June 9, 2021 – The Australian Government could use its seat at this week's G7 meeting to help avert an unfolding hunger crisis affecting tens of millions of people worldwide.
More than 155 million people are suffering crisis levels of hunger, with around 28 million on the brink of full-blown famine, according to the World Food Programme. Most of these people live in conflict-ravaged countries in Africa and the Middle East.
World Vision Australia CEO Daniel Wordsworth said the world was on the brink of a hunger catastrophe, but that Australia had the opportunity to show leadership and be part of a global response to a spiraling humanitarian crisis.
"Nobody – and certainly no child – in 2021 should die from not having enough food," Mr Wordsworth said. "It's right for World Vision to encourage governments of wealthy countries – like Australia – to work with us in doing our best to create a world where children aren't going to bed hungry. And worse – dying from starvation and malnutrition.
"We know from experience, if the world responds only once famine is declared, it is too late – people will already have died."
Mr Wordsworth said the COVID-19 pandemic had effectively doubled the humanitarian needs of crisis-affected people around the world, and governments should now work with the aid sector to avert famine in countries like South Sudan, Ethiopia and Afghanistan. .
"Every wealthy country needs to put their weight behind this. Humanitarian organisations, including World Vision, have called for the Australian Government to fund a $150 million famine prevention package, to assist us in our ongoing efforts to avert a famine in the conflict hotspots of Africa and the Middle East.
"That Australia has been invited to attend this G7 meeting reminds us of the importance of Australia's leadership and our history of generosity to vulnerable people around the globe.
"The G7 has asked for us to show up – we can heed this call in more ways than one," he said.
The United Kingdom is leading the G7 compact to direct $US1.5 billion ($AU1.94 billion) to three countries at immediate risk of famine – Yemen, South Sudan, Nigeria – as well as an extra $US7 billion ($AU9.05 billion) to 42 further countries with populations that are just one step from famine.
Humanitarian agencies such as World Vision have been boosting efforts to provide emergency food, cash, school meals and nutrition support to children at risk.
