Second Committee, 14th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 81st session

Good morning, colleagues. May I invite you to take your seats. We are about to start the meeting. The 14th meeting of the Second Committee is called to order. I invite the Committee to begin its joint consideration of agenda items 21, entitled Eradication of Poverty and Other Development Issues; and its sub-items A to D, together with agenda item 23, entitled Agricultural Development, Food Security and Nutrition. The documentation under these items is listed in today's journal and on e-Gov. We will first proceed with introduction of reports. Before doing so, I note that the report of the Secretary-General to be introduced this morning under item 23 on Agricultural Development, Food Security and Nutrition is yet to be issued in all six official languages. I therefore seek the agreement of the Committee to hear the introduction of the report on the basis of the advanced, unedited version shared with the Committee on 9th of October. If I hear no objection, we shall proceed accordingly. I would like to remind the introducer of report that the time limit for one introduction is four minutes, although some flexibility will be exercised when two or more reports are introduced in one statement. I first invite Mr. Dirk Glaser, Director of Sustainable Tourism and Resilience at the World Tourism Organizations, who is joining us virtually to introduce under agenda item 21, the report of the Secretary General entitled Promotion of Sustainable Tourism, including Eco-Tourism for Poverty Eradication and Environment Protection, contained in document A/81/278/Rev.1. Mr. Glasser, you have the floor.

Secretary General, on the promotion of sustainable tourism and resilience, including ecotourism for poverty eradication and environmental protection, submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 79/220. As you know, tourism is far more than an economic sector. It sustains millions of livelihoods, creates opportunities for communities, and generates income worldwide. When developed responsibly, it also can be a powerful force for poverty eradication, environmental protection, cultural heritage preservation, and inclusive development. The report, which is in front of you, was prepared by the World Tourism Organization, drawing on a survey of our member states conducted in early 2026 and contributions from relevant UN entities and programs. It takes stocks of the developments since the previous report prepared in 2024 and examines tourism's contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Allow me to highlight, as requested, three key messages. First, tourism is increasingly recognized as a cross-cutting driver of sustainable development. Member States are making progress in integrating tourism into national development strategies and broader climate, biodiversity and disaster risk reduction frameworks. More than three quarters of responding countries reported of having a national strategy, policy or plan for sustainable tourism. The report also highlights ecotourism and community-based tourism can support biodiversity conservation, diversify rural livelihoods and create employment and strengthen local economies. These approaches demonstrate The potential of tourism to contribute simultaneously to poverty eradication, environmental protection, and inclusive development. Second, the central challenge is translating policy commitments into measurable implementation. Despite progress, important gaps remain. Monitoring systems tend to focus more strongly on economic performance than on social and environmental impacts. Destination level data remain limited. making it difficult to assess tourism's wider sustainability and its effect on local communities and ecosystems. Strengthening data and monitoring systems, expanding access to finance and technical assistance, and improving coordination across sectors are essential to translate policy ambitions into tangible results. Third, resilience, nature, and social inclusion must remain central to tourism development. The report highlights the importance of integrating tourism into climate action, biodiversity conservation, disaster risk reduction, and public health planning. It also underscores the need to strengthen decent work, formalization, social protection, and the participation of indigenous people and local communities, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared more equally. The findings point to the importance of approaches that combine environmental stewardship, community participation, effective destination management, and long-term partnership. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, the report's recommendations call for a stronger policy integration, more robust sustainability measurement, improved access to finance, greater investment in capacity building and digital transformation, and a stronger protection of biodiversity and natural and cultural heritage. In this context, the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027, proclaimed by the General Assembly, offers a timely opportunity to accelerate implementation. It can help countries to translate existing commitments into practical action, strengthen partnerships, facilitate knowledge sharing, and build capacities at the national and regional destination levels. The report provides an evidence base for these efforts by identifying achievements, remaining challenges and priority areas for action. Ultimately, the objective is to ensure that tourism's contribution to economic opportunity goes hand in hand with poverty eradication, environmental protection and social inclusion, and greater resilience. We look forward to con- continued cooperation to advance sustainable and resilient tourism, accel- accelerating the progress towards the 2030 agenda and lay the foundations for a more sustainable and inclusive tourism future beyond 2030. I thank you very much for your attention.

I thank Mr. Glasser for his statement. I now invite Mr. Charles Kautanga, Director of Division for Inclusive Social Development of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, to introduce under agenda item 21E, the report of the Secretary General entitled, "Implementation of the Third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty 2018-2027," as contained in document A/81/2017/1. 285. Mr. Kaldunga, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, it is an honor to introduce the report of the Secretary-General entitled "Implementation of the Third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty, 2018-2027," contained in document A/81/285, prepared in response to General Assembly resolution The report comes at a critical juncture. As the third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty enters its final year, the report takes stock of progress in the context of renewed global commitments to poverty eradication, including those reflected in the Doha Political Declaration adopted at the Second World Summit for Social Development last November. The report notes that while significant progress has been made, it remains uneven and many gains have proven fragile. One in 10 people worldwide continue to live in extreme poverty. And at the current trajectory, only one in five countries is on track to achieve sustainable development goal target 1.2 of halving national poverty rates by 2030. The report highlights how poverty is sustained and transmitted across generations through reinforcing inequalities and deprivations. Children account for more than half of people living in multidimensional poverty, while unequal access to quality education, healthcare, social protection, and decent work can perpetuate disadvantage from childhood into adulthood and across generations. Fragility and conflict have become dominant drivers of poverty worldwide. In 2024, the United Nations recorded 61 active conflicts, involving at least one state, the highest number since 1946. Beyond their immediate human cost, conflicts disrupt economic activity and public services, worsen food insecurity, and deepen deprivation, reinforcing the intergenerational transmission of poverty. Financing constraints are also limiting progress. The annual financing gap for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals now exceeds $4 trillion. Official development assistance declined by 23.1% in real terms in 2025, the largest annual contraction on record. At the same time, rising debt service obligations and borrowing costs are reducing fiscal space available for investments in social protection, health, education, and employment. Against this backdrop, the report underscores that poverty eradication requires integrated people-centered policies that combine social protection, decent work, quality services, financial inclusion, and climate resilience. The report therefore calls for stronger policy coherence across social, economic, and environmental sectors, the integration of multidimensional poverty measures into planning and budgeting, and the expansion of universal, adequate, and shock-responsive social protection and access to productive employment and decent work. It also calls for action to reduce structural inequalities and strengthen international cooperation and financing for development, including through the implementation of the severe commitment, enhanced domestic resource mobilization, fulfillment of official development assistance commitments, and greater access to concessional finance and action to address debt vulnerabilities. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, as the decade enters its final year, accelerating progress towards the eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions is more urgent than ever. I trust that the findings and recommendations of the report will inform and enrich your deliberations under this agenda item. I thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Kautanga, for presenting the report. I now invite Mr. Ralph Bredel, Director of Director and Representative to the United Nations of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, to introduce under agenda item 21B, the report on industrial development cooperation as transmitted in a note by the Secretary-General contained in document A/81/126. Mr. Bredel, the floor is yours.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for the opportunity to introduce the Director-General's biennial report on Industrial Development Cooperation. The report comes at a time when industrialization has re-emerged as a policy priority worldwide. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation and recent shocks, recognition that industrial development is a key enabler of the 2030 Agenda has been growing. It generates jobs, strengthens domestic productive capacity, and enhances autonomy in critical sectors. SG9 on industry, infrastructure, and innovation, therefore, has a multiplier effect that extends across the SDG agenda with positive correlations with 11 other goals. The report first presents a few key figures on industrial development recently. Global manufacturing value added accordingly reached a record high of around $16 trillion in 2024. Developing and emerging economies now account for slightly more than half of global manufacturing value added, up from around one quarter in 1990. Yet, industrialization remains deeply uneven across regions. Africa accounts for around 17% of the world's population, but only 2% of global manufacturing value added. Under current trajectories, low and lower middle income countries combined may account for only about 16% of global manufacturing output by 2050. Manufacturing employed almost 500 million people globally in 2023, with each manufacturing job estimated to generate another 2.2 jobs elsewhere in the economy. However, employment opportunities are often not equally distributed, with women concentrated in lower productivity and informal segments. On a positive note, global manufacturing output has begun to decouple from emissions. Between 2010 and 2021, manufacturing output increased by around 43%, while manufacturing CO2 emissions rose by only about 3%. Nevertheless, progress towards SDG 9 is still insufficient. The report identifies five persistent industrialization gaps in developing countries and sample measures to address them. Shortcomings in industrial intensity, productivity and technology, environmental efficiency, employment and inclusion, as well as access to finance. In addition, five megatrends are discussed that are reshaping industrial development, creating new risks and opportunities. First, the need to limit global warming and reduce exposure to fossil fuel price volatility strengthens the case for the energy and green transition. However, with 90% of green patents originating in advanced economies, limited green innovation capabilities may continue to confine developing countries to low value-added segments of green value chains, such as the pure extraction of critical minerals. Second, The rise of artificial intelligence and the digitalization of production provide opportunities to leapfrog older production models towards smart manufacturing. However, if skills, infrastructure, data access, and finance barriers are not addressed, digital divides could deepen. Third, the reconfiguration of global supply chains in response to recent shocks could create opportunities for new entrants. At the same time, Risk of premature deindustrialization may increase if labor-intensive manufacturing is being reshored to advanced economies. For now, such trends are reported to be limited, though. Fourth, in response to population growth, developing countries will need to create more than 900 million jobs by 2050. But the changing nature of work towards automation and pervasive informality could hinder decent job creation in industry. And lastly, the transformation of food production systems towards agro-processing offers opportunities through low entry barriers, enables local value addition, reduces post-harvest losses, and improves food safety. However, significant gaps in mechanization and strategic investments threaten the ability of developing countries to meet the projected 35% increase in food demand by 2050. To address these mega trends, countries need future oriented, outward looking and mission oriented industrial policies. But the revival of such policies must be cooperative and coordinated globally. Against this backdrop, the report calls for stronger international cooperation and peer learning among member states, UN system and development partners. Steps in this direction include recent G20 initiatives and the Belm Declaration on Global Green Industrialization adopted at COP 30. Crucially, with official development assistance declining in fiscal space constraint, cooperation on innovative financing mechanisms will be essential. These should include blended finance instruments to crowd in private investments. The report concludes by recommending that as the UN specialized agency for industrial development, UNIDO should continue to leverage its role in convening partnerships to translate industrial policy into productive capacity on the ground. The multilateral industrial policy forums, the Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence for Industry and Manufacturing, and the Global Alliance for Responsible and Green Minerals are quoted as concrete examples of UNIDO's work. And so are the organization's programs for country partnership and the support to implement the Fourth Industrial Development Decade for Africa, adopted by the General Assembly last year. I thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Braddell, for presenting the report. I now invite Mr. Wenge Nyirongo, Chief, ad interim, Economic Empowerment Section at UN Women, to introduce under agenda item 21C the report of the Secretary-General entitled "Women and Development" contained in document A/81/244. Mr. Nyirongo, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, The report of the Secretary-General responds to resolution 79/223 and covers eight interlinked areas from poverty eradication and decent work to climate resilience. The report draws on submissions from 36 Member States and nine United Nations entities and would like to thank all who contributed. Allow me to share four key messages from the report. Key message one, the report was prepared against a backdrop of overlapping crises that are narrowing the resources available to advance women's economic empowerment. Madam Chair, geopolitical tensions and conflicts, the rising cost of living, food and fuel insecurity, climate and environmental shocks, and a worsening debt crisis are compounding one another with disproportionate impacts on women and girls. Eradicating extreme poverty by 2030 remains off track. By 2025, more than three quarters of the world's extremely poor lived in sub-Saharan Africa or in fragile and conflict-affected countries, with women and girls disproportionately affected. Fiscal space is shrinking. Global public debt reached a record 102 trillion in 2024, and developing countries paid $921 billion in net interest that year. 61 of them spent at least 10% of government revenue on interest. As debt servicing in developing countries crowds out spending on health, education, and social protection, women and girls are amongst the first to lose out. As a result, There remains an annual shortfall of approximately 360 billion United States dollars in financing for gender equality in 48 developing countries, with only about a quarter of countries able to track how public funds are spent on gender equality. Key message two. There has been real progress, but it's too slow and too uneven. With four years left to the 2030 deadline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, 351 million women and girls could still live in extreme poverty in 2030. Responses have not kept pace with the scale of inequalities women face, particularly in developing countries. Gains in poverty reduction have reversed in many countries, widening the gender poverty gap. In current trends, If they continue, gender equality is 171 years away. The third key message, women's economic participation is held back by interlinked constraints that no single policy can address on its own. Women's labor force participation stood at 48.8% in 2025, compared with 72.9% for men. The gap of 24.1 points has narrowed only slightly since 1995. Unpaid care responsibilities and domestic work keep 708 million women out of the labor force. Women's effective social protection coverage is 50.1% compared with 54% for men. Only 49% of women aged 60 and older receive a contributory pension, compared with 63% of men. Structural barriers will continue to hinder women's economic justice and rights. Discriminatory laws, policies, and social norms, limited collateral, and the gender digital divide continue to limit women's access to productive resources such as land, assets, finance, and technology. Despite significant progress in recent years, Gaps in gender data remain a major impediment to monitoring progress. Violence against women and girls is intensifying, including in digital spaces through deepfakes, stalking and AI-enabled abuse. The fourth key message. The report sets out 18 recommendations to Member States. Together, they call for financing that works for women, investment in care, removing barriers to economic participation and better data. Make financing work for women through debt relief and restructuring to restore and expand fiscal space, strengthening institutional capacity and integrating gender-responsive budgeting into national budget cycles. We also propose to invest in care and social protection by strengthening the care economy to reduce women's disproportionate share of unpaid care and domestic work, while expanding gender responsive social protection flows and systems that strengthen resilience to shocks. We're also asking to remove barriers to women's economic participation by eliminating discriminatory laws and social norms and practices, ensuring equal rights and access to land, property, markets, as well as technology. In here, expanding access to finance, including through guarantees and concession of mechanisms is important, and even more crucial, increasing access to decent jobs and expanding enterprise development are required. These will help closing the gender pay gap and the gender digital divide. Count what matters by improving the collection, analysis, and use of disaggregated data and gender statistics is our final recommendation in the report. I thank you.

