Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

Mr. Secretary General,

Hon’ble Heads of State and Government,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

AssalamuAlaikum, and a Good Afternoon.

I thank the Secretary General for taking leadership in organizing this Summit. This Summit is important for post-pandemic recovery and for achieving the SDGs through resilient food approach.

Excellencies,

Access to adequate food is a basic right which is linked to the well-Being and health of all citizens. The global system has social, economic, political and environmental implications.

Food security is interconnected with climate change. By 2050, the global population is expected to be 10 billion. Therefore, it is imperative for us to grow more food for these additional people.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Constitution of Bangladesh framed under the guidance of our Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, recognizes food and adequate nutrition as a fundamental right.We have integrated food system transformation in our national policies and action plans as an integrated tool to achieve Agenda 2030.

The Eighth Five-Year Plan, the National Agricultural Policy-2018, the National Food and Nutrition Security Policy-2020 and its Plan of Action (2021-2030) recognize the need for transformation of our food systems.

As such, currently, the growth rate of our food production exceeds the rate of population growth. Bangladesh has become self-sufficient in food production from a food deficit country, and has been working for long term food security.

However, greater frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change are affecting our momentum.

As a global leader in addressing the challenges of climate change, we are also working on climate resilient agriculture and food system. In addition to food security, we intensified our efforts for ensuring food security and quality food foe everyone.

Excellencies,

Let me conclude with the following suggestions for ensuring resilient food system globally:

First, research, investment, and advanced technology sharing for agricultural development;

Second, increased funding for developing countries for achieving sustainable food system;

Third, developing and global coalitions and partnerships;

Fourth, reducing food waste through collaboration among countries; and

Fifth, disbursing the committed fund to adapt to the climate-led extreme events, including sharing of technologies to achieve sustainable security.

I thank you all.