In early 2008, soaring food prices drew extensive public attention to the issue of hunger in the Asia-Pacific region. The food price crisis threatened to reverse critical gains made toward reducing poverty and hunger as outlined in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Much of the increased attention focused on the issue of price rather than the structural causes of hunger, including social exclusion, inequitable distribution, access to natural resources and low agricultural productivity.

The subsequent global economic slowdown eased pressure on energy prices but has had larger adverse implications for the poor. A global slowdown in consumer demand, rising unemployment and a likely fall in household income will weaken purchasing power, particularly for the poor -- including their ability to afford basic necessities such as food.

Through this Forum, the United Nations Millennium Campaign aims to enhance policy options to address the fundamental issues of poverty and hunger (the first MDG) and re-emphasize the importance of achieving the MDGs in the region. With direct engagement in policy, budget and legislative processes to achieve specific targets to reduce poverty, the participating parliamentarians will be influential actors in bringing about changes in their governments’ policies and practices.

Minar Pimple, Deputy Director/Head of Asia for the United Nations Millennium Campaign, will participate in the Forum and contribute to national efforts to reduce hunger through key policy recommendations and enhanced engagement of Parliamentarians.

For more information, please visit the Forum’s Website: http://www2.undprcc.lk/ext/pf/index.html