Committee on World Food Security Convenes 39th Session

From October 15-20, the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) held its 39^th Session in Rome, Italy, bringing together experts in food security and nutrition from around the world to discuss high-level policy in these areas.

The CFS is an intergovernmental body funded by all three Rome-based food agencies: the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Food Program, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. The CFS serves as a forum for review and follow-up on food security policies. U.S. Government officials from the Department of State, USAID and USDA were in attendance for the proceedings.

Notable outcomes from the negotiations included the adoption of the Terms of Reference for responsible agricultural investments; consultations will begin next month and continue for the next two years. The Global Strategic Framework, which will provide an overarching framework and a single reference document with practical guidance on core recommendations for food security and nutrition strategies for multiple stakeholders, was also adopted. 

For the 10^th Annual George McGovern Lecture Series, Tony Hall spoke about “The Changing Face of Hunger.” Tony Hall is the executive director of the Alliance to End Hunger, former ambassador to the USUN Rome Mission (2002-2005), and former Member of Congress. Ambassador Hall’s speech included an inspirational message about the three basic solutions to fighting hunger: education, collaboration and leadership.