Addis Ababa, November 8, 2024 – The “World Without Hunger” conference, hosted in Addis Ababa from September 5 to 7, 2024, wrapped up with a press briefing showcasing its landmark achievements. Mr. Dejene Tezera, Director of Agribusiness and Infrastructure at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), highlighted the conference’s far-reaching impact on the global fight against hunger. The event, held at the Adwa Memorial Conference Hall, was organized in partnership with the Ethiopian government, the African Union, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), drawing more than 1,400 attendees, including heads of state, ministers, ambassadors, financial institutions, and private sector leaders.
The three-day conference saw 30 high-level sessions and discussions with over 140 speakers, focused on innovative strategies for sustainable development and food security. One of the key highlights was the Union of Arab Banks’ historic pledge of $1 trillion to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This commitment marks a significant private sector investment toward global sustainable development efforts. Additionally, the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) pledged to mobilize 20% of its assets—worth $3 trillion—towards supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing nations. This strategic redirection of funds is expected to enhance poverty reduction, job creation, and food security.
Mr. Tezera emphasized the pivotal role of UNIDO in ensuring that these commitments translate into real, positive outcomes for vulnerable regions, by evaluating and supporting projects with the potential to drive economic transformation. “The conference has created invaluable opportunities for business-to-business (B2B), business-to-government (B2G), and government-to-government partnerships, which will accelerate progress in addressing hunger and improving agricultural productivity,” said Tezera.
The conference also highlighted innovative technologies to reduce post-harvest losses and promote advanced agricultural techniques, which are essential for enhancing productivity in the agri-business sector. Ethiopia’s Minister of Industry H.E Melaku Alebel praised the conference for its success in attracting investment, fostering collaboration, and providing practical solutions to the challenges of hunger and poverty.
UNIDO’s ongoing work will focus on ensuring these investments are channeled into projects that will yield sustainable, impactful development outcomes, particularly for SMEs and agri-businesses in developing countries. The conference’s outcomes set the stage for global cooperation in achieving long-term food security and economic resilience.