“Food security is the pathway to peace and prosperity. I was attracted by the strong emphasis being placed on country-led action and impact. As a contributor to the Alliance’s Knowledge Pillar, Columbia’s faculty and students will collaborate with national partners to build the evidence base for policies and programs that advance food security,” said Professor Glenn Denning, from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, who will serve as the University’s focal point to the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
By voluntarily joining the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, Columbia University reaffirms its dedication to pursuing the mission, objectives and principles set out in the Alliance’s Terms of Reference and Governance Framework, and its commitment to collaborating with other members to achieve lasting solutions to hunger and poverty worldwide.
Columbia University recognizes hunger and malnutrition as manifestations of structural poverty and inequality and acknowledges the urgent need to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals for No Poverty (SGD1) and Zero Hunger (SDG 2) while reducing inequalities, and promoting sustainable development. The University commits to supporting large-scale, integrated approaches that combine action across local, national, regional and global levels, pairing social protection with access to goods and services that empower vulnerable populations.
Through initiatives such as the Food for Humanity Initiative at the Columbia Climate School, the Master of Public Administration in Development Practice at the School of International and Public Affairs, the Institute of Global Politics, and Columbia Global, the University will contribute expertise in climate-resilient agricultural technologies, food systems transformation, capacity building for civil servants and public employees, and policy dialogue.
“We look forward to bringing students and faculty across Columbia University to engage and advance the work of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, ensuring that policies and solutions are informed by rigorous evidence and driven by data”, said Jessica Fanzo, Professor of Climate and Food, The Columbia Climate School.
According to Thomas J. Trebat, Founding Director of the Columbia Global Center Rio de Janeiro, as so much of the world shrugs at rising hunger and poverty, the Global Alliance reminds us that a better pathway is possible, through cooperation and knowledge sharing. Inspired in part by Brazil’s own policies, Columbia University and the Columbia Global Center in Rio de Janeiro are proud to join forces in this initiative.”
These commitments are voluntary and non-legally binding and will be pursued in alignment with Columbia University’s mandate, capacities, and priorities, as well as through collaboration with other members of the Alliance.
Read the full Columbia University Statements of Commitment to the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty below.
