World leaders from the Group of 20 (G20) inaugurated the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty during the opening session of the 19th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Monday.

The ambitious initiative aims to implement transformative measures to eradicate hunger and reduce poverty globally between 2025 and 2030.

The alliance, endorsed by all G20 member countries, empowers a task force to focus on practical activities addressing food insecurity and poverty, which disproportionately impact developing nations. Nigeria, with the majority of its population living below the poverty line, is one of the most severely affected countries and stands to gain significantly from the alliance’s success.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who spearheaded the alliance, emphasized the importance of collective global action. He noted that more than 80 countries and numerous government and civil society organizations have pledged their support.

“The alliance will mobilize funds and knowledge toward implementing proven public policies and social programs to combat hunger and poverty,” Lula said, highlighting Brazil’s successful experiences with the Zero Hunger and Bolsa Família programs, which lifted millions of Brazilians out of extreme poverty during his previous presidential tenure (2003–2010).

Lula stressed the need for urgent action, describing hunger and poverty as “a biological expression of social ills” rather than a result of resource scarcity. He noted the paradox of global inequality, with the world producing nearly 6 billion tons of food annually while allocating $2.4 trillion to military spending.

“It’s not just about doing justice. This is an essential condition for building more prosperous societies and a world of peace,” Lula remarked.

Financial and Operational Framework

The alliance is designed to accelerate investments and create scalable solutions for poverty reduction. Lula confirmed that international financial institutions and national development banks have rallied behind the initiative. For instance, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has pledged to seek authorization for a $25 billion loan package to fund projects across Latin America and the Caribbean.

To ensure sustainability, the alliance will operate autonomously from G20’s rotating presidencies, with bases in Brasília, managed by the Brazilian Cooperation Agency, and in Rome, through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Global Perspective on Hunger and Poverty

The initiative comes at a critical time, as the world faces rising inequalities and a worsening hunger crisis. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 733 million people worldwide are suffering from hunger—a number that has grown alarmingly in recent years due to conflicts, climate change, and economic downturns.

The Nigerian Context

As one of the most affected nations, Nigeria exemplifies the critical need for the alliance. With over 200 million people, the country struggles to provide basic amenities for its population.  In 2024, the World Bank estimates that 56% of Nigerians live below the national poverty line, up from 40.1% in 2018. This is due to population growth and high inflation, which have outpaced economic growth. This means that more than 100 million Nigerians face severe financial hardship and are unable to afford essential goods and services.

Nigeria’s food insecurity crisis is equally alarming, with millions suffering from hunger due to economic instability, insecurity, and climate challenges. The ongoing conflict in the northeast has displaced countless families, further compounding food shortages and poverty levels.

In 2024, the World Bank estimates that more than 1 million Nigerians will face a severe food crisis, adding to the 64 million reported in 2023.

An Invitation for Broader Participation

President Lula urged non-G20 countries to join the alliance, emphasizing its inclusive nature and commitment to tackling global poverty.

“Those who have always been invisible will be at the centre of the international agenda,” he said, underlining the need for coordinated efforts to address the root causes of hunger and poverty.

For Nigeria, the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty represents a lifeline amid growing challenges. The country’s government has expressed optimism that the initiative will channel much-needed resources and technical expertise to address its multifaceted poverty crisis.

However, achieving tangible results will require Nigeria to complement global efforts with domestic reforms, particularly in areas such as agriculture.

Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, who is also at the G20 Summit, said “Nigeria is ready to leverage international cooperation to meet Sustainable Development Goals, particularly zero hunger and poverty eradication while improving citizens’ lives.”

“In my address to fellow world leaders at the G20 Summit in Brazil, I endorsed the creation of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, championed by President Lula,” he said. “This bold initiative aligns with my administration’s renewed hope agenda and our commitment to eradicating poverty and fostering sustainable development.”

The G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro said it will continue to outline further commitments and strategies for operationalizing the alliance, marking a pivotal step toward a world free from hunger and poverty.

“This Global Alliance unites governments, international organizations, and civil society, to address both immediate needs and structural causes of hunger and poverty,” Tinubu added.