I thank you, Mr. Nyirongo, for presenting the report. Now I would like to invite Mr. Maximo Torero, Chief Economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, to introduce by pre-recorded video statements under agenda item 21D, the report of the Secretary-General entitled, "Eradicating Rural Poverty to Implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development." which is contained in document A/81/294. And under agenda item 23, the report of the Secretary-General entitled "Agriculture Development, Food Security and Nutrition" to be issued as document A/81/420, and of which an advanced unedited version was circulated on 9th of October. Can you please play the first video?

Excellencies, distinguished guests, my name is Maximo Torero. I am the Chief Economist of FAO. Ladies and gentlemen, the report of the Secretary General on eradicating rural poverty to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, prepared by FAO together with UNDESA, reveals that despite decades of progress, poverty remains overwhelmingly rural. In 2026, estimated 826 million people are living in extreme poverty. Three quarters of the world's extreme poor reside in rural areas. as do 83.5% of the 1.1 billion people living in multidimensional poverty. This year's report draws particular attention to a fundamental asset for rural livelihoods, land. Inadequate access to productive land and tenure insecurity are both a driver and a symptom of rural poverty. Of the roughly 570 million farmers around the world, 85% are smaller than two hectares and account for only 9% of all agricultural land. By contrast, just 0.1% of farms, those exceeding 1,000 hectares, manage half of the world's agricultural land. Furthermore, tenure remains insecure for many, especially women, youth, and indigenous peoples. At the same time, land degradation is undermining rural livelihoods. Around 1.7 billion people live in rural areas where human-induced degradation of croplands contributes to yield losses and food insecurity. But the report is also clear that land and agriculture alone cannot provide the pathway out of poverty for all households. Rural transformation requires better opportunities both on and off the farm, including the rural enterprises and decent employment. This particularly is urgent when more than 91% of agricultural employment remains informal. And rural populations continue to face major gaps in infrastructure, basic services, and social protection. The policy message is clear. Eradicating rural poverty requires action across these interconnected constraints. We must secure legitimate tenure rights and equitable access to land and natural resources, particularly for women, young people, small-scale producers, indigenous peoples, and customary communities. We must restore degraded land and strengthen climate resilience while ensuring that environmental and climate action support, not undermine the rights and livelihoods of rural communities. And we must invest beyond the farm, in infrastructure and basic services, skills and education, rural enterprises, decent work, financial inclusion, and social protection, while strengthening connections between rural areas, small towns, and secondary cities. Ensuring that rural areas become places of opportunity and of prosperity is essential if we are to fulfill the promise of the 2030 Agenda and leave no one behind. Thank you very much for your attention.

I thank Mr. Torero for his first statement. And now I kindly ask to play the second video.

Excellencies, distinguished guests, delegates, ladies and gentlemen, my name is Maximo Torero. I'm the Chief Economist of FAO. The Secretary General Report on Agricultural Development, Food Security and Nutrition, co-authored by FAO and UNDESA, focuses on the importance of financial innovation in improving global food security and nutrition. This report is particularly timely, and as it builds on the Sevilla commitments, call for strengthening and innovative financing approaches to accelerate progress towards the sustainable development goals, including efforts to address food insecurity and nutrition and investments in agricultural systems. Global hunger continued to decline in 2025 for the third consecutive year, with the prevalence of undernourishment falling to 7.8% of the world's population, 645 million people. However, these gains remain fragile and highly uneven. Africa recorded the highest number of people facing hunger worldwide. The current Middle East conflict may jeopardize the progress made towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 2, with differing impacts across regions and countries. According to the 2026 edition of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, In a scenario of prolonged crisis, it is projected that an estimated 10 and 8 million more people may face hunger in Asia and Africa, respectively, when compared to the pre-conflict scenario of 2025-2030. The report identifies access to finance as one of the greatest barriers of agri-food system transformation. The Z2 financing gap remains substantial, estimated at between 176 billion US dollars and 3 trillion annually through 2030. rising substantially when investments in affordability, healthy diets, and broader systems transformation are considered. Financing also remains fragmented across actors and channels, while structural and institutional bottlenecks continue to prevent capital from reaching those most in need. Smallholder farmers, micro, small, and medium-sized agri-food system enterprises, women, and vulnerable groups continue to face major constraints in accessing financial services and investments. The report points out that these challenges are compounded by growing geopolitical tensions, disruption to agricultural input markets, declining official development assistance, growing public debt, and disconnect humanitarian and development finance, particularly in countries already facing high levels of food insecurity and vulnerability. Closing the financing gap requires a more integrated approach that strengthens public investments by repurposing and mobilizing domestic finance, leverages development finance, unlocks private capital, expands climate finance, and increases locally led financing through substantial governments, national development banks, saving banks, and cooperative banks, alongside more coherent and effective investments that can overcome structural barriers and reach the most vulnerable. The report also emphasizes the need for promote financial innovation that helps align humanitarian development and climate finance with integrated packages that improve access to healthy diets, protect and restore livelihoods, and strengthen food utilization practices. Ultimately, effective financing requires not only more resources, but also a stronger governance, better targeting, and closer alignment with national agri-food system transformation pathways. I hope this report is useful for you. Thank you very much for your attention, and it was a pleasure to be with you today.

I thank Mr. Torero for his second statement. Now, distinguished delegates, in accordance with the practice of the main committees, I invite you to make comments or pose questions on the reports that have been just introduced. The floor is open. If there is no request for the floor, allow me to thank the presenters for their presence and for their reports that they have already introduced to us and allow us a few minutes that we rearrange the podium and continue with the meeting. Thank you. I now invite the Committee to begin the joint general discussion of agenda item 21 and its first sub-items, A to D, and agenda item 23. Before giving the floor to the first speaker, I would like to remind you that the agreed time limits for statements during the joint consideration of agenda items are five minutes for statements made on behalf of groups, and three minutes for national statements and for statements by intergovernmental organizations, and the United Nations system. The list of speakers has been prepared on this basis, and we intend to implement this time limit strictly, including, if necessary, by means of microphone cut-off. To assist speakers in time management, a countdown clock will be projected on the screens in the meeting room. It will start blinking red to indicate that the speaker has one minute left to conclude the statement. Delegations are requested to submit longer versions of their statements by e-mail. I thank speakers in advance for their cooperation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Ambassador, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. The group is deeply concerned by the persistent challenges to global poverty eradication. According to the Secretary-General's report, one in 10 people worldwide still lives in extreme poverty, and 826 million people are projected to remain in extreme poverty in 2026, barely below the pre-pandemic level of 2019. The period 2020-2030 is set to constitute A lost decade for poverty reduction, with only one in five countries on track to halve national poverty by 2030, while 1.1 billion people live in acute multidimensional poverty. As the third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty enters its final year, This stagnation underscores the urgent need for renewed global commitment and coordinated action to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Poverty eradication remains the greatest global challenge, the overarching objective of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. With less than four years remaining until 2030, we are far from achieving that goal. Madam Chair, the group emphasizes the need for targeted, inclusive and evidence-based policies to eradicate poverty in all its forms. Social protection systems, including universal health coverage and quality education, remain critical to ensuring that no one is left behind. To achieve these goals, Developing countries need adequate fiscal space, and the Group reiterates the call on the international community to mobilize financial resources, strengthen international cooperation, and fulfill ODA commitments, noting with great concern that ODA fell by 23.1% in real terms in 2025 to 0.26% of donors' gross national income, the largest annual contraction on record. We also call for increased foreign investment, concessional finance, and long-term development funding. Madam Chair, the group expresses deep concern that 645 million people were facing hunger in 2025, and that 2.1 billion people face moderate or severe food insecurity. Equally troubling, multiple forms of malnutrition continue to affect millions worldwide, and famine remains a devastating reality in several regions. The Group reaffirms that agriculture with healthy soils and foundation remains a central pillar of sustainable development, poverty eradication, and economic growth, particularly in developing countries. Strengthening agricultural resilience and adaptation to climate change is vital to protecting food production, livelihoods, and development gains. With the midpoint of 2030 agenda now behind us, we must intensify collective efforts to ensure food security and improve nutrition for all. In this regard, the group reaffirms the Sevilla commitment, which calls for renewed global financing for development, particularly to address food insecurity and malnutrition and to invest strategically in agri-food systems in developing countries. The group welcomes the extension of the United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition, aligning it with the 2030 Agenda and maintaining political momentum to end malnutrition in all its forms by 2030. The group calls for enhanced international cooperation, solidarity, capacity building, technology transfer, and innovation in agriculture, food security, and nutrition. Special attention must be given to rural areas, which account for at least three quarters of all people living in poverty by promoting sustainable agriculture practices, rural infrastructure, and market access for all farmers. The group reaffirms that the transformative impact of global alliance against hunger and poverty and importance of joining global efforts to address the common challenges of food security, nutrition, and social development. The group also underscores the importance of a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory, and equitable multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization, which is essential for agricultural development, food security, and nutrition. We must ensure stable global supply chains and reject unilateral and protectionist measures that undermine development. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Group of 77 and China for the statement. Now I would like to invite the distinguished representative of Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council to take the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. It is an honor to take the floor on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council. the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sultanate of Oman, State of Qatar, Kuwait, and my country, Bahrain, the world is facing growing and interdependent challenges which are threatening food security. Conflicts and crises persist. The consequences of climate change, water shortages, are also being felt. International trade and the supply chains are also experiencing disruptions, not to mention increases in energy prices, transportation, and other issues. For this reason, we need to provide for food security within more resilient systems. In this context, we are troubled by the repercussions related to regional tensions on navigation and commerce, specifically by the Strait of Hormuz, which is a vital path for international trade, for energy, grains, as well as basic commodities. According to UNCTAD, in 2026, a transit through the Strait dropped by more than 95% during the crisis. And this plunge disrupted energy and fertilizer prices and resulted in increased transport crisis. This has had direct repercussions for food security. For this reason, member states of the GCC once again emphatically condemn the heinous Iranian attacks, which have been targeting our territory. Acts and threats from Iran to close and attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz have undermined international trade. We condemn any attempt to undermine maritime security in Bab al-Mandeb. Any attempt to obstruct passages in transit or freedom of navigation constitute grave threats to international trade. to energy security and food security, and to global supply chains, which undermines the global economy. Our states call upon the international community once again to condemn this aggression and to adopt a steadfast position to provide for freedom of navigation. There is a need to apply Resolution 2817 in full of the Security Council, as well as to implement 61/1 of the Human Rights Council. According to recent estimates, approximately 645 million people suffered as a result of hunger in 2025, 7.8% of the global population. 2.1 billion people are experiencing food insecurity, moderate or grave food insecurity. We are far from the necessary trajectory to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2. And this issue is of particular significance when it comes to the agricultural sector. According to this year's estimates, areas afflicted by disruptions related to the Strait represent 34% of global rice trade, 23% of ammonia trade, and 18% trade in phosphates. The World Trade Organization has also indicated that this may undermine 15% of global exports of fertilizer, generally speaking. Our states are continuing to assiduously ensure to uphold food security in the Gulf. The agricultural community and for food security community convened an extraordinary meeting this past July. The purpose was to enhance integration and coordination within the Gulf, as well as to to enhance opportunities for storage, as well as a provision for food deliveries. To conclude, we wish to reaffirm that improving food security hinges on protection of supply chains, guarantees of deliveries of foodstuffs and fertilizer, and facilitating investments in agricultural technologies and incentivizing that, and enhancing international and regional cooperation in order to build more sustainable and more resilient food And this is necessary in order to provide for sustainable development to ensure that nobody is left behind. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Bahrain. And now I would like to invite the permanent representative of Jamaica to take the floor. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I do have the honor to deliver these remarks on behalf of the 14 member states of the Caribbean community. And the full version of the statement will be uploaded. We align with the statement of G77 and China. The interlinkage between the eradication of poverty, the development of our agriculture industries, and strengthened food security are well established. For the small developing nations like ours, agriculture remains a significant pillar of our local economies. CARICOM's strong focus on these issues was demonstrated with our leaders' adoption in 2020 of Vision 25 by 2025. This initiative was aimed at reducing the region's food import bill by at least 25% by 2025, to promote food security by advancing the CARICOM agri-food system agenda, and prioritizing regional food and nutrition security. Recognizing the need to continue pursuing these goals, our leaders agreed to extend the program to 2030 to build on its successes and further address development challenges in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. Although our efforts have yielded positive results, including an increase in food production across the region and investments in infrastructure to support food production, persistent challenges remain. We have consistently highlighted over the past week the urgency of enhancing development financing. Other obstacles to poverty eradication in our region include rules of origin and tariff reform, non-tariff barriers, and inadequate technology transfer. Progress in reducing poverty has been both slow and insufficient, and the widening gap between the world's richest and poorest is unsustainable. We are on track to have only one in five countries achieve SDG target 1.2 of halving national poverty rates by 2030. Poverty and food insecurity persist and are exacerbated by structural inequalities and recurring shocks. It is also true These projections could be overcome by an even worse reality if we are to consider the potential impact of the El Nino phenomenon, as well as economic disruptions resulting from geopolitical tensions. Surging energy prices and worsening financing conditions also continue to challenge poverty eradication efforts. For the Caribbean, vulnerability to climate shocks and its impacts, especially on the agricultural sector, are impossible to ignore. Year after year, our countries contend with hurricanes of increasing frequency and intensity, which result in catastrophic damage, loss of lives, and disruption to services, including agricultural operations. As we approach 2030, rapid acceleration of the implementation of the SDGs is our only option. We must adopt a multifaceted, whole-of-society approach to eradicating poverty and achieving food security. Attaining efficient, inclusive, and resilient agri-food systems requires investing in rural infrastructure and empowering small producers, including women and youth. With political will, a focused policy agenda, and sustained multilateral commitment, progress is attainable. Undernourishment in Latin America and the Caribbean decreased for the fourth consecutive year, according to the 2025 Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition. The report informed that undernourishment affected 5.1% of the population in 2024, down from a peak of 6.1% in 2020. This is just one example of success that can and must be sustained and expanded. CARICOM reiterates the importance of reforming the international financial architecture and continues to express support for the Bridgetown Initiative, the MVI, and measures beyond GDP as mechanisms for changing the current inadequate approach to development financing. CARICOM also continues to call for international solidarity to end poverty and rid the world of hunger. We remain committed to working with all partners to achieve this goal and to ensure that no one is left behind. I thank you, Chair.

