Marking the landmark 20th anniversary of this flagship report, the convening was organized by the African Union Commission in collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia and Alliance2015. Under the urgent theme, “Time to Recommit to Zero Hunger,” the event served as a critical platform to address the stagnant progress in global food security and chart a definitive path toward a hunger-free Africa.
A Mandate for Decisive Leadership
In a keynote address to international delegates, H.E. Demeke Mekonnen underscored that the 2025 GHI report—co-authored by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and Concern Worldwide—must be viewed as more than a statistical archive.
“The data before us is a clarion call,” stated H.E. Demeke Mekonnen. “It is no longer enough to measure our challenges; we must match the depth of this evidence with the speed of our execution. Our mandate is to transform these insights into immediate, life-saving policy and sustainable agricultural growth.”
Strategic Pillars for a Resilient Future
As the GHI report highlights the compounding threats of climate shocks, conflict, and economic volatility, the YADAM Foundation used the summit to advocate for three transformative strategic shifts:
To achieve a resilient future, we are committed to evidence-based policy integration that moves beyond generic interventions to incorporate world-class research into localized food system strategies reflecting the unique realities of African soil and commerce. This approach is bolstered by building systemic resilience, ensuring agricultural value chains are robust enough to withstand unpredictable environmental shocks and global market volatility. Central to this transformation is radical inclusivity in partnerships, which focuses on breaking down silos between government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure critical resources and innovations reach the most marginalized communities.
A Shared Vision for African Prosperity
The launch featured prominent contributions from H.E. Moses Vilakati (AU Commissioner) and H.E. Dr. Fikiru Regassa (State Minister of Agriculture), alongside other high-ranking officials. The collective consensus was clear: ending hunger is not merely a humanitarian goal but the fundamental economic investment required to unlock the continent’s vast human potential.
The YADAM Foundation reaffirms its dedication to turning the findings of the 20th GHI report into a catalyst for African self-reliance. By aligning international expertise with local leadership, the Foundation remains at the forefront of the mission to ensure that “Zero Hunger” moves from a global ambition to a continental reality.
