“(A total of) 323 million people in 2022, according to the World Food Programme, are at risk of facing acute food insecurity. The G7 and the G20 have huge responsibilities to tackle this food crisis.”

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has called on member countries of the G7 and G20 groups to jointly address the food crisis that currently threatens people in developing countries so that they do not fall into extreme hunger and poverty.

This was emphasized by the head of state when conveying his views at the second session of the G7 Summit on the topic of food security and gender equality, which took place in Elmau, Germany, Monday (27/6), according to a press statement from the Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat here on Tuesday.

“(A total of) 323 million people in 2022, according to the World Food Programme, are at risk of facing acute food insecurity. The G7 and the G20 have huge responsibilities to overcome this food crisis. Let's fulfill our responsibilities now and from now on," said President Jokowi.

According to the head of state, obtaining food is the most basic human right.

“We must act quickly in finding concrete solutions. Food production must be increased. The global food and fertilizer supply chain must return to normal," said Jokowi.

In his speech, the President of the Republic of Indonesia emphasized the importance of the support of the G7 countries to reintegrate Ukraine's wheat exports and Russia's exports of food and fertilizer commodities in global supply chains.

According to him, there are two ways to realize this, namely facilitating Ukraine's wheat exports to return to normal soon, and establishing proactive communications with the world public that food and fertilizer commodities from Russia are not subject to sanctions.

“This intensive communication is very necessary so that there is no prolonged doubt in the international public. These intensive communications also need to be strengthened with related parties such as banks, insurance, shipping and others," the president explained.

President Jokowi also underlined his concern on the impact of the Russo-Ukrainian war on food and fertilizer supply chains.

"Especially for fertilizers, if we fail to handle it, then a rice crisis involving two billion people, especially in developing countries could occur," said the head of state.

At the end of his remarks, President Jokowi reiterated the importance of the G7 and G20 member countries to jointly overcome this food crisis, while also inviting G7 leaders to attend the G20 Summit in Bali.

“I am waiting for the G7 leaders at the G20 summit. See you in Bali, November 15-16, 2022," the Indonesian President concluded.

The G7 is a group of the world's seven developed economies consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.

The G7 Summit, hosted by the German Presidency in 2022, is taking place from June 26 to 28 in Schloss Elmau, Bavaria, highlighting solidarity and cooperation to mitigate the impact of Russia's war against Ukraine.

At the 48th G7 Summit this year, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also invited India, Argentina, Indonesia, Senegal and South Africa as partner countries.

Reporting by Indonesia Window