55th Session of the Commission on Social Development, Item 3 (a): Strategies for eradicating poverty to achieve sustainable development for all

 

 

 

55^th Session of the Commission on Social Development

 

Item 3 (a): Strategies for eradicating poverty to achieve sustainable development for all

 

Statement by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

 

Delivered by Ms. Carla Mucavi, Director of the FAO Liaison Office to the UN

 

6 February 2017

 

Thank you Mr. Chair,

 

• I would like to join previous speakers in congratulating you and the other members of the Bureau on your election, and to assure you of FAO’s full support in the work of the Commission.
• Despite great progress over the last few decades, poverty, hunger and malnutrition still remain as major obstacles to sustainable development. The fact that 78% of the world’s poor live in rural areas shows that people who grow the food that the world depends on, are disproportionately more likely to be poor and hungry themselves.  
• That is why poverty, hunger and malnutrition can be eradicated by targeting rural areas as a priority for interventions, and empowering rural actors, in particular small scale producers, women farmers, youth, and indigenous people, and enabling them to play an active role in sustainable development.

 

Ladies and gentlemen,

 

• Despite the multifaceted challenges that the world faces today, such as inequality, conflict, and climate change – hunger and poverty can be eliminated during our lifetime.
• Using data and evidence to inform policies and programs, we must take a pro-poor approach to sustainable development, where investment in agriculture and rural development is increased substantially to target the poor and most vulnerable.
• Our investment in agriculture and the empowerment of rural actors, in particular small scale producers and women farmers, must also be complemented by social protection floors allowing for small scale producers and vulnerable groups to sustain their livelihood.
• Furthermore, sustainable food production systems, and improved rural productivity and incomes of small-scale family farmers are also critical for sustaining an agricultural transition, and for poverty and hunger eradication.
• In addition, investment in rural infrastructure, institutions, as well as the strengthening of local and national markets needs to be prioritized in national and regional strategies for industrialization and equitable economic growth.
• Re-engaging youth in agriculture can be a double-win: it is vital for the sustainability of the food systems and it can help addressing the issues of youth unemployment, poverty and migration.
• With coherent policies and their implementation to adequately address the youth employment challenge and at the same time rejuvenate the agricultural sector, youth’s support could be key in the delivery of SDGs and beyond.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

• Let me conclude by highlighting the importance of partnerships in the role of ending poverty and hunger. The implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals calls for an expanded set of competencies, knowledge, and technologies. Partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and other key stakeholders are therefore expected to play an expanded role under the 2030 Agenda – as coordinated action by multiple stakeholders – outside and within the UN family – is needed to address the integrated, indivisible and interlinked nature of the SDGs. Only by working together will we be able to put poverty and hunger in the pages of the history books.

 

Thank you.