East Africa food crisis - Breaking the cycle of drought, hunger and famine
15-11-2022
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The world today faces an unprecedented hunger crisis that requires a bold international response. There are currently six countries at immediate risk of famine - half of which are in East Africa: Somalia, Ethiopia and South Sudan. In Somalia, more than 50% of the population need emergency food aid. These emergencies risk recurring in the future as the region is exposed to further climate and conflict shocks.
The European Union has so far shown global leadership in this crisis. However, it is clear that much greater efforts will be needed to save lives and livelihoods in the region. Many non-governmental organisations claim that if humanitarian assistance is not scaled up significantly and rapidly, the lives of millions of people are at stake - more people will die of hunger, more livelihoods will be at risk, more will become displaced, and more will face protection risks.
Join this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to discuss how the EU can better address the food crisis in Eastern Africa. Questions to be discussed include:
- What can be done to avert the worst of a deepening food crisis in East Africa?
- Has the EU's response been robust enough so far?
- What lessons must be learned from this crisis to make the humanitarian system fit for the future?
Image credit: International Rescue Committee
Supported by:
Location
Hybrid
Brussels Network Office - International Press Centre
1 Bd Charlemagne // 2nd floor
Panellists
Introduction:
Shashwat Saraf, Regional Emergency Director, East Africa, IRC
Andrea Koulaimah, Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America and Pacific, DG ECHO, European Commission
Maria Arena MEP, Chair DROI Subcommittee, Member DPAP Committee, European Parliament
Fouzia Mohamed Ali, Operations Director, GREDO
Harlem Desir, Senior Vice-President, Europe, IRC
Moderator
Mariam Zaidi
Journalist, EURACTIV
Schedule
17:00 – 17:05 Welcome
17:05 – 17:20 Panellist statements
17:20 – 18:00 Discussion and Q&A
18:00 – 18:15 Closing statements
Contact
Elisa Collomp
elisa.collomp@euractiv.com
+32 (0) 2 788 36 86
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Related article
Famine in Somalia ‘foreseeable’, says EU official
The combination of drought, climate change and donor fatigue have resulted in a 'foreseeable' food crisis in Eastern Africa that has left millions at risk of famine, panellists told an event organised by EURACTIV last week.