Data

Think20 (T20) is a G20 engagement group that connects and collaborates with think tanks around the world to provide ideas and recommendations to G20 leaders. This post summarizes the first in a series of seven briefs by the T20 task force on Sustainable Energy, Food, and Water Systems, one of ten T20 task forces for this year’s Saudi Arabia G20 Presidency. First in a series.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the world’s economy, food systems, public health, and nutrition. There is growing concern that this global health crisis could morph into a food crisis, putting hundreds of millions of people at a risk of hunger. A June 30 IFPRI virtual event explored how food businesses are functioning during the pandemic and what might happen in its aftermath.

The FAO Food Price Index rose slightly in July by 1.2 percent. This increase, while marginal, marks the second consecutive monthly rise in food prices. Rising vegetable oil, dairy, and sugar prices drove the overall higher index.

The world is not on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger by 2030, according to the 2020 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report, released in mid-July.

The FAO Food Price Index rose in June, making the first such increase in 2020. Higher prices for vegetable oils, sugar, and dairy products drove the 2.4 percent increase.