Understanding the Intersection of Conflict, Hunger, and Peace: Global Perspectives

In 2024, conflict's devastating impact on hunger and food systems has reached unprecedented levels. Armed conflict has become a primary catalyst for escalating food crises, pushing food and nutrition insecurity to extreme levels (IPC 4 and 5). Recent escalations highlight this dire correlation, with hunger and malnutrition levels surging due to the behavior of armed actors in conflict. 

Conflicts displace large populations, severing their connections to homes, lands, adequate nutrition and livelihoods. Active conflicts also hinder humanitarian efforts, blocking life-saving assistance. In response, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2417 in 2018, acknowledging the link between conflict and hunger. This landmark resolution condemns the use of starvation as a weapon of war and emphasizes the need to break the vicious cycle of armed conflict and hunger, promoting peace as essential for recovery and stability.

Our event will explore the discourse and policy environments surrounding conflict-induced hunger and malnutrition. 

We will assess the current debate, aiming to identify and advance effective strategies. The focus will be on practical aspects of prevention, utilizing instruments like UNSC 2417 and the newly developed "Practical Measures for Armed Actors to Prevent and Mitigate Conflict-Induced Food Insecurity" resource. Join us as we bring together experts, policymakers, and Member States to forge pathways toward resilience, peace, and solutions to one of humanity's most pressing challenges. 

This event also aims to spark a broader dialogue on the intricate link between conflict and hunger, particularly within the unique diplomatic and humanitarian landscape of International Geneva.

Opening Remarks

• Christian Frutiger - Assistant Director General, Ambassador, Head of thematic Cooperation Division, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

Speakers

• Sarah Fuhrman -  Technical Advisor, Principled Humanitarian Access Strategic Analysis & Humanitarian Diplomacy Team Office of the WFP Deputy Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer
• Dominique Burgeon - Director of the FAO Liaison Office with the United Nations in Geneva, representing The Global Network Against Food Crises, will discuss ongoing work and analysis
• Katherine Kramer - Associate Expert at Fight for Humanity and subject matter expert, will present the newly developed "Practical Measures for Armed Actors to Prevent and Mitigate Conflict-Induced Food Insecurity" toolkit.
• Muthusi Kimwele - Head of the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) Postgraduate School in Nairobi, Kenya, will offer insights from the security sector perspective
• Rania Dagash-Kamara - WFP Assistant Executive Director Partnerships and Innovation

Closing Remarks

• H.E. Krisztina Bende, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Swiss Mission to the UN organizations in Rome 

Moderator

•  Tomson Phiri, WFP Regional Head of Partnerships and Communication

Interpretation

Interpretation services are available for all events during Geneva Peace Week, both on-site and online, through Wordly AI  

Live streaming

• All events during Geneva Peace Week will be available on-site and online.

Main organiser

• UN World Food Programme

Co-Organizers

• Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
• Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN Organizations in Rome
• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• The Global Network Against Food Crises
• Scaling up Nutrition (SUN) Movement