President Tinubu’s Full Address at the G20 Summit in Brazil on the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty
During the first session of the G20 Summit, held in the vibrant and historic city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, President Bola Tinubu delivered a poignant address on the global fight against hunger and poverty. He highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to addressing these critical issues and urged world leaders to move beyond rhetoric and take meaningful action. The following is the full text of his speech:
“Your Excellency Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil,
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is both an honor and privilege to address this esteemed gathering of world leaders at the G20 Summit here in the beautiful and historically significant city of Rio de Janeiro.
At the outset, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Brazil for extending an invitation to Nigeria to participate as a guest country in this important gathering under the leadership of Brazil’s Presidency.
As this session focuses on the pressing issue of the Fight Against Hunger, I wish to congratulate the government of Brazil for the successful launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. This initiative is both bold and visionary and demonstrates Brazil’s continued leadership in addressing one of the world’s most persistent and urgent challenges. The establishment of the Global Alliance marks a monumental step in our collective global efforts to eliminate hunger and poverty. It sends a resounding message of solidarity and hope to vulnerable populations around the world.
By fostering cooperation between governments, international organizations, and civil society, this initiative provides a comprehensive approach not only to meet the immediate needs of affected populations but also to address the deeper, structural causes of hunger and poverty. Brazil’s proactive leadership in this regard should be applauded, as it offers a sustainable and multi-dimensional framework for lasting change.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Brazil’s prioritization of the fight against hunger and poverty closely aligns with Nigeria’s own economic and social policies. Upon assuming office in 2023, I introduced an 8-Point Agenda, with two key priorities directly related to this critical issue. Priority 3 is centered on boosting agriculture to achieve food security, through the development of commodity value chains and the provision of necessary infrastructure support. Priority 6 focuses on education, health, and social investments, which are essential pillars for national development and poverty alleviation.
Nigeria’s endorsement of the declaration of commitment to join the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty is a significant milestone in our continuous efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty. This endorsement underscores Nigeria’s resolve to work hand in hand with international partners, leveraging resources and cooperation to enhance our domestic strategies and achieve inclusive growth and socio-economic development.
This commitment also aligns strongly with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1, which seeks to eradicate poverty, and SDG 2, which aims for zero hunger. These two goals are central to Nigeria’s national development agenda, and through the Global Alliance, we have a platform to accelerate our progress towards achieving these important objectives.
By collaborating with international partners, Nigeria intends to harness best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support to strengthen our efforts in combating hunger and poverty. This partnership further solidifies Nigeria’s role as a key player in the global movement to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all its citizens.
As we look forward to the adoption of the Leader’s Declaration, I would like to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to continue collaborating with the G20 member and guest countries, international organizations, and civil society in the collective fight against hunger and poverty. We stand ready to contribute to the shared global responsibility of building a better and more equitable world for all.
I thank you all for your attention.”
