Statement delivered by The UN Resident Coordinator (a.i) and Head of UNESCO, Mr. Edmond Moukala on the occassion of youth empowerment project launch.

It is an honour to be here today at the launch of the Youth Economic Empowerment through Digitalization for Resilience in Food and Nutrition Security and Improved Livelihoods initiative.

This project is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships, bringing together the United Nations, the Government of Ghana, and KOICA, to drive transformative change in food security and livelihoods.

The project aligns perfectly with Ghana’s National Development Priorities and Food Systems Transformation Pathways as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2025, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

On behalf of the UN Country Team, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to World Food Programme, Korea International Cooperation Agency, and all our esteemed partners for organizing this important event.

I also want to acknowledge and appreciate the Government of Ghana for their continued support and leadership in advancing sustainable development in Ghana and Africa.

Your dedication to youth empowerment, food security, and digital transformation is truly commendable.

This initiative would not be possible without the collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment of all stakeholders present today.

Highlight UNSDCF 2023-2025 as UN-Government Partnership Framework

• Our United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2025 lays the foundation for promoting 
  • Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth, 
  • Equitable Access to Quality Social Services, and 
  • Governance, Durable Peace, and Security, working with Government and all partners.
• These priorities are deeply connected to our efforts in food security, digital transformation, and youth empowerment.
• For the UN in Ghana, these priorities drive our commitment to fostering a sustainable, resilient society where youth and vulnerable communities can leverage technology, innovation, and skills development to improve livelihoods and achieve food security under the principle of leaving no one behind.

The Growing Challenge of Global Hunger

Now more than ever ,600 million people worldwide are projected to face hunger in 2030. These alarming estimates serve as a wake-up call for more strategic partnerships and catalytic programmes- such as the subject of today's gathering- to curb food insecurity and improve nutrition among vulnerable populations particularly Pregnant and breast-feeding women, children and persons living with HIV. Even though food insecurity numbers dropped in 2021, high food prices continue to plague many nations, resulting in persisted worldwide malnutrition that jeopardizes children’s well-being and future development

Connect the Initiative to the UN Six Transitions and Four Engine Rooms for Accelerating SDG Progress

• As part of the UN’s commitment, the 2023 SDG Summit highlighted Six Transitions as critical pathways for accelerating progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These transitions include 
  • promoting food systems, 
  • advancing social protection and decent jobs, 
  • transforming education, 
  • addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, 
  • advancing energy transition, and 
  • encouraging inclusive digitization.
• For these transitions to be realized, we must work through four key Engine Rooms:
  • Undertaking the necessary policy and regulatory reforms to strengthen the enabling environment.
  • Developing a pipeline of bankable projects.
  • Securing adequate financing and partnerships.
  • Building capacity to strengthen Ghana’s resilience against shocks.

The UN’S Commitment to Zero Hunger

• Globally, the United Nations has championed causes tailored toward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 - Zero Hunger.
• SDG 2 covers critical areas such as achieving food security, improving nutrition, empowering smallholder farmers, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
• The UN envisions a world where hunger is eradicated, and every person—especially the poor and vulnerable, including infants, children, and women—has access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
• This goal emphasizes both quantity and quality, ensuring food sufficiency while addressing malnutrition and dietary needs.

The Link Between Food Security and Sustainable Development

• Food security and improved nutrition are intrinsically linked to achieving other SDG goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
• Recognizing this, the UN strategically collaborates with governments, private sector actors, and civil society to develop sound policies and build institutional resilience.
• By empowering communities to find sustainable solutions, we ensure access to safe and healthy food while fostering long-term development.

Capacity Building as a path to Sustainable Development

• Capacity-building is a fundamental means of achieving sustainable development.
• The UN actively partners with the Government of Ghana to strengthen institutional systems and close gaps that leave millions food insecure.
• I am excited to note that through initiatives like today’s, we aim to lift 71.9 million people out of food insecurity and protect more people from the devastating effects of undernutrition.

Harnessing Digitalization for Food Security

• The UN is leveraging technology to strengthen food security interventions such as the Ghana School Feeding Programme.
• Digital tools enhance data-driven decision-making, improve agricultural productivity, and optimize food systems.
• Agencies like WFP, FAO, and UNDP are championing precision agriculture, digital extension services, and cash-based transfer platforms to support farmers and vulnerable populations.
• These efforts reduce post-harvest losses, enhance climate-smart agriculture, and ensure timely responses to food crises.

• To this point, the UN agencies in Ghana are keen on integrating and implementing projects that are gender sensitive projects to ensure that no is left behind. This is notable through increased women’s participation in agriculture. 

Commitment to Gender, Efficiency and Accountability

• The UN remains committed to integrating and implementing projects that gender sensitive to ensure increased women’s participation in agriculture.
• We are also committed to maximizing impact with efficient resource utilization.
• Guided by the principle of leaving no one behind, we integrate projects, fill critical gaps, and forge partnerships to build sustainable development in Ghana.
• In the spirit of “using less to do more,” we ensure that every investment has a ripple effect, strengthening communities and fostering long-term growth.

Looking Ahead: Building a Resilient Future through the Pact for the Future

• As we look to the future, global leaders have embraced the Pact for the Future at the 2024 Summit of the Future.
• This landmark agreement redefines global collaboration to address pressing challenges, including the intensifying impacts of climate and environmental shocks.
• The Pact emphasizes leveraging technology and partnerships to build resilience, strengthen early warning systems, and support communities in preparing for and responding to disasters.
• By prioritizing equitable access to technological resources and bridging the digital divide, this agreement ensures that every community, especially the most vulnerable, can benefit from innovations that enhance preparedness and strengthen resilience against future shocks and disasters.

Closing and Acknowledgements

• Today’s launch marks a significant milestone in our collective pursuit of food security, youth empowerment, and digital transformation.
• Once again, let me extend my deepest appreciation to KOICA for their trust in the UN, especially WFP, to implement this project and to all partners for their commitment to Ghana’s development.
• Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and invest in a hunger-free, resilient, and prosperous future.

Thank you.