Smaller nations, including S’pore, welcome G-20’s call to improve food security
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The energy crisis and climate change were discussed at the G-20 summit held in Bali from Nov 15 to 16.
PHOTO: AFP
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SINGAPORE - A group of 30 smaller countries has welcomed the Group of 20’s (G-20) call to improve food security amid the food crisis by speeding up the move towards sustainable and resilient agriculture, food systems and supply chains.
The Global Governance Group (3G) said in a statement on Friday that it appreciated the commitment of the G-20 to “take urgent actions to save lives, prevent hunger and malnutrition, particularly to address the vulnerabilities of developing countries”.
The 3G also welcomed the G-20’s support for open, transparent, inclusive, predictable and non-discriminatory, rules-based agricultural trade based on World Trade Organisation rules.
The 3G, whose members include Singapore, Bahrain, Finland, Malaysia and Uruguay, was commenting on the G-20 summit held in Bali from Nov 15 to 16,
The 3G was formed in 2009 to influence the G-20 countries to take into account the interests of smaller countries affected by its decisions, and is regularly represented at its summits.
On the energy crisis, the 3G noted the G-20’s assessment that its member countries are experiencing volatility in energy prices and markets, as well as shortages and disruptions to energy supply, which have been compounded by geopolitical challenges.
“In this context, the 3G appreciates the G-20’s commitment to transform and diversify energy systems, and advance energy security and resilience by accelerating clean, sustainable, just, affordable, and inclusive energy transitions,” it said.
The 3G also said it looks forward to the call for G-20 countries to strengthen their 2030 climate action plans to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts, in line with the Paris Agreement. It reiterated that climate change is an existential global issue and called for all countries to work with the G-20 to address the challenge together.
Noting that the summit took place amid the war in Ukraine, which has affected the global economy, the 3G said it appreciates the G-20’s commitment to uphold international law and the multilateral system, which includes defending all principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
On the pandemic fund that will help countries better prepare for future pandemics
The 3G expressed appreciation that the G-20 is taking steps to ensure the fund is inclusive of perspectives of low- and middle-income countries as well as non-G-20 partners like the 3G in its decision making.
The group also expressed its appreciation to this year’s G-20 host nation, Indonesia, for its active engagement with members of the 3G, and added its hope that this will continue under next year’s host, India.
