His Majesty Calls for Urgent Action on Global Hunger

Staff Reporter

His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, a renowned advocate for food security and nutrition, delivered a powerful and heartfelt address at the 2024 World Food Forum (WFF), calling for decisive global action to eradicate hunger and malnutrition. As a key speaker at the event, King Letsie III emphasised the urgent need for international collaboration in building sustainable and resilient food systems, particularly in Africa, where millions still face food insecurity.

In his speech, King Letsie III reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the cause of nutrition, highlighting the role of global leaders, governments, and civil society in addressing the root causes of hunger and promoting agricultural innovation. As the FAO’s Special Ambassador for Nutrition, he has long been recognised as a beacon of hope in Africa’s fight against hunger and malnutrition, and his presence at the forum underscored his impact on global food security issues.

A Call for Global Unity in the Fight Against Hunger

King Letsie III addressed the ongoing global food crisis, which has been exacerbated by climate change, conflict, and economic disparities. He urged world leaders to unite in their efforts to combat hunger, pointing out that despite significant advancements in food production, millions of people—especially in developing countries—continue to suffer from chronic hunger and malnutrition.

“The time for words is over; we must act now,” said King Letsie III. “Hunger and malnutrition are robbing our people of their dignity, and we cannot continue to tolerate a world where access to nutritious food is a privilege rather than a basic human right.”

King Letsie III emphasised that hunger is not just a humanitarian crisis but a moral issue that demands collective global responsibility. He called for bold investments in sustainable agricultural practices, viewing them as essential to overcoming the challenges posed by climate change and resource depletion.

Focus on Africa and the Role of Youth

His Majesty’s address also underscored Africa’s pivotal role in the global food security agenda. As a continent with vast agricultural potential, Africa holds the key to feeding not only its population but also contributing to global food supplies. However, King Letsie III noted that to unlock this potential, Africa must invest in innovation, infrastructure, and, most importantly, its youth.

“We must empower the next generation of African farmers, innovators, and entrepreneurs,” said King Letsie III. “It is the youth who will lead us toward sustainable and resilient food systems. We must equip them with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed.”

This vision aligns with ongoing efforts by African countries, including Lesotho, to attract young people to agriculture through targeted investments in technology and education. King Letsie III emphasised that youth involvement in agriculture is crucial for addressing food security challenges and revitalising rural economies.

Lesotho’s Efforts to Tackle Malnutrition and Food Insecurity

King Letsie III drew attention to his home country, sharing the strides Lesotho has made in fighting hunger despite its challenges. He spoke about Lesotho’s National Investment Plan (NIP), which prioritises critical areas such as poultry farming and irrigation systems to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security for its population.

His Majesty also acknowledged the role of international partners in supporting Lesotho’s journey toward improved nutrition. He expressed gratitude to the Rome-based agencies and other development organisations that have collaborated with Lesotho in promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices and advancing nutrition-focused initiatives.

In particular, King Letsie III lauded the Regional Investment in Poultry and Irrigation Initiative, launched at the World Food Forum, as a key program that Lesotho hopes to leverage to improve its food systems. The initiative aligns with Lesotho’s NIP and could help the country scale up sustainable poultry farming and irrigation projects, contributing to long-term food security.

King Letsie III’s Global Impact

Over the years, King Letsie III has earned international respect for his tireless advocacy in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. As an African Union (AU) Champion for Nutrition and a UN Special Ambassador for Nutrition, he has used his influence to raise awareness about the need for policies that prioritise nutrition and ensure equitable access to food.

His leadership and advocacy have inspired not only policymakers but also grassroots organisations across Africa and beyond. Under his guidance, Lesotho has become a strong voice in regional and international discussions on nutrition and food security, positioning itself as a country determined to make significant strides toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).

During his address at the WFF, King Letsie III reminded the audience that Africa’s battle against hunger cannot be fought alone. “Africa needs the world, and the world needs Africa,” he said. “The fight against hunger is a global challenge, and it requires a unified global response. Let us work together, not as separate nations, but as a single humanity.”

King Letsie III’s Vision for a Hunger-Free Future

In his closing remarks, King Letsie III called for renewed commitment to creating inclusive food systems that prioritise the most vulnerable populations. He outlined several key actions that need to be taken to achieve this goal, including:

Strengthening Agricultural Systems: Investments in sustainable agriculture, particularly in climate-resilient crops and modern irrigation techniques, are critical for improving productivity and ensuring food security in the face of climate change.

Fostering Public-Private Partnerships: King Letsie III urged greater collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society to drive innovation and scale up solutions to combat hunger.

Investing in Nutrition Programs: He emphasised the importance of focusing on nutrition-specific interventions that address both the immediate and underlying causes of malnutrition, particularly in women and children.

Empowering Farmers: By supporting smallholder farmers with access to resources, technology, and markets, King Letsie III believes that local communities can become more resilient and self-sufficient.

Advocating for Policy Reform: His Majesty called on governments to enact policies that prioritise food security and nutrition, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to healthy, affordable, and sustainable food.