Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty Launched at G20 Summit: Aimed at Eradicating Hunger and Poverty by 2030

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 11)

 Analysis of News:   

Launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

• The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty was launched at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro to fast-track the eradication of hunger and poverty.
• With 148 members, including nations, organizations, and financial institutions, it aims to eliminate countries from the FAO’s hunger map by 2030.
• The Alliance is built on three pillars: public policy coordination, data-driven solutions, and large-scale resource mobilization, and has set ambitious goals such as expanding school meals and reaching 500 million people with income distribution programs.

Current Global Hunger and Poverty Challenges

• The 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) reveals alarming hunger levels in 42 countries, with India ranking 105th out of 127 nations. India’s GHI score of 27.3 reflects serious hunger, worsened by undernourishment, child stunting, and wasting.
• Similarly, the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) highlights that 234 million Indians live in extreme poverty, contributing to the 1.1 billion people globally facing acute poverty, making SDG-1 (ending poverty) a significant challenge.

What are India’s Progress on Hunger and Poverty Alleviation?

• Poverty Alleviation: Between 2014-2024, India lifted 250 million people out of poverty.
• Food Security: Over 800 million people are being given food grains free of cost.
• Health Insurance: 550 million people are benefiting from the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (PM-JAY).

• • 60 million senior citizens, over the age of 70, will also be able to benefit from free health insurance.

• Financial and Social Inclusion: Over 300 million women micro-entrepreneurs have been linked to banks and given access to credit.
• Farmer Support: Under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), over 40 million farmers have received benefits worth 20 billion US dollars.

• • Under PM-KISAN, assistance worth over 40 billion dollars has been given to 110 million farmers.

• • India has developed over 2000 climate-resilient crop varieties.

• Nutritional Focus: The Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 campaign focuses on nutrition for pregnant women, newborn babies, children under the age of 6, and adolescent girls.

• • Through the Mid Day Meal scheme, special attention is being paid to the nutritional needs of school-going children.

• Global Contributions to Food Security: Recently, India has provided humanitarian assistance to Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Lessons from the Global Hunger and Poverty Indices

• The GHI and MPI emphasize the multidimensional nature of hunger and poverty, calling for integrated approaches across health, education, and living standards.
• India’s poorer performance compared to neighbors like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka signals the need for targeted interventions.
• The Alliance’s focus on innovative programs, financial support, and evidence-based policymaking offers a pathway to align efforts with SDGs 1 and 2 (Zero Hunger).

The Role of the G20 and International Cooperation

• The G20, representing 85% of global GDP, is crucial in addressing these challenges. With the African Union recently joining as a member, the G20 expands its focus on inclusivity and global equity.
• Through mechanisms like the rotating presidency and support from the troika, the G20 provides a collaborative platform to promote sustainable solutions, such as the Global Alliance, which underscores the importance of multilateral efforts in eradicating hunger and poverty.

The Way Forward

• To meet the 2030 targets, effective implementation of strategic commitments, strong international collaboration, and leveraging platforms like the Global Alliance and G20 are essential.
• Tackling systemic issues like administrative inefficiencies and resource mobilization will be pivotal in achieving meaningful progress in hunger and poverty eradication.