By: Saidu Jalloh
President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has called for transformative changes in the agricultural sector as a key strategy to combat global hunger.
Speaking at the World Without Hunger Conference, President Bio emphasized the need to address systemic challenges in agriculture to achieve lasting food security, particularly in developing nations.
President Bio spotlighted Sierra Leone’s “Feed Salone” initiative during his address, a flagship program designed to enhance agricultural productivity and strengthen the country’s food systems.
He outlined the initiative’s objectives, including increasing local food production, reducing dependency on food imports, boosting export opportunities, and creating jobs.
President Bio underscored that these measures are crucial for alleviating hunger and promoting inclusive economic growth and building resilience against future food crises.
The high-profile event, themed “A World Without Hunger is Possible,” brought together over 1,500 participants, including heads of state, government leaders, UN officials, and representatives from the private sector and civil society.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Kenyan President William Ruto, and UNIDO Director-General Gerd Muller were among the distinguished speakers who echoed the call for coordinated global efforts to end hunger.
The conference, co-hosted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the African Union Commission, and the Ethiopian government, featured solution-focused discussions, including an investment forum and a high-level political dialogue.
These sessions aimed to drive actionable strategies and investments toward achieving a hunger-free world that aligns with global sustainable development goals.
President Bio’s remarks highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment to securing food for its own population and contributing to regional and global efforts to eradicate hunger through innovative agricultural reforms.
