By Josiah Williams
In a recent interview with Newsweek Inc. in New York, President Dr. Irfaan Ali emphasized the urgent need to address the long-term effects of war and conflict on food security and the environment.
As Guyana assumes the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, President Ali underscored the importance of placing greater attention on mitigating the enduring impacts of conflicts.
President Ali expressed concern that while significant efforts are made to address conflicts and secure ceasefires, insufficient attention is given to the long-term consequences.
He highlighted the profound effects of war on food security, the environment, arable lands, and the displacement of millions of people, leading to refugee camps and exacerbating health, food security, vulnerability, inequality, and social injustices.
During a high-level debate, President Ali presented a report titled ‘The Cost of War and Conflict to the Environment and Food Security,’ stressing Guyana’s emergence as a global leader on food, energy, and climate security.
He emphasized the importance of properly addressing these issues to benefit people worldwide.
President Ali reiterated Guyana’s commitment to using its presidency to bring attention to the interconnectedness of conflict, environmental degradation, and food security.
He emphasized the critical link between these issues and the prosperity and well-being of people, advocating for global action to address them.
Countries facing conflicts, President Ali noted, are experiencing significant losses in biodiversity, food insecurity, and increased pollution.
He called for meticulous attention to these challenges to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
As Guyana takes on a leadership role in the global arena, President Ali’s message resonates with the need for collective action to address the enduring impacts of conflicts on food security and the environment, signaling the country’s commitment to global peace and sustainability.