I thank Your Excellency for the statement. Now I would like to invite the Permanent Representative of Namibia for his statement on behalf of the African Group. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group. Eradicating poverty and achieving food security are inseparable. For a family Progress means having a reliable income, access to nutritious food, and the means to withstand a crisis without losing its livelihood. Our priorities are anchored in the 2030 agenda and the African Union's Agenda 2063. Poverty eradication requires productive economies, decent employment, social protection, and essential services. Transforming agri-food systems can advance these objectives together. creating opportunities across farming, processing, transport and trade. Madam Chair, Africa's priorities are clear. Increase sustainable food production, expand local processing and regional trade, improve nutrition and create dignified livelihoods. International cooperation must support these priorities through investment in resilient agri-food systems, guided by African ownership and national plans. These efforts must enable producers to earn better incomes, create opportunities for women and young people, and help families to move out of poverty. We call for the investment in irrigation, research, extension services, storage, and local processing. A farmer's efforts must not be lost because water is unavailable. A harvest cannot be stored or markets remain out of reach. Smallholder farmers Pastoralists and fishing communities need affordable finance, technology, and secure access to productive resources. Women and young people must have equal opportunity to participate, lead enterprises, and benefit from value chains. The African Continental Free Trade Area can expand regional markets and support agro-industrialization. Better infrastructure and trade facilitation must help African economies retain more value and create decent jobs. Madam Chair, food security depends on what countries produce and what families can afford. We support social protection systems that prevent hardships from becoming lasting poverty. School meals, nutrition programs, and support for vulnerable households can protect children's development while creating opportunities for local producers. Poverty must also be addressed in its multiple dimensions. Access to education, health, clean water and energy enables people to improve their livelihood and sustain progress. Climate shocks and conflicts can reverse these gains. We call for adaptation, financing, early warning systems and sustainable land and water management, alongside support that protects displaced populations and host communities. Madam Chair, the Secretary-General's report highlights the need for financing that is accessible and aligned with national priorities. Domestic resource mobilization must be supported by predictable international cooperation and affordable development finance. Debt pressures must not crowd out investment in food security and poverty eradication. Rural financial services, cooperatives and national development banks can help resources reach producers and small enterprises. Public and private investments should strengthen local capacities with farmers organizations participating in decisions and accountability for results. For our group, producing more must go hand in hand with better nutrition, dignified livelihoods. Success means that those who produce our food can earn a decent living and that every family can provide adequate food and great opportunities for its children. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank you, Excellency, for the statement. Now I would like to invite the Permanent Representative of Vietnam for his statement on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I have the honor to deliver the statement on behalf of the 11 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN. We align ourselves with the statement of the Group of 77 and China. Agriculture remains central to Southeast Asia's development. ASEAN recognizes the important role of food, agriculture, and forestry sectors in ensuring food security, sustaining livelihoods, and promoting inclusive growth across the region. At the same time, these sectors face increasingly interconnected challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, growing food demand, and price fluctuations. Recognising these interconnected challenges, ASEAN has established a long-term vision for transforming its food, agriculture, and forestry sectors. Through the Vision for Food, Agriculture and Forestry Towards 2045 and the Food, Agriculture and Forestry Sectoral Plan 2026-2030, ASEAN seeks to develop more productive, competitive, inclusive, sustainable and resilient food systems, contributing to the broader aspirations of ASEAN 2045, our shared future. Central to these efforts is the empowerment of farmers and rural communities. ASEAN promotes sustainable and regenerative agriculture, improved access to technology, finance, and markets, and greater agricultural innovation. Stronger regional cooperation is equally essential to enhancing resilience against climate shocks, disasters, and supply chain disruptions. Despite progress, significant challenges remain. Approximately 14% of ASEAN's population continues to experience food insecurity, while nearly one-third cannot afford a healthy diet. Our collective responsibility, therefore, extends beyond increasing food production to ensuring that nutritious food is accessible and affordable for all. Madam Chair, ASEAN reaffirms its steadfast commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable rural development, eradicating poverty, and promoting the well-being and resilience of the poor and vulnerable communities in the region, as guided by the ASEAN Charter and relevant regional frameworks. Under the ASEAN Framework Action Plan on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication from 2026 to 2030, and through the continued operationalization of the ASEAN Master Plan on Rural Development and the ASEAN Villages Network as key platforms for regional cooperation, ASEAN has achieved significant progress in reducing poverty and promoting inclusive rural development. The proportion of ASEAN's population living below the poverty line has declined from 13.3% in 2016 to 10.8% in 2023, reflecting continued progress towards the region's 2030 targets. At the community level, ASEAN has strengthened rural livelihoods and local economies through various initiatives, such as the One Village, One Product initiative, the empowerment of rural women and youth, and the promotion of rural innovation and digital connectivity, while also facilitating the exchange of knowledge, local wisdom, and good practices among member states. Recognizing the critical need for sustained strategic investment in local innovation essential rural infrastructure, and digital connectivity, ASEAN is committed to fostering inclusive rural transformation across the region, with a view to empowering communities for resilient growth and comprehensive regional prosperity. In closing, Madam Chair, ASEAN reiterates its firm commitment to working closely with all Member States to advance poverty eradication, strengthen food security, and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank your Excellency for the statement. Now I would like to invite the distinguished representative of The Gambia to make the statement on behalf of Group of Least Developed Countries.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honor to deliver these remarks on behalf of the Group of the Least Developed Countries. The group aligns with Uruguay's statement on behalf of the G77 and China. Today's topics are of key importance to the LDC group, as poverty eradication, agricultural development, food security, and nutrition are inseparable priorities for our countries. We appreciate the Secretary-General's report on implementing the third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty, 2018 to 2027, and on eradicating rural poverty to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As the reports outline, 826 million people, or one in 10 globally, are predicted to live in extreme poverty in 2026. Yet in LDCs, nearly one third of the population remains below the international poverty line. This stark disparity underscores the structural nature of poverty in LDCs and reflects the limited impact of recent economic growth on poverty reduction. GDP per capita growth in LDCs recovered from the contraction in 2021 was 1.5% in 2024. This remains well below the global rebound, where per capita growth reached 5.5% in 2021 and 1.9% in 2024. Madam Chair, repeated crisis and shocks continue to erode development gains and limit growth development poverty reduction impact. LDCs also face constrained fiscal space for overlapping crises, while bearing disproportionate climate impacts and lacking adequate financing for adoption and resilience. We therefore reiterate our call for the eradication of extreme poverty for all, everywhere, as set out in the Doha Programme of Action and SDG 1. The group calls for stronger support to expand nationally appropriate social protection systems, including social protection floors and access to essential services. Investment in productive capacities and decent employment must ensure Economic growth raises incomes and reduces poverty, particularly among women, youth, young people and rural communities. Madam Chair, hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition remains among the most pressing challenges facing LDCs and pose a serious obstacle to sustainable development. These challenges are compounded by conflict, climate shocks, economic volatility, rising debt burdens, and persistent structural vulnerabilities in food systems. In 2024, global hunger declined slightly to 82.8.2% of the world's population, while the prevalence of undernourishment in LDCs remained alarmingly high at 21.7%, more than twice the global average. Madam Chair, as of 2020, rapidly approaches achieving 20 SDG 2 requires renewed efforts to address disruption to food, energy and fertilizer. supply chains, which increase costs and reduce access to affordable, nutritious diets. In this regard, we welcome progress towards the establishment of the LDC food stockholding mechanism, as mandated by the Doha Programme of Action, including the finalization of the feasibility study. We commend OHRLLS and acknowledge the Government of Qatar's general support in advancing this initiative. We firmly believe the mechanism can strengthen resilience by improving preparedness and food availability during crisis. We call on the entire UN development system and Member States to support its operationalization. At the same time, agriculture provides livelihood and employment for millions in LDCs. Investment in climate resilience, production, infrastructure, value addition, and market access is therefore crucial to strengthening rural livelihood, reducing poverty, and advancing economic transformation. This investment must reach smallholder farmers, particularly women, through access to finance, appropriate technologies, extension services and secure access to land. The group calls for greater support to improve access to affordable, nutritious diet and address malnutrition, particularly among children, pregnant and breastfeeding women. Madam Chair, the remaining years to 2030 remain accelerated implementation of commitments on the Doha Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda. The group called for coordinated international support and addresses poverty, hunger, and malnutrition together. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Gambia, and now I'd like to invite to take the floor the permanent representative of Timor-Leste on behalf of the community of the Portuguese-speaking countries. Ambassador, you have the floor.

Madam Chair. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the member states of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries. Our delegations align themselves with the statements delivered by our respective groups. The CPLP attaches particular importance to the joint debate of these two agenda items and takes note of the report of the Committee on World Food Security and its recommendations. Eradicating poverty and hunger is a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development. and requires integrated responses that take into account the different circumstances of our Member States. Despite the progress achieved, millions of people continue to face poverty and food insecurity. Conflicts, climate change and economic challenges exacerbate inequalities and undermine livelihoods, particularly those of the most vulnerable populations. We condemn the use of starvation as a weapon of war and stress the need to ensure full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to affected populations. In addressing these challenges, Madam Chair, the CPLP highlights four priorities. First, intensify efforts to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions. It is essential to promote decent work, strengthen social protection with a view to achieving universal coverage, improve training opportunities and combat inequalities and their root causes. The CPLP strategic plan for cooperation on labor and social affairs 2024-2030 provides a framework for joint action in this area. Second, expand economic opportunities through production diversification, sustainable industrial development, and sustainable tourism, including ecotourism. It is important to promote job creation, develop local capabilities, capacities and strengthen the economic preparation of women and young people, including through policies that recognize, reduce and redistribute unpaid care work. Third, tackle rural poverty and promote sustainable and resilient agriculture. Investment in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and climate adapted practices must be accompanied by greater support for family farming and small-scale producers, facilitating access to finance, technology, and markets, including through public procurement from family farms for school food programs. These efforts should help improve rural incomes and ensure access to nutritious food at affordable prices. Fourth, strengthen governance and cooperation in the field of food and nutrition security. The Food and Nutrition Security Strategy of CPLP guides the joint efforts of member states, while the CPLP Council for Food and Nutrition Security promotes coordination and the participation of different stakeholders. At the Bissau Summit in 2025, the heads of state and government of the CPLP reaffirmed the central importance of eradicating poverty and their commitments to food sovereignty and the human rights to adequate food, while also acknowledging the CPLP's support for the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty. We advocate translating this support into the mobilization of financing and technical cooperation to scale up public policies that proved effective in combating hunger and poverty. More recently, in August 2026, the CPLP Council of Ministers approved the establishment of the CPLP Network on School Food, Nutrition and Health, aimed at strengthening cooperation and sharing of experiences. Madam Chair, the CPLP will remain committed to translating these commitments into tangible results through enhanced cooperation among its member states and with international partners. for the benefit of our populations. To deliver on these commitments, it is essential to ensure accessible and predictable financing and to strengthen South-South and triangular cooperation, complementing North-South cooperation. Thank you very much.

