Context: Recently, a new Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty was launched at the G20 Leaders Summit in Brazil to eradicate poverty and hunger globally.

• The alliance is an important step towards the implementation of the Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition 2023, adopted at the G20 New Delhi Summit 2023.

• In addition, India's Prime Minister addressed a session on 'Social Inclusion and the Fight against Hunger and Poverty,' sharing India's experiences and success stories.

What is the Need for the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty?

• Escalating Poverty and Hunger: In 2022, approximately 712 million people lived in extreme poverty—23 million more than in 2019—with the highest rates in the poorest countries. In 2023, 733 million people faced hunger, and 148 million children under five suffered from stunting (low height-for-age).

• Increasing Financing Gaps: The widening gaps in financing for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 1 (no poverty) and 2 (zero hunger), highlight the urgent need for additional resource mobilisation. A global alliance can bridge the resource gap with innovative financing, international cooperation, and equitable resource allocation.

• Gender-Based Food Insecurity: 26.7% of women worldwide were food insecure, compared to 25.4% of men, showing a gender gap worldwide.

• Insufficient Responses: Ineffective policies, inadequate social protection, and limited resources continue to worsen hunger and malnutrition, leaving vulnerable populations without sufficient means to access adequate food and healthy diets.

• Economic Impact of Poverty: Poverty, hunger, and malnutrition impose major economic costs on households, health systems, and national economies, particularly in developing countries. This cycle lowers productivity, hampers sustainable growth, and deepens social and economic inequalities.

• Crisis Among Vulnerable: Rising acute food insecurity, humanitarian crises, and fragile states call for improved crisis prevention, preparedness, and resilience. A global alliance can enable targeted investments and coordinated responses to protect vulnerable populations.

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.

Road Ahead

• 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.