Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

Context:
The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty initiative was launched during the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to address critical global challenges related to poverty, hunger, and inequalities, with a focus on accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

The Need for the Alliance

1. Poverty Projections:
   • By 2030, 622 million people are projected to live below the extreme poverty line of $2.15 per day. This underscores the urgent need for coordinated global efforts to address poverty and hunger.
2. Hunger Projections:
   • 582 million people are expected to suffer from hunger by 2030, maintaining the same level as in 2015, highlighting the slow progress in combating food insecurity globally.
3. Global Conflicts:
   • Ongoing conflicts disrupt food systems and economic stability, pushing more people into hunger and poverty by hindering agricultural productivity, trade, and economic growth.
4. Climate Change:
   • Increasing climate-related disasters (such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves) have negative effects on agriculture, further exacerbating food insecurity and making it difficult for vulnerable populations to recover.
5. Socio-Economic Inequalities:
   • Inequalities—whether in terms of income, access to resources, or education—continue to widen, particularly in low-income regions, limiting the effectiveness of poverty reduction efforts and further complicating efforts to tackle hunger.

About the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

1. Aim:
   • The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty aims to address the setbacks in achieving the SDGs, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, global conflicts, and climate change, by accelerating progress toward ending hunger and poverty by 2030.
2. Objective:
   • The Alliance seeks to connect countries needing assistance with partners willing to offer expertise or financial support to eradicate hunger and poverty.
3. Members:
   • The Alliance comprises 81 countries (including India), 26 international organizations, 9 financial institutions, and 31 NGOs and philanthropic foundations.
4. Funding:
   • The Alliance does not have an exclusive fund. Operational costs, which are estimated at $2-3 million annually, are covered by contributions from members and institutions like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF, and the World Bank.

Key Initiatives of the Global Alliance

1. School Meals Programs:
   • The Alliance supports school meal programs, which provide children with nutritious meals to improve their health, cognitive development, and educational outcomes, especially in regions facing food insecurity.
2. Water Access Solutions:
   • Access to clean water is a critical aspect of addressing hunger and poverty. The Alliance works on initiatives that improve access to water for communities, ensuring that people have reliable sources of clean water for drinking, sanitation, and irrigation.
3. Support for Smallholder and Family Farming:
   • Many of the world’s poorest people depend on smallholder and family farms for their livelihoods. The Alliance supports these farmers through technical assistance, access to markets, and improved agricultural practices to increase productivity and income.
4. Maternal and Early Childhood Interventions:
   • Maternal and early childhood health programs are key to addressing poverty and hunger. The Alliance supports initiatives that focus on nutrition, health care, and education for mothers and children to reduce malnutrition and ensure a better start in life for future generations.
5. Cash Transfers:
   • Cash transfer programs provide direct financial assistance to vulnerable populations, helping them meet their basic needs, improve their living conditions, and invest in education and healthcare.
6. Socio-Economic Inclusion Initiatives:
   • The Alliance promotes socio-economic inclusion by supporting initiatives that empower marginalized groups, such as women, youth, and indigenous populations, to improve their social and economic status.