in raising awareness on the important contribution of pulses to food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture.
Let me also highlight the positive experience by linking up activities of different International Years approved in the General Assembly , as for example with the International Years of Soils.
Today we can all affirm that pulses are better recognized as a valuable source of protein and as an ally for Food security and nutrition in the fight against hunger .
I could not miss the opportunity to recognize the efforts undertaken by countries present here today , but also other partners such as the UN System, Civil society and the private sector, in particular the Global Pulses Confederation and thank them for their leadership, commitment and support throughout this journey.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentleman.
How can we keep this momentum?
We need to keep engaged and be “Friends of Pulses,” not rushing to the next “Super food” – as Pulses have multiple benefits known for millennia.
From FAOs perspective we can propose the following actions.
Establish a thematic network on Pulses in the context of the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition;
Facilitate awareness of underutilized pulse species. Pulses such as Bambara beans, African Yam bean and winged bean have an important social value for local communities.
Improve data on pulses and invest in research to improve knowledge on production and consumption at country and international level.
FAO is committed to keeping the momentum created by the IYP which will now be followed on an annual bases by the observance of the World Pulses Day every February 10.
Happy World Pulses Day.