Boris Johnson urged to show “responsible leadership” at G7 Summit to stop global food crisis pushing 49 million people into famine

More than 70 UK NGOs have called on Boris Johnson to show “responsible leadership” at the G7 Summit in his response to the global food crisis, or risk allowing the unprecedented levels of extreme hunger – worsened by the Russian invasion of Ukraine – to push 49 million people around the world into famine.

Ahead of the G7 Summit in Germany (26-28 June), humanitarian and international development organisations including Oxfam GB, ActionAid UK and UNICEF have today sent an open letter – coordinated by Bond, the UK network of NGOs – to the Prime Minister, asking for already-made pledges to be turned into action and to elevate the urgency in responding to skyrocketing humanitarian needs fuelled by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, climate change, conflict and poverty.

The letter provides specific recommendations on how the Prime Minister can help successfully mitigate the surging global prices of food, fuel, and critical agricultural inputs such as fertilisers. This includes building resilience in fragile places and addressing the drivers of global crises by investing in climate change adaptation, advancing peace and reforming international debt architecture.

The open letter states:

“The consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine are further driving up global prices of food, fuel, and critical agricultural inputs – deepening an already alarming situation. This week’s G7 Summit is an excellent opportunity for heads of state to demonstrate global leadership, solidarity, and responsibility by addressing an unprecedented level of multi-layered crises faced by people around the world with rural women among the worst affected.
“We welcome the UK’s efforts to get the blockade of the Black Sea ports lifted, which will allow re-stabilisation of grain trade. However, urgent action is needed to help at least 49 million people in 43 countries at risk of famine. This is the time to walk the talk and show the UK’s commitment to ‘leave no one behind’. We urge you to show your political will and readiness to give the highest importance to this multi-layered crisis, recognising that insufficient actions and funding will only increase the cost in the long term.”