In the lead-up to the G20 summit, which starts in Rio de Janeiro today, host country Brazil has launched the Global Alliance for Hunger and Poverty. Given that the first and second UN Sustainable Development Goals are to end poverty and hunger, respectively, by 2030, this is an important and urgent step.
The G20, which comprises the world's 20 largest economies, as well as the EU and the African Union, has over the past quarter century, aspired to play a key role in addressing the world's hot-button issues. The grouping's collective might – it boasts about 85 per cent of the world's gross domestic product, comprises more than 75 per cent of global trade and includes around two thirds of the planet’s population – gives it the collaborative power, resources and leadership to tackle some of our most acute crises.
Despite rapid progress being made in diverse fields, including technology and health care, we still live in a world where billions don't have enough to eat. Last year, about 2.3 billion people globally faced moderate or severe food insecurity, according to the World Health Organisation. Of those, more than 864 million people were particularly worse off, facing severe food insecurity, having to go without food for a whole day or more.
The current situation comes after decades-long progress made in tackling hunger and poverty. These efforts stalled recently due in large part to the Covid-19 pandemic, escalating conflicts and climate change. The Global Alliance, then, is an opportunity for the world's richest countries to join forces in an effort to drive necessary funding to nations that are the most severely affected by these debilitating factors.
Leading a delegation representing the UAE, which is a frequent guest at G20 summits given its network of alliances and economic clout, is Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, who will be well versed with these challenges. The UAE has exerted much effort to tackle major challenges like those of poverty, disease, hunger and bolstering food security in the Mena region and beyond.
Coming to a consensus between key member countries despite having divergent interests – most notably between the US, China and Russia – it has proved difficult to resolve some of today's pressing geopolitical issues, namely the wars in Ukraine and the Levant. Surely, however, unanimity is more easily achieved on the development agenda, where interests overlap.
The G20's message of urgency for the world's most powerful countries, including geopolitical rivals, to unite in an effort to attain the UN's sustainable goals, especially poverty and hunger, cannot be overstated. According to a report released by the UN in June, "only 17 per cent of the SDG targets are currently on track, with nearly half showing minimal or moderate progress, and over one-third stalled or regressing".
Brazil's Minister of Social Development, Wellington Dias, told Reuters last week that the issue is not a lack of funds: the world invests about $100 billion a year to fight poverty and hunger. "The problem," he pointed out, "is that investments are too fragmented and inefficiently allocated."
As leaders meet over the next two days, it is imperative that a part of the mandate for the Global Alliance for Hunger and Poverty, beyond pledging funds, focuses on how those funds are used in a holistic manner so that the most vulnerable people in the world begin to see their lives improve.
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A plume of black smoke rose from a fuel storage facility in the village of Kalynivka outside Kyiv on Friday after Russia said it had destroyed the military site with Kalibr cruise missiles.
"On the evening of March 24, Kalibr high-precision sea-based cruise missiles attacked a fuel base in the village of Kalynivka near Kyiv," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement.
Ukraine confirmed the strike, saying the village some 40 kilometres south-west of Kyiv was targeted.
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Musician: “I like very much Fairuz, the Lebanese singer, and the other is Umm Kulthum. Fairuz is for listening to in the morning, Umm Kulthum for the night.”
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Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
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Plastic tipping point
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
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Tuesday - 5.15pm: Team Lebanon v Alger Corsaires; 8.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Pharaohs
Wednesday - 5.15pm: Pharaohs v Carthage Eagles; 8.30pm: Alger Corsaires v Abu Dhabi Storms
Thursday - 4.30pm: Team Lebanon v Pharaohs; 7.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Carthage Eagles
Friday - 4.30pm: Pharaohs v Alger Corsaires; 7.30pm: Carthage Eagles v Team Lebanon
Saturday - 4.30pm: Carthage Eagles v Alger Corsaires; 7.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Team Lebanon
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
