Vienna, 15 October 2024 – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is proud to announce the official launch of the "Group of Friends of Food Security" in Vienna, a significant step towards addressing one of the most pressing global challenges of our time. This initiative, endorsed by the African Group and spearheaded by the Permanent Mission of Sudan, aims to foster collaboration and enhance efforts in tackling food insecurity, particularly in the global South.

Food insecurity remains a critical issue, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, the most food-insecure region in the world. Factors such as conflicts, climate change, water stress, and population growth exacerbate the situation. Recent global events like the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have further worsened food insecurity, posing immense challenges for Africa's future.

In response to these challenges, the Group of Friends of Food Security in Vienna has been established as an informal mechanism to support the efforts of Vienna-based Organizations (VBOs) and their Member States in key areas crucial for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 "Zero Hunger”. The primary aim of the Group is to facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices, and to enhance cooperation in the fields of agriculture and food security among key organizations including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and UNIDO. To further this purpose, a two-day exhibition showcasing innovative solutions for tackling food insecurity worldwide was held at the Vienna International Centre.

"At UNIDO, we recognize the vital role of industrial development in transforming agricultural value chains, enhancing food systems, and ultimately creating sustainable solutions to end hunger. By focusing on agribusiness development, reducing post-harvest losses, and supporting market access, we can contribute significantly to food security efforts," said Mr. Gunther Beger, Managing Director of UNIDO, at the launch event.

"Today’s launch is a call to action for all of us. We need to mobilize resources, enhance partnerships, and develop proposals that can support research, capacity-building, and technical cooperation. The first co-chairs, Sudan and Italy, symbolize the unity and diversity of our efforts, bridging the global North and South to address this universal challenge."

The Group of Friends of Food Security in Vienna will be open-ended and will be co-chaired by two Member States: one from a developing country and the other from an advanced economy. The chairmanship period is for one calendar year from January to December. It can be extended for a maximum period of one extra term. The first two co-chairs will be Sudan and Italy, in period October 2024 to December 2025.

The launch of the Group of Friends of Food Security in Vienna marks a significant milestone in the global effort to combat food insecurity. By sharing knowledge, mobilizing resources, enhancing networks, and building synergies, this Group aims to make a meaningful contribution to food security and sustainable development.

For more information, please contact the UNIDO focal point for the Group of Friends of Food Security:

Ali Badarneh, Chief, IET/AGR/FSS: email