Foundations worldwide are being called to take action against hunger. This was one of the main conclusions of the conference “Paradox Between Hunger and Unsustainable Food Production and Consumption Systems,” organized by the Portuguese NGO APOIAR in Mozambique. The event brought together experts and business leaders to discuss food security in light of unsustainable practices.
With support from Instituto Camões and moderated by Duarte da Cunha, CEO of GRIFO LDA and Vice President of APOIAR’s General Assembly, the event highlighted the need for innovative solutions and collaboration to build a more sustainable future.
The Portuguese Ambassador to Mozambique, António Costa Moura, emphasized the role of foundations and other organizations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to reduce inequalities and combat social vulnerabilities. He stressed the importance of joint efforts between governments, civil society, and the private sector to promote inclusive development, focusing on areas such as education, health, and gender equality.
Paulo Oliveira, president of the Salimo Abdula Foundation, reinforced the need for foundations to get involved in the fight against hunger, mobilizing resources and promoting food security policies. He also highlighted the importance of efficient planning, with clear priorities across sectors to maximize impact.
Bruno Felício shared initiatives for building kitchens and distributing meals, underscoring his organization’s commitment to social responsibility and support for vulnerable communities.
Other speakers offered key contributions: Helena Ribeiro Telles discussed child malnutrition and social inequalities, while José Lopes Casimiro examined the link between health and hunger, focusing on the Sofala province. Edgar Cossa advocated for school meals and a cross-sectoral approach to tackle hunger and support education.
APOIAR, which works in education, health, and nutrition, has been promoting social inclusion and poverty alleviation in alignment with the SDGs. With 22 school kitchens in Mozambique, the NGO distributes more than 1.5 million meals each year, benefiting around 15,000 people in underserved communities.
This gathering reinforced the importance of cooperation and commitment to sustainable practices to overcome the paradox between hunger and unsustainable production systems, aiming for a fairer and more resilient society.
(By Renaldo Manhice)