I thank Your Excellency for the statement. And now I'd like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia on behalf of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of Canada, New Zealand, and my own country, Australia. As we approach the end of the third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty, progress remains far too slow. Only one in five countries is on track to halve the national poverty rates by 2030. Some 826 million people still live in extreme poverty. Cairns would like to make four points. First, we need to accelerate action to eradicate poverty and deliver the 2030 agenda. Conflict is deepening poverty, disrupting livelihoods, undermining food security, and increasing the risk of malnutrition. Climate change, disasters, and particularly in SIDS, LDCs, and LLDCs, are making individuals more vulnerable to shocks that risk driving them into poverty. With less than four years remaining, we need to better reflect the multiple dimensions of poverty, international planning and budgeting, invest in social protection and quality public services, resilient agricultural and food systems that support livelihood, food security and nutrition, and ensure that financing for development is being leveraged from all sources in line with the SEA commitment. Second, poverty eradication must reach those left behind. Poverty does not affect everyone equally. Effective responses must address the structural barriers facing women, youth, indigenous people, and persons with disabilities. This means expanding access to decent work, essential services, and economic opportunity. We must also build and reinforce effective social protection systems that are fundamental to moving the dial on eliminating poverty. Third, we cannot achieve the sustainable development goals without achieving gender equality. 30 years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, not one SDG 5 indicator is on track to meet its target by 2030. Women and girls continue to face barriers to decent work, finance, technology, and productive resources. These barriers also limit their contribution to agricultural productivity, food security, and household nutrition. They spend 2.5 times as many hours on unpaid domestic and care work as men and boys. We must remove these barriers through equal pay, financial inclusion, and gender-responsive social protection. We must also confront the barriers that limit women's participation and autonomy. Nearly one in three women has experienced intimate partner and/or sexual violence. We must tackle gender-based violence, including technology-facilitated gender-based violence, close the gender digital divide, and protect sexual and reproductive health and rights. Finally, CANS reiterates our position that member states must implement the commitments of resolution 80/251 and second committee revitalization in resolutions under this item. That means streamlining text, greater discipline, clarity and brevity in creating mandates and introducing mandate review clauses and sunset retirement clauses. We have collectively committed to these actions and we must now seek to deliver. Chair, eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, strengthening food security and nutrition, and achieving gender equality are all mutually reinforcing. CANS will work with member states to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and leave no one behind. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Australia and I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of Libya to deliver the statement on behalf of the Arab group. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. It is an honor to take the floor on behalf of the Arab Group. I wish to take this opportunity to thank you and the members of the Bureau for your efforts We also wish to thank the Secretary-General for the reports that have been submitted before us. Poverty reduction in all of its forms and dimensions is a priority for the Arab Group. The Secretary-General's report cautions against the risk of conflict in the Middle East, resulting in four million people, additional people, plunging into poverty in our region. For this reason, there's a need to tackle the multiple causes of this poverty and to restore services and productive capabilities, as well as means of subsistence, while preserving the the development gains in the face of conflict and climate change. There is a need to provide for social protection that can address crises and to particularly prioritize marginalized communities as well as rural communities. We call for a fulfillment of ODA commitments as well as for facilities access to concessional financing by while at the same time alleviating debt burdens in the implementation of the Seville commitment. We wish to emphasize the importance of respect for national ownership and development priorities. There is also the need for lifting unilateral coercive measures which run counter to international law and which constitute a major obstacle to development. Poverty eradication is closely entwined with achievement of food security. According to the 2025 regional report on food security and nutrition, nearly 78 million people have suffered from hunger in our region, and 198 million people have faced food insecurity, we call for improved water use efficiency, combating desertification, and enhancement of early warning mechanisms. The success of our efforts also requires that supply chains be secured, and we call once again we condemn the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and disruption to international navigation. Turning to gas and natural gas in particular, as well as fertilizers, we have an obligation to protect supply chains in so far as this has an impact on the costs of foodstuffs. Iran has been attacking civilian goods and infrastructure, which undermines our efforts to provide for water, sanitation, as well as desalinization. There is also a need to apply Resolution 2817 in full, a Security Council resolution in full, as well as to end all threats against the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb. Madam Chair. We condemn, once again, the aggression of Israel, the occupying power, against the defenseless Palestinian people in occupied Palestinian territory, and the destruction of infrastructure and food and agricultural system, particularly in the Gaza Strip. In accordance with Resolution 2417 of the Security Council, we call for the following-- the protection of civilians, the lifting of the blockade against Gaza, the delivery of unhindered assistance and supporting recovery. And we condemn Israel's use of white phosphorus in populated areas of Lebanon. This constitutes a violation of international law. We furthermore condemn the use by Israel of glyphosate herbicide with a strong concentration in the south of Lebanon, the highly concentrated herbicide. And we condemn the plunder of the natural resources in the occupied Syrian Golan, as well as the confiscation of agricultural land, as well as the construction of wind turbines at the expense of the livelihoods of Syrian farmers. We call for greater support to be provided to Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia, and other states in order to provide support for their recovery and reconstruction efforts. To conclude, we reaffirm our commitment to the eradication of poverty and hunger. And we call for commitments to be translated into finance programs and tangible results in order to ensure that nobody is left behind. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Libya, and I would like to invite the distinguished representative of Cuba on behalf of a group of like-minded countries. The floor is yours.

Madam Chair, Cuba has the honor to take the floor on behalf of a like-minded group of states comprising Belarus, Burundi, China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Laos, Mali, Nicaragua, Niger, Russia, Uganda, and my own country, Cuba. The full version of this statement will be published. The eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions and putting an end to hunger worldwide has for long been a top priority for the international community. Nevertheless, more than 100 million of people still live in extreme poverty worldwide, while almost 300 million of people experience levels of hunger that threaten life and livelihoods. In this regard, we also seize this opportunity to express our deep concern at the potential impact of geopolitical tensions around the world on the challenges humanity is facing nowadays. UCMs, given their wide scope, extraterritorial implications, and systematic nature, are exacerbating the multifaceted crisis humanity is facing today. Several countries including Belarus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Nicaragua, Russia, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, and Cuba, continue to experience the adverse effects of UCMs. In the case of Cuba, the US blockade has recently been strengthened by an energy siege to deny fuel to the country, affecting electricity generation and food production. The application of UCMs which are part of a widespread and systematic policy that ultimately result in a total sufferings and crimes against humanity, impedes the full achievement of economic and social development, while also having a negative impact on the full enjoyment and realization of human rights. These measures represent a deliberate attack against the right to development and create and aggravate the condition for poverty and inequality in targeted countries. We also seize this opportunity to highlight the need to improve the global food and agriculture governance system, focusing on increasing the representation, voice, and decision-making powers of developing countries, removing the restriction of UCMs on food and fertilizers production and exports. and working together to build a safe, stable, open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial food supply chain system. Moreover, we stress that eradicating poverty and ensuring food security depend critically, among others, on financial and technical support upon request that respects the sovereign rights of states to freely determine their own development path. As such, we call for increased, predictable, and adequate financing, including for climate adaptation and mitigation in agriculture, as well as technology transfer under favorable conditions. At last, we conclude by alerting that the path for successfully addressing and overcoming the current challenges that humanity is facing as a whole is not the continued application of unilateral coercive measures or their expansions, nor the imposition of unjustified and arbitrary trade restrictions, by the adoption of joint, effective, inclusive, and innovative measures that, in strict adherence to the very tenets of the UN Charter and the norms of international law, allow us together to surpass, through greater solidarity and cooperation, this current global multifaceted crisis. I thank you.

I thank the delegation of Cuba on behalf of a group of like-minded countries I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Almost three years from 2030, the world remains far from achieving the SDGs, in particular those related to poverty eradication and hunger. According to the FAO, almost 640 million people suffered from hunger in 2025. That situation, worsened by conflicts, economic crises and climate phenomena, calls for holistic, urgent responses. For Mexico, poverty eradication must remain at the heart of our multilateral efforts. We must recognize its multidimensional character and the need to fight structural inequality, which in particular affects women, indigenous peoples and rural communities. Our country has shown that holistic social policies can transform situations. Between 2018 and 2024, more than 13.4 million people were lifted out of poverty, and approximately 1.7 million overcame extreme poverty. In 2026, programs for well-being reached 42.8 million people. With regard to agriculture, we can't eradicate hunger without strengthening rural communities. supporting small producers, and transforming our agro-food systems. Therefore, through initiatives like Sembrando Vida, Sowing Life, we're encouraging sustainable agroforestry systems that benefit 450,000 people. In addition, Production for Welfare, another program, supports 2.3 million producers of basic grains, increasing food self-sufficiency and rural economies. Mr. Chair, facing food and climate crises, we must move from reactive responses to policies that prioritize prevention, climate adaptation, and the resilience of agro-food systems. It's therefore essential that we close financing gaps, strengthen international cooperation, and guarantee that innovation and sustainable technologies also benefit the most vulnerable communities. Mexico will continue to promote an ambitious agenda with regard to agricultural development, food security, nutrition and the right to food. Eradicating poverty and hunger is not just a shared aspiration, it's a collective responsibility and it's an essential condition for building more just, resilient and, above all, peaceful societies. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative

of Mexico and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Indonesia aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the G77 and China, as well as ASEAN, and wishes to add the following in our national capacity. Mr. Chair, poverty eradication remains a pressing global challenge requiring stronger international cooperation and inclusive policies. Indonesia remains firmly committed to this objective. As of March 2026, our national poverty rate declined by 0.87 percentage points, lifting almost 1 million people out of poverty compared to March 2025. Indonesia wishes to highlight three points. First, the strengthening of people-centered and data-driven poverty eradication. Effective poverty eradication requires reliable data, comprehensive social protection, and sustained investment in human capital. Indonesia has established a single national socioeconomic database to improve evidence-based policymaking and ensure assistance reaches those furthest behind. We are also investing in human capital through our free nutritious meals program, alongside efforts to expand access to education, health care, and women's economic opportunities. Second, the promotion of inclusive economic transformation. Poverty eradication must go beyond social assistance by creating decent jobs, strengthening productive capacities, and expanding access to finance and markets. Indonesia prioritized food security and agricultural productivity through improved irrigation, fertilizer distribution, and support for smallholder farmers. We are also strengthening rural economies through more than 80,000 village cooperatives aimed at improving access to financing, agricultural inputs, and markets. We further emphasize inclusive industrialization, economic diversification, and value addition to strengthen economic resilience. Third, the strengthening of international cooperation and means of implementation. Indonesia supports the implementation of the Zevia commitment, including through affordable financing, technology transfer, and capacity building. We also underscore the role of South-South and triangular cooperation in sharing experiences and best practices. Mr. Chair, as we approach the conclusion of the third UN Decade for the Eradication of Poverty in 2027, our collective commitment must not end with it. Poverty eradication and food security must remain central to our development agenda, including beyond 2030, to ensure that no one is left behind.

I thank the representative of Indonesia. And I now give the floor to His Excellency the Minister of External Affairs of Belarus, Vice Minister.

Thank you, Chairman, distinguished colleagues. I wish to begin with an observation of an alarming reality. The global food security landscape is continuing to deteriorate. the fact that the world does possess sufficient resources to provide for food to be provided to everybody, we are witnessing persistent negative trend. Approximately 700 million people suffer as a result of hunger. This means that we are increasingly further away from achieving SDG 2 and increasingly closer to Agenda 2030 remaining a dead letter. The main drivers and root causes of this crisis are main conflicts, and old conflicts are compounded by new conflicts escalation in the Middle East has caused significant disruptions in supply chains for energy and fertilizer through the Strait of Hormuz. We see a sharp rise in fertilizer prices by more than $100 per ton since February 2026, and this is directly imperiling the subsequent season's harvest. And this is compounded by climate shocks, drought, floods, soil degradation, which is undermining food security in areas where this is already vulnerable. And this is also includes the nefarious practice of unilateral coercive measures. Sanctions targeting fertilizer producers, including against Belarus, are generating an artificial deficit in the world markets, are causing prices to grow, and are making critically important resources inaccessible to farmers in the poorest countries. We reiterate call for states to abandon illegitimate unilateral measures which derail efforts to combat hunger. Belarusian agriculture is demonstrating resilience and a high degree of effectiveness and efficiency. Last year, we reached the threshold of 10 billion US dollars for food exports. striking reflection of our potential was a visit to Minsk in June of the Director General of FAO, who highly appraised our capabilities. We are actively sharing our experience and technologies with other countries. For example, Zimbabwe, we are sharing equipment and joint efforts for mechanization efforts. And last year, a record wheat harvest was achieved, which helped a country to commence exports of food to neighboring states. In Nigeria, under the roadmap, we provided thousands thousands of pieces of agricultural equipment, including tractors, combines. We are developing service centers. Also in the works are new projects in Ghana, Tanzania, and other African states. We are not only providing partners with equipment, but also helping to train specialists, generating new businesses for processing of products, and introducing advanced agro-technologies. We firmly believe that food security is achieved not with sanctions, but with cooperation, not with barriers, but with technology and equipment and an open market. Thank you for your attention.

