Pope Charges World Leaders On Food For All

Pope Francis has urged UN member states to work toward combating food wastage, reducing volatility of food prices and creating a sense of global solidarity to ensure food security for all.

He said this on Friday in Rome while addressing over one hundred delegates attending the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) conference.
Francis said if all member states work for one another, consensus for action by FAO would not be late in arriving adding that it would lead to the rediscovery of FAO’s original mandates.
The Pontiff stated that volatile food prices prevent the poor from planning ahead and from being able to count on getting even a minimum level of nutrition.
He said the time had come for all stakeholders to work together toward ensuring food security.
In a separate meeting with FAO Director-General Jose da-Silva, the Pope stressed the importance of the UN agency’s ongoing decentralisation efforts.
Francis also drew the attention of da-Silva to the dangers of market influences and speculation on agriculture.
He expressed concern over large scale acquisitions of agricultural land by transnational companies and governments.
The Pontiff said it does not only deprive farmers of an essential good but also affects the sovereignty of nations.
He also expressed similar concern over food wastage worldwide, urging consumers to decisively commit to modified lifestyles and sustainable living.