Nepal Shows Progress in Global Hunger Index, Ranks 69! in 2023. Launch of the Global Hunger Index (GHI) Report 2023 Kathmandu, Nepal - November 24, 2023 Nepal has been progressing notably in enhancing food security and reducing hunger with the moderate hunger index of 15.0. The revelation was made at the GHI 2023 Report Launch event organized by the NGO Federation of Nepal in collaboration with Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Nepal. The program featured a series of events, including a detailed presentation of the GHI report, discussions on its findings, and plenary sessions where experts shared their insights. The GHI, a peer-reviewed annual report published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, is a vital instrument for assessing hunger on global, regional, and country levels. Utilizing a scale that ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 represents zero hunger and 100 signifies the most vulnerable regions, the index provides a comprehensive overview of the global hunger scenario. The report launch event, held in Lainchaur Kathmandu, was chaired by Mr. Ram Prasad Subedi, President of the NGO Federation. Honorable Prakash Pantha, Chairperson of the Good Governance and Sustainable Development Committee, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Moreover, Honorable Bimala Rai Poudel, member of the National Assembly, H.E. Dr. Thomas Prinz, German Ambassador to Nepal, Dr. Govinda Pd. Sharma, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ms. Anja Schroder, Deputy Director for Regional Directorate for Asia and South America along with other distinguished guests from governmental agencies and civil society organizations also participated in the event. The detailed presentation of the report in the global context was done by Ms. Seema Luitel, Program Manager at WHH whereas Dr. Yamuna Ghale, Food Security Expert presented about the GHI Index, the report, and its context in Nepal. Both the presentations highlighted about the need of the integration of youth in the food systems specially in the agricultural sector. Plenary Discussion session was one the highlights of the event where Honorable Sumana Shrestha, Member of House of Representatives, Dr. Ram Krishna Shrestha Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ms. Bonita Sharma, Cofounder of Sochai, Ms. Sambridhi Gyawali, CEO of Nepal Republic Media, Mr. Pradip Khatiwada founder of Youth Innovation Lab and Mr. Santosh Thapa, Youth Specialist at the VSO participated in the panel discussion. The diverse group of young panel experts focused on mainstreaming youths in the food systems through innovations, financial solutions and by glorifying the job of the farmer. Honorable Prakash Pantha, the chief guest at the event, appreciated about the country's achievements and stressed the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition. "While celebrating this positive development, it's essential to recognize that our work is not done. We must sustain and build on this progress to ensure a hunger-free Nepal for future generations," he remarked. Mr. Subedi expressed his satisfaction with Nepal's progress, emphasizing the collective efforts made by government agencies, NGOs, and the public. "The event discussions highlighted innovative ideas for addressing hunger, emphasizing the crucial link between hunger reduction and the agricultural sector. To ensure food security and resilience, accessible credit, efficient government access, and the need for resilient global food systems are the key priorities." he stated. As the nation celebrates this improvement in the Global Hunger Index, the spotlight is now on sustaining and accelerating efforts to eliminate hunger, integrate youths in the food system, promote sustainable development, and ensure a future where no one goes to bed hungry in Nepal. The collaborative spirit exhibited during this event underscores the commitment of the country to achieving these noble goals. The presentation on the Review of the 2023 GHI Report in the Nepalease Context and the Global Hunger Index were delivered in the program. The detailed report of the GHI 2023 can be accessed here.
NewsNational