I thank His Excellency, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of El Salvador.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, El Salvador recognizes that agricultural development, food security, and nutrition are essential to the people's well-being and sustainable development. Our country, therefore, is continuing to promote public policies that strengthen agricultural production, improve access to sufficient, nutritious, quality food, and promote more sustainable and resilient food systems. As part of our roadmap for a model for sustainable development systems in 2020-2030, we are bringing together actions to increase agricultural production, resistance to climate change, and the availability of food. We've also given agricultural subsidies to 560,000 persons to make it easier to buy inputs and diverse crops. These actions are complemented with the opening of more than 60 agricultural markets at the national level, which bring fresh food to southern Lorraine families and increase local commercialization circuits. We're also improving the through a national policy to support international, to support early childhood, we are promoting a model that brings together health, nutrition, education, and protection of children's rights. We also have a law which increases the protection and support for breastfeeding through support services, breastfeeding rooms, and human food banks. We have a food for food and health program, and we're giving fortified nutritional food to more than 1.19 million students in the public sector, and that helps with nutrition and also with learning and people staying in school. We are also providing assistance to people and families in vulnerable conditions, especially children and adolescents, older persons, and homes that require more support to support their food and nutritional needs. It is essential to strengthen international cooperation, to increase access to food, and to improve irrigation systems, promote the transfer of technologies and the technical assistance, in particular to support small producers in the face of climate change. We are committed to continue promoting holistic policies, improving the access of food and sufficient food, high quality, and generate better opportunities for rural communities moving towards food security and sustainable food for all.

I thank the delegation of El Salvador and I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative, Permanent Representative of Malaysia.

Thank you, Chair. Malaysia aligns itself with the statements by G77 and China and ASEAN. Chair, Malaysia has long recognized the close interlinkages between SDG 1 and SDG 2. Progress on one depends on progress on the other. It is therefore deeply concerning that the progress towards both goals remains off track. Climate change, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical uncertainties continue to undermine efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger. For developing countries who rely heavily on agriculture, these challenges are especially pronounced. Limited resources and inadequate access to technology further constrain the ability to build resilience and improve livelihoods. No country can address these challenges alone. Greater international support, including from developed countries, is therefore essential. This includes financial assistance, capacity building, and technology transfer to strengthen development capacities. At the same time, we believe that stronger coordination among international organizations, intergovernmental bodies, and civil society could help maximize existing efforts and facilitate knowledge sharing. Such cooperation is crucial to breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty and create better opportunities and a more secure future for generations to come. For our part, Malaysia is strengthening food security through the National Agro Food Policy 2021-2030 and the 13 Malaysia Plan 2026-2030. Our focus is on smart and climate-resilient agriculture, a more resilient food supply chain, and the reduction of food loss and waste. We also continue to place emphasis on supporting smallholder farmers and food producers by improving their access to technology and strengthening their productivity and resilience. On poverty, Malaysia's experience has shown that investments in public health, education, and rural development remain fundamental to poverty eradication. In this regard, Malaysia continues to strengthen social protection, ease the cost of living, and improve livelihoods, particularly among vulnerable communities. Chair, Malaysia stands ready to share our experience in poverty reduction and food security with partners, including through South-South and triangular cooperation. We look forward to working with all partners to end poverty and build resilient food systems. I thank you.

I thank the Distinguished Permanent Representative of Malaysia. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone.

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, my delegation aligns itself with the statements from the G77 and China, Namibia on behalf of the African Group, and the Gambia on behalf of the LDC.

Sierra Leone reaffirms its commitment to eradicating poverty in all its forms, including extreme poverty,

the foremost global challenge and a central objective of the 2030 agenda, which is also a key prerequisite for sustainable development. We note with concern the persistent challenges faced by global efforts to eliminate poverty, notably the continued inadequacy of financial resources. Fulfilling the civil commitments Reforming the international financial architecture, mobilizing domestic resources, and promoting domestic investment in food production, processing, and livestock will attract private agri-food investment. The African Credit Rating Agency would help highlight opportunities for food security and economic growth.

Development partners, international financial institutions, and the private sector should complement regional and national development programs to establish targeted policies

and social safety nets to eradicate poverty. More development finance and agri-food investments are vital to expand smallholder farmers' production and market access. Flexible financing, concessional loans, capacity building, climate tools, and technology transfer for rural cooperatives and networks are essential to build resilient, sustainable agri-food systems and rural economies.

At the national level, the flagship Feed Salone program has increased budget allocation in agriculture from 2% to 7%, targeting 10%

in the coming year in line with the Malabo Declaration. It has advanced major irrigation projects in Tomabom and Bundap towards 5,000 hectares for year-round cultivation, procured over 30 harvesters, 10 industrial rice mills and 23 grain stores and train hundreds of youths as tractor operators. Investing in human capital and empowering women in decision making and

access to productive resources, including land, jobs, capital, networks and cooperatives, build resilience, generates income and support domestic resource mobilization.

Climate change, extreme weather, water scarcity and disasters threaten food security and worsen hunger and malnutrition in developing countries.

The 2021 Common African Position on Food Systems calls for inclusive, nationally driven transformation aligned with national priorities.

In conclusion, we call for sustained development finance, stronger ODA commitments, increased foreign direct and climate investment, technology transfer, innovative education to help developing

I thank the representative of

Sierra Leone, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Philippines aligns itself with the statements delivered by the G7 and 7 and China and ASEAN. With roughly three years remaining to achieve the 2030 agenda, poverty and eradication and food security demand urgent action. As the third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty approaches its final year, we must turn commitments into lasting improvements in our people's lives. The Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and its midterm update guide our efforts to reduce poverty, strengthen social protection, and modernize agriculture. Poverty incidence declined from 15.5% in 2023 to 9.7% in 2025. Our priority is to sustain these gains by expanding opportunities and protecting vulnerable households from shocks. The Philippines recent reclassification to upper middle income economy status has not diminished the government's resolve and focus to further reduce poverty in the country. Our Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, or 4Ps, provides conditional cash transfers supporting children's health, nutrition, and education. Linking these investments with skills development, livelihoods, and decent employment is essential to breaking intergenerational poverty. Our flagship anti-hunger initiative, Walang Gutom, or No Hunger, has significantly expanded and now benefits 600,000 households. It combines food assistance with nutrition education and productivity enhancement to address immediate hunger and strengthen families' capacity to achieve lasting food security. This program, supported by the World Food Program, also demonstrates how partnerships that are underpinned by national ownership can deliver real impact and can be replicable and scalable. We're also investing in farm-to-market roads, cold storage, and post-harvest facilities. Agricultural development must benefit smallholder farmers and fisherfolk while making nutritious food more accessible and affordable. Mr. Chair, climate change and disasters threaten gains in poverty reduction and food security. We call for stronger support for climate-resilient agriculture, early warning systems, and anticipatory action to safeguard livelihoods and prevent households from falling into poverty. National efforts require international cooperation. We call for affordable financing, capacity building, and technology transfer to strengthen social protection and sustain agriculture in developing countries, including middle-income countries facing persistent poverty and vulnerability. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, the Philippines remains committed to working with all partners towards a future where every family can secure decent livelihoods and afford nutritious food and live with dignity. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the

representative of the Philippines, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Chair, at the outset, my delegation allies itself with the statements delivered on behalf of G77 and China, ASEAN and LDCs, and wishes to add the following remarks in our national capacity. Poverty eradication, food security, and improved nutrition remain fundamental to achieving the 2030 Agenda. However, developing countries, particularly the LDC, continue to face significant challenges arising from climate change, natural disasters, and limited access to development finance. In the context of the Lao PDR, inclusive and sustainable development is of our national priority. Guided by our sovereign and self-reliant economic policy, the Lao PDR has adopted the 10 National Socio-Economic Development Plan 2026-2030. This plan serves as key framework for promoting sustainable economic growth, improving livelihoods, and advancing rural development. Agriculture plays a vital role in the Lao PDR's economy, rural livelihoods, and food security. We remain committed to promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, modernizing farming practices, and enhancing farmers' access to technology, finance, and markets. Nevertheless, climate-related disasters continue to pose challenges to agricultural production and rural development. We therefore recognize the importance of strengthening climate adaptation and disaster preparedness. In addition, the enduring threat posed by unexploded ordnance, UXO, continues to constrain agricultural land use and rural progress, underscoring the need for sustained international cooperation and support in UXO clearance.

Mr. Chairman, as we are undertaking to graduate from the category, we have crafted a transition strategy in order to ensure that this process is done in a harmonious, sustainable, and irreversible way. And in this regard, international support measures remain critical in order to mitigate structural inequalities, to enhance productive capabilities, and to sustain development gains throughout the a process of graduating from the LDC category and beyond, the support needs to be predictable, targeted, and calibrated to reflect our national priorities. To conclude, Mr. Chairman, we reaffirm our commitment to poverty eradication and the enhancement of food security, as well as improvements in nutrition. We are resolutely pursuing our efforts and will continue to do so with a view to graduating from the LDC category and for the implementation of our transition strategy, and we welcome the prospect of continuing to cooperate with the United Nations system and our development partners in order to accelerate progress towards achievement of the SDGs. Thank you.

I thank the delegation of La Paz, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guatemala.

Thank you, Chair. Guatemala aligns itself with the statement of the G77 and China. Guatemala is committed to the 2030 Agenda and recognizes that poverty eradication is closely linked to zero hunger, food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture. There are structural changes remaining, like rural poverty, territorial inequalities, the effects of climate change, food insecurity and the limitations of rural families in acceding to productive activities. The response is entirely based on intersectoral composed. It's the hand-to-hand program which is intended to reduce rural poverty. It tries to provide housing, safe water, nutrition, social protection, and the creation of jobs. In the prioritized communities, the families are receiving concrete floors, wood-burning stoves, and other support to improve the homes and reduce risks to health. Guatemala also believes that the reduction in rural poverty requires strengthening family agriculture, improved productivity, and increased resilience of farming systems in the face of climate change. food security is a national priority. We recognise the importance of the first 1,000 days of life, and we promote the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding as absolutely essential to preventing chronic malnutrition and favouring the holistic development of childhood. We also support the school food programme that provides food to children and adolescents and provides opportunities to local producers. These efforts require effective international cooperation with better access to financing, technology, technical assistance, exchanges of experiences for developing countries. Guatemala therefore continues to promote policies that coordinate nutrition, safe water, and the generation of opportunities to make progress in a holistic way in SDGs 1 and 2. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Guatemala, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tajikistan.

Chair, Tajikistan aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Eradicating poverty and achieving food security remain fundamental to sustainable development. yet progress remains insufficient. In 2025, an estimated 2.1 billion people experience moderate or severe food insecurity, while 3.8 billion people remain without any form of social protection. These challenges underscore the need to strengthen international cooperation and mobilize adequate resources to ensure that no one is left behind. For Tajikistan, poverty eradication, productive employment, and the development of rural areas remain key national priorities. Between 2017 and 2023, our national poverty rate declined from 29.5 to 21.2 percent. Over the same period, agriculture production increased substantially, strengthening domestic food production and rural livelihoods. Chair, achieving progress on these interconnected goals requires integrated approach that links social protection with sustainable agriculture, rural development, and decent employment. We must strengthen the resilience of food systems to climate change, support smallholder farmers, improve access to agricultural technologies and markets, and promote the processing of agricultural products to create greater value and employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people. For landlocked developing countries, these efforts require predictable development financing, capacity building, technology transfer, and improved access to regional and international markets. Tajikistan calls for renewed collective efforts to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, including sustainable development goals one and two. By investing in people, resilient food systems, and sustainable rural livelihoods, we can advance poverty eradication, strengthen food security, and build a more inclusive and sustainable future. Tajikistan stands ready to work constructively with all Member States and development partners towards these shared objectives. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Tajikistan, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guyana.

Thank you, Chair.

