17 Feb 2011
STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR VANU GOPALA MENON, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE INFORMAL MEETING ON THE PRIORITIES OF THE FRENCH PRESIDENCY OF THE G20 ON AGRICULTURE MATTERS 17 FEBRUARY 2011
Mr. President,
On behalf of the 28 members of the Global Governance Group (3G) , I would like to thank you for convening this useful briefing, the latest in a consistent set of initiatives that demonstrate your commitment towards "reaffirming the central role of the United Nations in global governance". We would also like to welcome H.E. Mr. Bruno Le Maire, Minister of Agriculture, Food Supply, Fisheries, Rural Areas and Regional Development of France to the UN. We appreciate your efforts in coming to brief us today on the priorities of the French presidency of the G20 on agricultural matters.
As this is the first time that France is briefing the UN in its capacity as President of the G20, we would also like to congratulate France on taking up the presidency. We hope that you will continue to engage Member States at the UN on the agenda and meetings of the G20, building upon the good work of previous hosts of G20 Summits - the US, Canada and ROK.
Mr. President,
Food security is a key concern for many countries and a major challenge facing the world community. The World Bank warned in its report on Tuesday that rising food prices have pushed about 44 million people into poverty in developing countries since last June. The President of the World Bank, Mr. Robert Zoellick, was reported as saying that "global food prices are rising to dangerous levels and threaten tens of millions of poor people around the world."
Mr. President,
If volatility in food prices were to persist, it could jeopardize hard-won economic gains made by developing countries and even stir unhappiness in the populations of developed countries. The instability in food markets, including excessive price fluctuations, can also impact the trajectory of global growth. It is therefore important for the G20 to examine practical steps to minimize such extremes and to secure food supplies for global citizens. Since the issue of food security cannot be divorced from trade and the facilitation of open markets, the G20 should show strong leadership and make tangible contributions to expedite the early conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda, which would spur global growth and reduce market distortions. Further efforts should also be made to eliminate all protectionist measures that distort international trade. We believe that this would help contribute towards a more open, fair and transparent multilateral trading system.
Let me conclude by thanking France for its efforts to be consultative, inclusive and transparent ahead of the G20 Summit in Cannes. The 3G looks forward to working closely with France and the G20. Thank you.
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