U.N. pledges $250 million to tackle famine in Africa

The United Nations has pledged to use $250 million of its emergency fund to address “forgotten crises” around the world, including assisting African communities that are in danger of facing famine.

Antonio Guterres disclosed this in a news conference on the sidelines of the annual African Union summit in Ethiopia.

This is the largest ever Central Emergency Response Fund allocation, and it comes in response to a 25 per cent increase in the number of people in need of humanitarian aid, which stands at some 339 million. 12 of the 18 countries to receive funding are on the African continent.

On the subject of peace and security, across the world, Mr. Guterres noted that the UN’s role is becoming more complex each year, with more conflicts, terrorism, and insecurity.

The UN Boss then called for a more flexible and efficient system, as outlined in the UN New Agenda for Peace, which is aimed at reinforcing the Organization’s peace missions.

This new agenda, explained the Secretary-General, needs to link peace to sustainable development, climate action, and human rights, with a greater participation of women and youth.

In his final remarks, Mr. Guterres expressed his hope that the twenty-first century could be Africa’s century and the UN’s resolve to work with each African nation to unlock the continent’s tremendous potential and get past the roadblocks that stand in its way.