Guyana aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and CARICOM, and makes the following additional remarks. Agriculture, food security, and nutrition are central to development, to eradicating poverty, and achieving the 2030 Agenda. Agri-food systems employ more than 1.2 billion people, and in many developing countries, they are the backbone of the economy. The Secretary-General's report shows that 2.1 billion people, about a quarter of the world's population, were moderately or severely food insecure in 2025. In 2015, this was just 1.6 billion. The causes of these setbacks are clear. Conflicts have disrupted energy and fertilizer supplies. Supply shocks have driven up prices. Debt burdens have grown. Climate change continues to disrupt crops, land, and livelihoods. Developing countries feel these effects the most, often several at once and with limited fiscal space to respond. At the same time, the financing needed to transform agri-food systems through 2030 is estimated at up to US$3 trillion, while financing is concurrently becoming more expensive and development assistance for food security is falling. Chair, investing in agriculture as a priority is one of the most direct ways to reduce poverty, Guyana has acted in this regard, focusing on reducing production costs and providing incentives to encourage investments in the agriculture sector. Among the measures introduced are the removal of corporate tax on agriculture and agri-processing businesses, and the zero rating of tax on agriculture machinery and equipment. Guyana, the government has also established a development bank to provide interest-free, collateral-free loans to small farmers, and introduced crop insurance for rice farmers against floods and drought. Simultaneously, public spending on agriculture and drainage and irrigation has expanded fivefold over the last five years. At the regional level, Guyana continues to lead CARICOM's work to reduce the region's food import bill. Chair, a recent global study found that Guyana is the only country in the world that produces enough food in all seven food groups to feed its population, but we do not take this for granted. One season of flooding or drought can undo years of progress. Without financing to build climate and shock-resilient production systems, each new shock will reverse hard-won gains. Guyana reiterates the call for financing that is predictable, affordable, and easier to access. This means reforming the international financial architecture, applying the multidimensional vulnerability index, and fully implementing the Sivia commitment. Resilience must be built now, ahead of the next crisis, because every dollar invested today will save far more in recovery tomorrow. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Guyana, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Panama.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Panama aligns itself with the declarations and statements made in behalf of the G77 and China. The debate is of particular importance to my country. The earthquake that struck Panama on 9 October changed in just a few instants the lives of many Panamanian families. The aftershocks are continuing, some of them are very intense, while those who lost their homes are facing the task of starting all over again. The affected region includes the central provinces of Cocle, Herrera, Los Santos and Veraguas. These are agricultural and cattle-raising provinces where work on the land sustains many families and contributes to the country's True. security. It's part of that Panama that appears rarely in photographs: green fields, rural communities and campesinos. These are humble, hard-working people. For many of these families, tilling the land means having food to eat every day. Protecting their ability to produce is protecting their food and their autonomy. That is precisely where the themes that we are considering today come together, the fight against poverty, agricultural development, food security and nutrition. The recovery of the affected areas underscores a longer term task. We need to ensure that living off the land may also make it possible to live with dignity, security and opportunity. It's estimated that approximately 38,000 people, including more than 8,300 children, require humanitarian assistance. The damage caused by the earthquake to homes, schools, health establishments and water systems are exacerbating the difficulties of communities that were already facing challenges in accessing basic services. Some have been cut off because of damage to access roads and that makes it difficult for assistance to arrive or for people to move around. The Government of Panama is leading the response with the solidarity of the Panamanian people, support of the United Nations system and friendly countries. Assistance is being mobilized by air, sea and land to arrive at hard to reach communities as well. These activities aim to ensure that communities can gradually get back to normal, that families will recover their homes, their livelihoods, the children will return to safe schools, the hospitals will provide their services under the right conditions, that the other essential services are re-established and that the people can overcome this difficult time. We profoundly thank, deeply thank those governments that have mobilized in solidarity with our country. Panama is looking forward, convinced that this recovery period will open new opportunities to the community that most need it and will contribute to inclusive, sustainable development throughout the country. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Panama, and I now give the floor to distinguished Representative of Brazil.

Sure. Brazil aligns itself with the statements delivered by the G77 and China, as well as the community of Portuguese-speaking countries. Eradicating poverty and hunger requires more than inviting the poor to wait patiently for prosperity to trickle down. It requires redistribution, universal social protection, decent work and investment in sustainable agriculture. Family farmers need land, water, credit, technology, and markets. Developing countries need affordable finance and fiscal space, not another lecture on doing more with less. Brazil launched the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty to translate proven policies into action. We also supported the establishment of an intergovernmental panel on inequality. on the auspices of the UN in order to provide scientific evidence on the nature, causes and consequences of inequality in all its dimensions. When addressing food security and poverty reduction, this committee should pay special attention to the situations in some specific regions, including Haiti, Sudan and Gaza. In Haiti, FAO September reporting documents have violence Documents reported how violence disrupted supply chains and recurring climate shocks have weakened agriculture and access to food. Its emergency farming programs are helping families restart production and meet immediate food needs. In Sudan, conflict, displacement, and restrictions on humanitarian access have disrupted livelihoods. WFP reports that almost 19.5 million face crisis level of hunger. Displacement separates farming families from both their income and their next harvest. Brazil condemns in the strongest term the destruction of Palestinian agricultural livelihoods and its use of starvation as a weapon. In July, United Nations agencies reported only 3% of Gaza's croplands were usable. Restrictions extended even to the seeds and fertilizers, while access to the sea remained prohibited. These countries do not lack agricultural knowledge. They have been deprived of the means to use it. Brazil demands an end to attacks on means of subsistence, unrestricted humanitarian access, restoration of access to land and water, and accountability. Recovery must rebuild production, not institutionalize dependence on permission to eat.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I thank the representative of Brazil. And then I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand.

Chair, Thailand aligns itself with the statement made by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China, and by Vietnam on behalf of ASEAN. Poverty eradication and zero hunger, SDGs 1 and 2, remain fundamental to sustainable development. Yet the 2026 SDG report shows that one in 10 people still live in extreme poverty, while over one in four face moderate or severe food insecurity in 2025. Against this backdrop, Thailand highlights three priorities. First, advancing a multidimensional pathway to poverty eradication. Poverty extends beyond income alone, while national averages often conceal vulnerabilities, particularly in middle-income countries. Guided by our national strategy and development plan, Thailand leverages its national multidimensional poverty index and a Thai people map and analytics platform to better identify vulnerabilities and deliver targeted support. As the third UN decade for the eradication of poverty approaches its conclusion, we First, identify efforts to address structural and intergenerational poverty. Second, promoting inclusive and sustainable food systems. Thailand seeks to foster an agri-food system that enhances farmers' livelihood, empowers marginalized voices, connects local production with markets, and ensures safe and nutritious food. We are advancing climate smart agriculture through technology and innovation, including the low carbon rice initiative to reduce water use and methane emissions while improving farmers income with carbon credit revenue. Building on our role as the kitchen of the world and our aspiration to become a global food security hub. Thailand is diversifying beyond traditional commodity export toward advanced agri-food innovation and sustainable food production. Amid external shocks, we underscore the importance of stable, transparent, and predictable food markets to safeguard food security. Lastly, leveraging partnership to advance development solutions. local ownership plays a vital role in development Thailand support sharing homegrown approaches such as the sufficiency economy philosophy for balanced resilient and sustainable growth and a bio circular green economy BCG model and we do so through South South and triangular cooperation we also remain committed to strengthening collaboration with ASEAN and with international organizations including FAO and WFP to advance practical solutions for sustainable development share eradicating advancing sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security and nutrition lie at the heart of the 2030 agenda, Thailand remains committed to working with all partners to translate shared knowledge and partnership into tangible progress toward 2030 and beyond. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Thailand. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

Chair, China aligns itself with the statement by Uruguay on behalf of the 77th China. Poverty reduction and food security are the first two goals of the 2030 agenda and top priorities for developing countries. At present, more than 800 million worldwide still live in extreme poverty and 21 billion face challenging food security. To rapidly beat poverty and ensure food security, China offers the following suggestions: first, build political synergy. Poverty reduction and food security must move higher on the development agenda. The UN must leverage its organizational political strengths to step up the fulfillment of all responsibilities to generate a strong executive capacity to advance cooperation. Second, improve the modern governance system for poverty reduction. We must reject the notion that poverty is inevitable, strengthen our confidence in overcoming hunger and poverty and achieving modernization. Adhere to people-centered development, rely on the wisdom of the people to win the battle against poverty, ensure development benefits all, formulate targeted poverty reduction strategies. improve mechanisms for collaborative empowerment by governments and markets, mobilize resources from across society in concert. Third, deepen new reforms of international exchange and cooperation on poverty alleviation. Developed countries must fulfill their responsibilities on development financing and provide great technical support. We must advance reforms to international financial architecture, improve financing mechanisms that support poverty alleviation and food security, uphold the multilateral trading system, safeguard the security and stability of food supply chains. deepen cooperation on agricultural science and technology to foster new drivers of food security. Chair, China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty, achieved the basic grain self-sufficiency and absolute security of staple food. Having experienced poverty and hunger ourselves, we are deeply aware of the hardships faced by our fellow developing countries and have always been committed to international cooperation on poverty alleviation and food security. We have engaged In agriculture cooperation, over 2,000 cooperation projects with more than 140 countries and regions promoted over 1,000 agriculture and trained more than 14,000 specialists in hybrid rice cultivation. Under the FAO's SASSA cooperation framework and as a developing country, we have provided the most financial assistance, dispatched the most experts and implemented most projects. We are ready to continue to strengthen the cooperation with all parties to make a great contribution to a world free from poverty and hunger.

Thank you, Chair.

I thank the representative of China. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lebanon.

Mr. Chair, eradicating poverty and achieving food security are fundamental to human dignity, social stability, and sustainable development. These priorities are deeply interconnected, as conflicts and geopolitical tensions drive up food and energy prices. Mr. Chair, Israeli attacks against Lebanon have deepened poverty, displacement, and vulnerability, while severely damaging agricultural production. Since 2023, these attacks have affected 56,264 hectares of agricultural land. These attacks have involved the use of white phosphorus and the spraying of highly concentrated glyphosate, which has caused agricultural fires, soil contamination, and crop destruction. This destruction threatens food security, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods. Despite these challenges, Lebanon remains committed to strengthening social protection, productive sectors, and building resilient food systems. Through the National Safety Net Amman, the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs continues to support vulnerable households. Recognizing the importance of gender equality and poverty eradication, Lebanon's 2026 response plan integrates cash assistance, healthcare, and social services to support women's participation in recovery. Gender considerations have also been integrated into national climate policies. In this context, Lebanon is honored. I am honored as a Lebanese woman to co-facilitate alongside Bangladesh the resolution on women in development under agenda item 21. Mr. Chair, SDG 2 remains a key priority for Lebanon while advancing its national food systems transformation pathway, supporting family farmers. As a Mediterranean diet and the ancient land, Lebanon is proud to have been part of the core group behind the resolution adopted by consensus, proclaiming the International Day of the Mediterranean Diet and recognizing its contribution to healthy diets, nutrition, sustainable food system, biodiversity and cultural heritage. Mr. Chair, Lebanon also recognizes the potential of AI and digital innovation. This month, the second edition of the Lebanese Industry Expo will showcase food technology and manufacturing, reflecting the resilience and potential of productive sectors. Lebanon also recognizes tourism contribution to poverty eradication, environmental protection, and local livelihoods. Through the SOFA initiative supported by the Ministry of Tourism, a digital platform connected donors to local businesses to provide meals to displaced families. The Ministry has also launched an application that uses AI to help visitors discover cultural sites and local experiences supporting SMEs. Mr. Chair, we invite this committee to advance our shared priorities and to call for stronger international cooperation, investment in sustainable infrastructures, and enhanced public-private partnership. Many thanks, Mr. Chair.

I thank the representative of Lebanon, and I now give the floor to the Distinguished Permanent Representative of Burundi.

Mr. Chairman, my delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by the G77 and China, the African Group, and the group of least developed states, and we reaffirm that poverty eradication in all of its forms and manifestation remains a key priority for sustainable development. Despite the commitments that were undertaken under Agenda 2030, progress still falls short. Therefore, there's an urgent need to step up international solidarity and to translate our commitments into concrete, tangible action so as to leave nobody behind. We wish to, in this regard, emphasize four priorities. First and foremost, strengthening development financing delivery as through the mobilization of concessional resources, alleviating the debt burden, and honoring the A commitments, we emphasize the importance of meaningful implementation of the outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, which was held in Seville in 2025. Second, investments in human capital, specifically in the areas of education, health care, social protection, as well as the creation of decent jobs, particularly for women and young people. Third, accelerating the agricultural transformation and by delivering support to small-scale producers, by facilitating access to financing, to technologies, to rural infrastructure and markets, and by beefing up resilience in the face of climate change. Fourth, positioning food security and nutrition at the heart of our priorities by building sustainable food systems, by facilitating access to sufficient and high-quality food, and by reducing loss and food waste. Mr. Chairman, Burundi reaffirms our commitment to multilateralism and to international cooperation, specifically to South-South cooperation in addition to North-South cooperation. We call upon our partners to honor their commitments and to provide developing nations with the technical, financial, and means, as well as the necessary technologies, we stand ready to engage in this collective effort to achieve a fairer, more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Burundi, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Chairman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia firmly believes that poverty eradication and improvements to food security require an integrated holistic approach, bringing together protection of families as well as their empowerment. part of our 2030 vision includes the development of social development programs which are linked to training and employment by facilitating stability and living conditions and education and employment. We have social development enhanced programs as well as a program on the citizen account program. We also have unemployment insurance and this is part of the SunEd program. In addition to programs of assistance for education and training, this hand in hand with providing training for persons with disabilities and providing for their empowerment, which expands opportunities, particularly for Saudi women, Saudi women who are increasingly participating in the labor market and they increasingly have access to leadership posts. And for these capabilities to be reflected and translated into sustainable opportunities, we are diversifying our productive bases, we are developing industry with, into, together with private sector. We are strengthening delivery, and trains and local production, we are enhancing local know-how, building capabilities in order to support economic growth. our interest is not solely focused on means of subsistence within cities. We are also looking to situations in rural communities, and we also have a rural development of agricultural, rural sustainable development program. This is a RIF Saudi program, and this program is geared towards capacity building, facilitating access to resources, while at the same time increasing revenues and improving opportunities for job generation. We are complementing these efforts with providing support to other countries throughout the world the King Salman Center for humanitarian assistance and support is also implementing numerous projects in nutrition health care water education in conjunction with international partners to conclude we stand ready to continue to cooperate in a constructive manner with the United Nations Organization member states in order to achieve prosperity and stability for all thank you.

