The Government and the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice will host a major international conference today and tomorrow 15th - 16th April to explore the links between climate change, hunger and poor nutrition and their impact on the world's most vulnerable communities.

The conference, which is being organised in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), will be opened by President Michael D Higgins.

'Hunger – Nutrition – Climate Justice 2013' takes place in Dublin Castle and brings together global leaders, policy-makers and scientists with representatives of communities from Africa, Asia and Central America who are striving to produce nutritious food sustainably in regions which are most affected by climate change. The conference is being hosted as part of Ireland's EU Council Presidency.

-- Advertisement --

Former US Vice-President Al Gore, Ambassador Patricia Espinosa, of the UN High Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda; EU Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs and almost 100 representatives of communities living on the frontline of climate change are among those who will attend to explore the linked challenges of hunger, under-nutrition and climate change. President Joyce Banda of Malawi will provide a video message to delegates.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore TD, said: "Ireland is recognised internationally for our leadership on tackling hunger in some of the world’s poorest communities. We dedicate 20% of our overseas budget to the fight against hunger, focusing on improving the productivity of smallholder farmers in Africa and combating poor nutrition among mothers and children.

"But as climate change increases the frequency and severity of droughts and floods and makes food more difficult to produce, we need innovative solutions to support communities on the frontline. By bringing together leaders and policy-makers with those who are directly affected by hunger and climate change, the conference will help us to determine how we can support vulnerable farmers and householders."

(CD)