Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday addressed the United Nations’ Summit of the Future, a forum crafted to find ways of solving world problems.
As he addressed the forum, President Ali again called for more stakeholders to focus on three crucial, interconnected issues: food insecurity, the climate crisis, and global energy needs.
He said the world may face further peril if these issues aren’t seriously addressed.
“Ensuring climate security, food city, and energy security is paramount,” President Ali emphasised.
One of the key points he made was that substantial sums are needed to transform global food systems. That transformation, he explained, is needed to help guarantee that people do not go hungry- a seemingly simple yet profound goal.
It was also noted that more responsive food systems also require the infusion of technology solutions, fair trade rules and better insurance for farmers.
On the climate front, the President reiterated Guyana’s call for adequate global recognition of the value of intact forests. Beyond recognition, he stressed that there must be a market-based scheme to compensate countries that have diligently protected their forests.
Addressing energy needs, the President said there must be more equitable access to technology so that countries can benefit from more modern solutions.
Though centering much of his address on the three major issues, the Guyanese Head of State said poverty reduction must be the ultimate goal of all plans and policies crafted.
The President’s address at the UN Headquarters is part of his week-long engagements in New York
