Nepal launches Zero Hunger Challenge to eradicate hunger by 2025

BANGKOK: The Nepal Government, with the collaboration and support of the United Nations (UN), has launched a national Zero Hunger Challenge, a major initiative to eradicate hunger in the Himalayan country by 2025.

The National Zero Hunger Challenge (NZHC) was launched today in the nation's capital by Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

It said during the launch, a roadmap was presented by the Nepal Government for the formulation of a national action plan to meet the Zero Hunger Challenge in Nepal.

The high-level event was attended by Gyan Chandra Acharya, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, and UN Resident Coordinated in Nepal, Jamie McGoldrick.

Hiroyuki Konuma, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, represented the UN FAO.

"The launch of the Nepal National Zero Hunger Challenge by the government is a decisive move forward for Nepal as it works to eradicate hunger," said Konuma.

During a presentation to launch participants, Konuma said the region was still home to nearly two-thirds of the world's 805 chronically-undernourished people.

"While the world presently produces enough food for all, it is not evenly distributed and one in nine people, usually the most disadvantaged in our societies, goes to bed hungry each night."

"This is why determined action, like that taken today by the Government of Nepal is so critical."

The Zero Hunger Challenge was initiated at global level by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2012. Timor-Leste and Myanmar have also launched national zero hunger challenges. – Bernama