‘For countries to succeed, they must eat. We need global partnerships to bring about the change required to ensure this’ ‘We must not ignore the alarm bells ringing all around us’ LONDON: Jordan’s King Abdullah on Tuesday called for global partnerships to tackle the increasing array of interlocking crises gripping the world, calling out world hunger as the top priority. Addressing the UN General Assembly, he said conflict, climate catastrophes, hunger and spiraling inflation were meshing and ringing “alarm bells” for the governments of developing countries and wealthier nations alike. “We meet with the alarm bells ringing all around us. Developing countries are hardest hit, but many wealthy nations are beginning to experience empty shelves,” he added. “Food security is the global priority. People are going to bed hungry — that number is climbing. How can children sleep if they are hungry, students learn, or workers do their best? “Wealthy countries are experiencing a truth developing countries have known for a long time. For countries to succeed, they must eat. We need global partnerships to bring about the change required to ensure this.” The king said Jordan is looking to act as a bridgehead uniting regional allies in a series of effective partnerships that could sustainably address the challenges faced by the world. He urged leaders to not allow immediate short-term crises to derail efforts, adding: “Too often, sustainable growth and development have been the first victim of a global crisis.” Having established partnerships with Middle Eastern countries on various issues, he said the intention is to reframe the perception of the region from one “synonymous with conflict and crisis” to one of stability and hope. Optimistic that such a perception shift could occur, he nonetheless warned that the international community needs to provide greater support in addressing regional challenges. “In 2012, I came to this assembly and discussed for the first time the pressure of the Syrian refugee flow into Jordan — long a source of regional stability and refuge for those in need — with the numbers entering the country in the thousands,” said the king. “We today host more than 1.3 million Syrian refugees, and meeting the needs of these people, not to mention others who have come to Jordan, is an international duty,” he added. “We can weather the most serious crisis if we do it together. We must now work towards a future of dignity and of hope for all peoples. We must not ignore the alarm bells ringing all around us.” More to follow...