If the number of people in need of humanitarian aid today formed a country, it would be the third largest in the world.
As I think about my colleagues, community members, and patients, I can’t help but wonder how they can survive food cuts and imminent hunger after enduring years of oppressive conflict, insecurity, indiscriminate attacks, and lack of services.
It’s baffling that in 2023, starvation and hunger are still inevitable for those fleeing conflict and seeking refuge. We are witnessing the worst effects of climate change, conflict, and hunger, exposing the flaws of our broken global food system. This system is leaving hundreds of millions of people hungry, and urgent action is necessary. Unfortunately, the world is far from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), with only 15% of the 140 targets on track to be met, and approximately 30% showing regression or no progress.
Many African countries are struggling to meet the SDG targets, particularly in terms of food security. The catastrophic levels of food insecurity make it difficult to envision achieving these goals. In fact, if the number of people in need of humanitarian aid today formed a country, it would be the third-largest globally, with a staggering 360 million people. This “non-country” is growing at an alarming rate, increasing by 30% since last year.
Kenya’s recent climate summit marked a significant shift in Africa’s involvement in global climate action. African leaders unitedly called for urgent action, investment mobilization, and a fair global financial system to combat the climate crisis. Despite contributing less than 4% of global emissions, Africa is disproportionately affected, with 17 out of the 20 worst-hit countries located on the continent. It is crucial to take immediate climate mitigation actions to minimize projected losses and damages.
During the SDG Summit, leaders from the Global South once again emphasized the need for UN member states to fulfill their commitments and work towards a more equal, just, and sustainable world. The slow progress of the SDGs highlights the issue of discrimination among people. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres candidly stated that “inequality is a political choice” and called out the failure of current political leadership.
We can no longer view this as a matter of charity but as a question of basic human rights. To show real solidarity with the Global South, we must listen to their calls for action and leadership in creating a sustainable future. This requires transforming global food systems, fulfilling our official development assistance (ODA), and climate finance commitments. Ireland’s commitment to increasing overseas aid to low-income countries and the most marginalized populations worldwide must be upheld. Our support for local civil society organizations that can deliver effective, community-led solutions is crucial.
As Ireland co-facilitates the SDG Summit, we have the opportunity to demonstrate our leadership role. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar spoke of Ireland as “a small country that dares to think big” during the UN General Assembly. Now, we must show the same determination and ambition in implementing ambitious plans nationally and in our ODA program, especially in the upcoming Budget 2024 and beyond. We need transformative change to address the global food systems, climate emergency, and structural inequality.
Jane-Ann McKenna is CEO of Dóchas
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