G20 Summit: Leaders Call for Updating Global Agri Food Trade Rules to Address Food Security Issues

In the face of geopolitical developments, G20 leaders called for updating global agricultural food trade rules and facilitating trade in agricultural and food products to prevent hunger and malnutrition caused by a lack of nutrients or a poor diet.

This was stated in the G20 Bali Leaders' Declaration, issued following the conclusion of the two-day summit attended by top global leaders. "We are deeply concerned about the threats to global food security that are being exacerbated by current conflicts and tensions."

"As a result, we commit to taking immediate action to save lives, prevent hunger and malnutrition, particularly in developing countries, and accelerate the transition to sustainable and resilient agriculture, food systems, and supply chains," it said. The G20 leaders stated they would take additional coordinated actions to address food security challenges such as price increases and global shortages of food commodities and fertilizers.

"We reaffirm the importance of updating global agricultural food trade rules and facilitating trade in agricultural and food products, as well as not imposing export prohibitions or restrictions on food and fertilisers in a manner inconsistent with relevant WTO provisions," the declaration stated.

It went on to say that the leaders agreed to address food insecurity by making food and food products more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for those in need, particularly in developing and least-developed countries.  They reaffirmed their commitment to open, transparent, inclusive, predictable, and non-discriminatory agricultural trade governed by WTO rules.

The leaders also pledged to support the adoption of innovative practices and technologies, including digital innovation in agriculture and food systems, to increase productivity and sustainability in harmony with nature, as well as to improve farmers' and fishers' livelihoods and income, particularly for smallholders, by increasing efficiency and equal access to food supply chains. Indonesia had handed over the G20 presidency to India earlier in the day.

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union comprise the G20 (EU). They account for more than 80% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world's population.