“On this very important day I want to address all of those who are engaged in the fight to realize a common dream: that one day no one will have to live with hunger anywhere in the world,” said former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in a video in honor of World Food Day – October 16.Lula cited a Report from the FAO (the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization) that shows that malnutrition has declined by 13.2% over the last 20 years. During that same period malnutrition declined by 25% in Latin America and 40% in Brazil, but increased in some of the poorest countries in the world.
“To meet this challenge it is essential for all governments clearly assume their responsibility to put in place social programs to combat poverty”, the former president argued. “Economic development only makes sense if it is both inclusive and sustainable. Eradicating hunger is our number one priority, and should cause governments and people to come together. A world without hunger is a world that is more fair and more just.”