I thank the representative of Saudi Arabia, and now the floor to the distinguished representative of Nicaragua.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Nicaragua reaffirms that the eradication of poverty and hunger remains a fundamental responsibility of the international community, and it remains essential to achieving just, inclusive and sustainable human development. In a world that has extensive productive, scientific, and technological capacities, it's unacceptable for millions of people to continue to face poverty, food insecurity, and problems in accessing adequate, nutritious food. These situations are exacerbated by economic inequality, international crises, the effects of climate change, and the persistent gaps in access to financing, technology, and the means of production. Fighting poverty means ensuring decent living conditions and strengthening the productive capacities of peoples, in particular campesino families, small and medium-sized farmers and cooperatives. We therefore welcome international initiatives that turn cooperation into concrete action, including the Global Development Initiative of the People's Republic of China, which prioritizes the eradication of poverty, food security, and the strengthening of development capacities. Nicaragua continues to foster a model that strengthens national production, agricultural diversification, access to markets, and food sovereignty and security, recognizing the vital role of farming families in our economy. It is essential to end UCMs, which hamper access of developing countries to financing, technologies, infrastructure, knowledge and the means of production. The CARAGUA will continue to promote solidarity, cooperation and the right to development. We are convinced that eradicating poverty and hunger means strengthening production, guaranteeing adequate nutritious food, and advancing towards international relations that are more just and equitable. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative.

Of Nicaragua, and I now give the floor to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Mr. Chair, my delegation aligns itself with the statements made by Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China, and also Cuba. On behalf of the like-minded groups of states, I make additional points in my national capacity. First, the artificial factors driving global hunger and food insecurity should be removed. The worsening global food crisis can be happened by the natural and predictable factors like disaster-prone, abnormal climate, yet it can be more attributable to the artificial factors like armed conflicts or unilateral coercive measure. Any kind of such obstacles should be removed immediately. Second, it is important for developing countries to formulate and push ahead with their agricultural development strategy, aiming for dramatically increasing agricultural production. Developing countries should draw up their own agricultural development strategies tailored to their country's specific conditions and capable of rapidly boosting grain production rather than hoping for anyone's aid or assistance and fully mobilize their resources and capabilities to carry it out. Mr. Chair, the DPRK set forth tasks for the new five-year plan period leading up to 2030, which include the increasing grain production, consolidating the material and technical foundations for the stable agricultural development, and transforming rural areas through urbanization, modernization, and advancement. In our rural areas, initiatives are currently underway to actively adopt scientific farming methods and put the agricultural production on a mechanized and IT footing. Meanwhile, the landscape of local regions and rural areas, as well as the lives of farmers, freshly transformed by constructing tens of thousands of modern houses for farmers every year. DPRK will continue to put a great effort to agricultural production and rural construction so as to fully satisfy food demand of the country on our own and enrich the rural areas. This will contribute to the agricultural development and achievement of food security goal set by the 10th SDG agenda. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Mr. Chair, Cuba aligns itself with the statement by the G77 and China, and we'd like to say the following in our national capacity. Poverty cannot be effectively eradicated as in the course of the 2030 agenda while the developed countries continue to dedicate many millions of resources to military activities that don't favour the development of other countries. These are protectionist policies that undermine global progress, and there is an increasing use of UCMs. It's ridiculous to talk about progress in the eradication of poverty when hunger is increasing worldwide and malnutrition is still affecting millions of children. The current international economic order is unjust and unsustainable. It has an increasing effect on the marginalization of a considerable number of nations of the South. Developing countries are those most affected when they are the least responsible for that crisis. The historical responsibility of the developed world is also based on the climate situation that we are now living through. It's based on an unsustainable model of production and consumption for generations to come and today. Mr. Chair, Cuba is a small and developing state and it's subject to hurricanes, droughts, climate change. It continues to stand up to the unjust economic, financial, commercial blockade imposed by the United States. There's also an energy siege and also the inclusion of our country in the list of state sponsors of terrorism. Despite this continuing punishment, we firmly believe in South-South cooperation and international solidarity. We share our modest resources with other countries that are in need. It's therefore shameful that the US is conducting a campaign against our cooperation for merely political and coercive reasons. To eradicate poverty, we need political will, solidarity, and social justice. We reiterate our commitment to carry on sharing with other peoples our main resource, which is human capital. and our best experiences so that we don't leave anyone behind. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Cuba and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sudan.

Thank you, Chair.

Sudan.

Associate itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the G77 and China, LDCs, African and Arab groups, and would like to add the following in its national capacity. Poverty and hunger are interlinked. According to recent statistics, poverty has nearly doubled from around 38% before the war of aggression to almost 70% today. Our first national multidimensional poverty index revealed the depth of structural vulnerability, depriving of health, education, living standard, and employment barriers. This baseline underscores how severely the war has compounded preexisting challenges. Chair, Sudan's today food insecurity is not a result of natural disaster. It is a direct consequence of the war, driven by access restrictions in areas controlled by the militia, rather than any failure in Sudan agricultural production capacity. Distinction matters. The country can produce food, but war-related blockages prevent it from reaching the people who need it most. Despite the war, Sudan agriculture has shown real resilience. Last year's harvest exceeds national needs, especially in sorghum. And this season, nearly 31 million fedans are planned for cultivation. At the same time, efforts are exerted to expand malnutrition treatment and support local farmers. These actions together help reinforcing food insecurity and community resilience. Chad food security also depends on safe and open sea lanes. Sudan relies on maritime trade for fuel, food, and agricultural input. This year's disruption in the Strait of Hormuz results in driving up fertilizers prices and worsening Sudan food security. For our farmers, higher cost means less fertilizers, lower yield, and less food. Therefore, maritime security is food security, and it must be protected through international cooperation. In conclusion, food must never be used as a weapon of war, and those who block access to it must be held accountable. Honoring development assistance commitment and implementing the Seville commitment, including debt relief for countries affected by war, remain essential. Lasting progress also requires sustained investment in agriculture, resilient food systems, and integrated humanitarian development and peace approaches to ensure that no country is left behind. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Sudan and I now give the floor to the distinguished permanent representative of Angola.

Mr. Chair, Angola aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of G77, China, African Group, Least Developed Countries, and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries. Agri-food system transformation must deliver affordable, nutritious food, decent rural incomes, and greater resilience to climate and economic shocks. Five years after the United Nations Food Systems Summit, hunger persists, aggravated by conflict, climate change, water scarcity, and rising costs. Angola supports the African Common Position on Food Systems. The priority now is implementation through investment in family farming, irrigation, research, storage, transport, rural connectivity, and local processing. Women, young people, and smallholder farmers need better access to finance, technology, and markets. Mr. Chair, for Angola, agricultural transformation is central to economic diversification and food security. In southern Angola, The Kaffue Canal and Ndume-Kalukuve Dams strengthen water security, support farming and livestock, and protect livelihoods. The Kunda program complements this investment by supporting vulnerable households. Food security depends not only on production, but also on families' ability to access adequate, nutritious food. International action should focus on four priorities: First, predictable and concessional financing. Second, technology transfer and capacity building for climate resilient agriculture. Third, sustainable water management. Fourth, stronger agricultural value chains, local processing and market access. to share. In this spirit, Angola presents the African Union endorsed candidature of Ambassador Josefa Saco for the Director General FAO for 2027-2031. Her candidature reflects Africa's commitment to an effective, responsive and results-oriented FAO that mobilizes partnership and accelerates agri-food systems transformation. Our objective is clear: greater production, better nutrition, decent rural incomes and food security for all. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished Permanent Representative of Angola and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mali.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. President, Mali lines itself with the declarations of Uruguay on behalf of the G77 and China and Namibia on behalf of the African group. In a national capacity, I'd like to underline the fact that the Malian economy is essentially agro-pastoral. The sectors of agriculture, livestock, and fisheries employ more than 80% of the 24.7 million inhabitants of Mali. However, these strategic sectors of the national economy are largely dependent on climate hazards, in particular the effects of climate change. They are also affected, and have been so since 2012, by security challenges, particularly related to terrorism, and fluctuations in the price of raw materials on the international market. To face up to these challenges, the Government of Mali, under the leadership of its Excellence of the General of the Army Assimi Goita, President of the Transition, Head of State, has taken strong measures to re-establish security and authority of the state throughout the country. Here I'd like to pay homage to the Malian defense and security forces with their partners who are pursuing this mission to the satisfaction of the whole Malian people. In parallel, the government has passed the Vision Mali 2063 and the National Strategy for Emergence and Sustainable Development to provide structural and sustainable responses to the development challenges I've just mentioned. These programs aim to build a sovereign nation that is resilient and prosperous based on making use of national resources, the structural transformation of the economy, and lasting improvement in people's lives. The project to feed Mali in the subregion is part of the enhancement of food sovereignty, increasing agricultural production, and also livestock and fish production, development of value chains, and making best use of national production, in particular, by strengthening Mali's export potential. The government hopes to set up 12 agricultural centers throughout the country, six of which will be operational very soon. The priority is given to strategic networks, grains, rice, cotton, fruits, vegetables, oleaginous plants. We're planning to structure 200,000 additional hectares in the zone of Niger. And we also respect principles to realize our ambitions in terms of development financing, technology transfer. research and innovation, capacity enhancement, and climate resilience. I thank you very much.

I thank the delegation of Mali, and I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Kuwait.

In the name of God, most compassionate, most merciful, I thank you, Chair.

At the outset, we align ourselves with the statement of the groups which we are a member to.

Mr. Chair, we convene as organizations and states face interconnected challenges interlinked to food security, including climate change, water scarcity, as well as a disruption of supply chains due to attacks against the vital waterways, especially the Hormuz Strait and Bab al-Mandeb, with a direct impact on flow of vital resources as well as increase in prices. We reiterate our condemnation of the closure by.

Iran of the Hormuz Strait, as well as the threatening of the freedom of navigation, including in Bab al-Mandeb, through its proxies in the region. This entails a threat to food security and increased burden on peoples. My country calls for full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2817 and abstention by Iran of attacks and acts that impede lawful transit and freedom of navigation through the Hormuz Strait or which threaten navigation in.

Bab al-Mandeb in accordance with UNCLOS and international law. Food insecurity continues to threaten the lives of millions of people.

Despite the fact that in 2025, hunger decreased by 7.8 percent, there are discrepancies amongst regions.

The number of those in Asia suffering from hunger are estimated at 292 million, while.

The fifth of people suffering from hunger live in the on the African continent. Therefore, there is a dire need to strengthen livelihoods of people to ensure their resilience to shocks.

In the Arab region and the.

Gaza Strip, levels of food insecurity are on the rise, and we condemn the starvation by the occupying power.

Of people as a tactic of war, which is in contravention of international law and was condemned by the Security Council Resolution 2417. We reiterate that ending hunger in all its dimensions.

As well as ending poverty in all its dimension are a for human dignity and security.

We call for concerted efforts in addition to sustainable funding and the protection of the environment, as well as the protection of resilient livelihoods to ensure a better future for all.

I thank you.

I now give the.

Floor to the distinguished representative of the Maldives.

Thank you, Chair.

The MOLDUS aligns with the statements delivered by Uruguay on behalf of G77 and China and Palau on behalf of EOSIS. In the past year, 51.5 million people have become impoverished. For the first time in 15 years, multidimensional poverty has risen. This figure puts into perspective the work cut out for us. As we look to a post-2030 development agenda, we must address poverty as a multidimensional issue. We wish to highlight three points. First, Poverty requires differentiated context-specific responses. Urban poverty is not just a settlement issue, it is a cost of living, job security, and social welfare issue. Addressing this requires investments in building state capacity to external economic shocks, investments into reskilling and workforce transitions, and strengthening social services. In the Maldives, we see the digital economy as a pathway to addressing urban poverty. To ensure access to digital economy and tools, we are investing in strengthening our extensive digital networks, in building digital literacy, and in re-skilling workers as necessary. Second, food security as a means of overcoming poverty. Sudden shocks to logistical networks and shipping routes and to the global economy has significant impacts on net food importing countries such as the Maldives. These shocks are amplified for those in poverty conditions. Food security is not only about how much food, but also what kind of food a population has access to. Ensuring access to high quality nutritious food therefore must become a priority. A healthier population is more productive and in the long term reduces expenses on non-communicable diseases. Third, development must become inclusive. Addressing poverty, food security, and development requires enhancing the role of women in development. Empowering them requires providing them with the tools, the means, and the space to operate independently and effectively in the economy. The government of Maldives is promoting this through a US $6.47 million startup loan fund launched in 2024, with 25% allocated to women with disabilities. Over a quarter of the funds have now been disbursed. We're also introducing flexible, collateral-free financing to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses. International cooperation will be necessary to ensuring that these holistic approaches are a success in addressing poverty and food security, and more broadly, sustainable development. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Maldives, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Senegal.

Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, my delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of G77 and China, the African Group and the Group of Least Developed States, and we wish to deliver the following remarks in our national capacity. Poverty eradication in all of its forms and manifestations is a top priority. And yet, the significant efforts and initiatives undertaken notwithstanding, it is evident, and we deplore this, that the goals of the third UN Decade for Poverty Eradication are far from having been achieved. At the current pace, moreover, only one out of five countries is on track to achieve target 1.5 of the SDGs to have national poverty rates by 2030. The situation has also significantly deteriorated in recent years as a consequence of the combined effects of increases in food prices, fuel, fertilizer prices, and the nefarious repercussions of the debt crisis. These destabilizing factors are compounded by others, such as economic and structural difficulties, including underemployment, lack of infrastructure, persistent inequality, vulnerability to shocks, lack of safety as well as illicit financial flows. The situation in the rural world merits particular attention insofar as monetary and monetary indicators are brought into play here, which demonstrate that phenomena related to poverty are particularly present, and these are generating vicious cycles of intergenerational poverty. In order to surmount these issues, industrial development is a priority and a tool for wealth generation for transformation from processing, transformation information production and job generation. We welcome the fact that we have a national green industrialization strategy for 2026 to 2030 to bring together industrial sovereignty, ecological transition, rooted in four key sectors, agro-industrial sector, natural resources, health and innovation. This recognizes significant potential of the agricultural sector, which should be appreciated with a view to achieving food security, We have a national program for development, as well as the Senegal AgroConnect Pact, which is implemented for sustainable agricultural development. And in order to achieve the greatest number of targets, it would be wise to particularly focus on the situation of young people in general. To conclude, we wish to recall the fact that, notwithstanding the significant challenge of poverty, poverty should not be a fatality. And a number of examples clearly show that upward trajectory towards economic and social progress is possible, provided that appropriate policies and strategies are implemented. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Senegal, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Burkina Faso aligns itself fully with the statements delivered by the G77 and China, the African Group, as well as the Group of Least Developed States. Mr. Chairman, agricultural development and food security lie at the heart of efforts to combat poverty, to achieve structural transformation of our economy, and to attain the Sustainable Development Goals. In a context punctuated by numerous challenges, we have embraced the choice of strengthening our food sovereignty by relying upon our national productive capabilities and the mobilization of our domestic resources. This is already generating encouraging results in terms of food security. Cereal production has increased by approximately 38% from 2022 to 2025. Coverage rates of cereal needs also rose from 96% in 2016 to 126% in 2025, meaning there is a surplus cereal production during the 2025 to 2026 campaign. These results have been achieved thanks to the implementation of an agro-pastoral and fisheries policy, which is rooted in the intensification of production, improvement of access to newcomers, strengthening in access to agricultural mechanization efforts and land provision. Development of agricultural value chains and processing also contributes to added value generation and anything improving production revenues and enhancing resilience is welcome. And economic opportunities, and particularly in the rural area, are being enhanced. We intend to continue to undertake reforms to gradually transition from a response approach to food-related issues to a real strategy of transforming our agricultural production systems. Financing for agricultural development needs to be prioritized when it comes to national resources. provision while mobilizing partnerships to reflect the needs of our country. The Relance plan for 2026 to 2030 reflects our vision by placing national sovereignty, placing value on domestic resources, resilience, and social and structural transformation of the economy at the heart of development strategy. We are open to international partnerships. that can help to modernize our agricultural sector. And this should prioritize sustainable developments in production systems, rural infrastructure, agricultural research, innovation, local transformation, and value chains. Thank you.

I thank the representative.

Of Burkina Faso and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Costa Rica.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. One in every 10 people in the world continues to live in extreme poverty. 1.1 billion people are facing acute multidimensional poverty, according to the 2026 update of the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index, IPM, published by UNDP and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative of the University of Oxford. These figures show that our efforts are still insufficient. Allow me to make the following points. First of all, we must address poverty in all its dimensions. Income in itself does not reflect inequalities in access to education, health, social protection, and economic opportunities, or vulnerabilities to climate change and other external shocks. Secondly, we must ensure sufficient resources to finance development. The annual financing gap for the achievement of the SDGs is more than $4 trillion. At the same time, growing debt servicing and the high cost of financing are reducing the fiscal space that's available to invest in social protection, education, health, and employment. Costa Rica calls for the enhancement of international cooperation and for accessible, predictable financing that is adequate, appropriate to the needs and vulnerabilities of each country. Thirdly, we must generate inclusive and sustainable economic opportunities. Decent work remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty. Sectors such as sustainable tourism and ecotourism can also generate jobs, diversify livelihoods and protect our natural heritage. Eradicating poverty means overcoming one-dimensional approaches and putting people at the heart of our policies. Costa Rica urges this Committee to act with urgency and solidarity. We will not be able to implement the 2030 agenda while millions of people remain left behind. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Costa Rica and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Every Russian strike on Ukrainian food is a strike on global food security. I speak today as a US delegate from Ukraine on behalf of a generation that has watched our fields turn into minefields and our ports into targets. For 20 seasons in a row, Ukraine was the world's largest exporter of sunflower oil. And today, nearly one in three bottles traded globally still comes from Ukraine, alongside millions of tons of wheat and maize. What happens to our fields, seas, and silos never stays only in Ukraine. The reports before this committee show that global hunger is falling, but the world remains off track to end it by 2030. Progress this fragile cannot survive a war on food systems, and Russia is waging that war on three fronts. The first front is our land. Ukraine is now the most mined country in the world. More than 130,000 square kilometers may still hide mines. Every field we cannot sow is a harvest that world will never see. The second front is the sea. In July this year alone, Russia carried out 124 attacks on Ukrainian ports and ships. Shipping was temporarily suspended, and Ukraine lost a third of its grain export capacity. The third front is storage. I have lived in Kyiv since the first day of the full-scale invasion. Over the past year, too many mornings have started the same way. I wake up and see warehouses burning after Russian strikes. Later, in my local supermarket, some shelves are empty with a small sign, "Our warehouse was destroyed by Russia. This product is no longer available." What I see on shelves in Kyiv, the world feels in its prices. Ukraine now faces a storage shortfall of 11 million tons. And every strike on our grain terminals moves wheat prices on world markets. The poorest families in import-dependent countries pay first. We, therefore, call on the international community to take three steps. First, reaffirm that attacks on food production, storage, and export infrastructure constitute a direct threat to global food security in a line with Security Council Resolution 2417. Second, treat humanitarian demining of farmland as an investment in the world's food supply. And third, support the safety of maritime food corridors so that the harvest reaches those who need them. Ukrainian farmers keep sowing next to the front line, and Ukrainian ports keep loading ships under missile fire. We are doing our part to keep the world fed. Help us protect the fields, the seas, and the silos to make it possible. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Ukraine, and I now give the floor to the distinguished permanent representative of Myanmar.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, Myanmar aligns its with the statements delivered by ASEAN, the LDC Group, and G77 China. Thank the Secretary General for his comprehensive reports under this agenda item. Poverty, food insecurity, and conflicts are deeply intertwined and exacerbate each other with generations consequences. Unfortunately, my country, Myanmar, is experiencing these devastating outcomes since the 2021 illegal military coup. The military hunters' widespread atrocity, restriction of aid, growing displacement, economic collapse, and inadequate public services are pushing more families into poverty and food insecurity every day. Deliberate and indiscriminate violence by the military junta, including burning down farms, crops, livestock, agricultural assets, and airstrikes over markets, has been the biggest catalyst of forced displacement with devastating impact on agricultural productions and livelihood across the country. According to the UNDP in its latest report, multidimensional poverty in Myanmar is widespread and affects nearly two-thirds of the populations. About half of the population is living under the national poverty line. 17.9 million are multidimensionally poor, and a further 19.5 million are at risk. FAO and WFP warn that a total of 12.4 million people in Myanmar are projected to face high level of acute food insecurity, IPC phase three or above, including almost 1 million people in emergency.

IPC face full.

In addition, around 360,000 children are expected to be acutely malnourished this year. It is crystal clear that the military coup and its consequences are directly responsible for plunging the country into poverty and insecurity, reversing our progress in development and shattering our future generations. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, Peace and stability are fundamental to achieving sustainable development, poverty eradication, and food security in Myanmar. Despite facing many challenges, the National Unity Government and allied democratic forces are coordinating through the Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union to provide essential services, including education, healthcare, sanitation, and other life-saving assistance to the people of Myanmar, in line with the principles of leaving no one behind. I urge the international community to support the SEEF and the people of Myanmar in their collective efforts to eradicate the military dictatorship and build a Federal Democratic Union for peace, stability, justice.

I thank the distinguished Permanent Representative of Myanmar, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon.

Mr. Chair, my delegation aligns itself with the statements of the G77 and China, and the Group of African States. As we come towards the end of the third decade for the elimination of poverty, It's underlined that our job is to transform our capacity into improved living standards without external shocks. This is clear that social protection is essential to our model, but it's not our ultimate ambition. We can't eradicate poverty if we just manage scarcity. We will overcome it if we transform the underlying structures that cause it. So the aim of our national strategy is to build productive capacity rather than to manage vulnerability. For Cameroon, industrialization is thus essential to dignity and to sovereignty. Each cargo of raw material that leaves our coasts without being processed takes away work, know-how, prosperity. We're therefore stepping up our efforts at import substitution, local processing, and integrating our companies into global value chains.

This initiative applies equally to our rural heartlands. We strive to ensure that rural communities no longer form the periphery of growth, but its engine. Across the Benue, Lagoon, irrigation, storage, and local processing are instrumental to securing our food sovereignty and restoring our farmers' autonomy. Yet, women ultimately drive this transformation. Their economic empowerment is the bedrock of our productivity. We are actively consolidating their equitable access to land, credit, technology, and markets into increasingly tangible rights. Our conviction is clear. Sustainable development does not come from managing distress, but from unlocking productive potential. Cameroon, therefore, calls for revitalized partnership built on concessional financing, genuine technology transfer, and industrial cooperation that creates lasting value where people live. Together, let us turn our land into a powerhouse of shared prosperity, drive human emancipation through industry, place women at the lead of economic transformation, and build our future with the energy of our youth. Je vous remercie.

I thank the representative of Cameroon, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nigeria.

Thank you, Chair. Nigeria aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and Namibia on behalf of the African Group. My delegation stands ready to engage constructively on all resolutions on the agenda items 21 and 23. We barely four years left to the 2030, and as the third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty nears its end, Multidimensional poverty remains widespread across the developing world and the global south. It's falling further behind on the SDGs. Yet our message is clear. The 2030 agenda remains achievable, but only through stronger partnerships, adequate financing, and renewed multilateral cooperation. The commitments made at the Summit on Financing for Development and at the Doha on social development must translate into resources on the ground. Experience has shown that raising smallholder productivity alone will not end rural poverty. What is needed is a shift from producing raw commodities to adding value, processing, storage, market access, and decent jobs along the entire agricultural value chain. This requires collaboration among governments, the private sector, development banks, and research institutions. Productive agriculture also depends on healthy ecosystems, protecting and restoring land, water biodiversity is essential to building food systems that can withstand climate shocks with heat farmers in the Sahel and in the Lake Chad Basin. Mr. Chair, Africa's population is projected to reach about 20.5 billion by 2050. Feeding that population and ending poverty cannot be achieved by Africa alone. We call on concerted global action, private sector investment, and an open, fair, non-discriminatory, and rule-based multilateral trading system that gives developing countries, especially Africa, and policy space and support to trade, process, and manufacture locally. Technological transfer, capacity building on mutually agreed terms, attention to mechanized farming, modernized agricultural infrastructure, reduce post harvest losses, and diversify our economies. Mr. Chair, Nigeria is acting under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Food security has a plate at the center of national policy. With a dedicated Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction driving delivery on SDG 1 and 2. In conclusion, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to the 2030 agenda, who call for a global response grounded in unity, solidarity, renewed multilateralism. We trust that our deliberations will continue meaningfully to end poverty and hunger. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Nigeria. We have now heard, with that statement, the last speaker for this morning. The Committee will continue the joint general discussion of agenda item 21 and its sub-items a, b, c and d, and agenda item 23, this afternoon at 3 p.m. in this conference room. I remind delegations that the deadline for the submission of draft proposals under agenda item 21 and its sub-items a to d, and agenda item 23, is Friday 16th of October at 3 p.m. The meeting is adjourned.