S. Korea provides real-life example of how 'Zero Hunger' can become reality
- 6 years ago
Just 50 years ago, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world, suffering from extreme famine and malnutrition. Now, the country is a donor nation, helping eradicate hunger in other parts of the world.
Celebrating World Food Day today,… Won Jung-hwan looks at how Korea is now becoming an inspiration to others.
World Food Day reminds us that people are still going hungry in the world and we have not yet achieved zero hunger.
But there are examples that show the efforts of organizations like the World Food Programme make a real difference, and one of the most clear-cut examples is South Korea.
This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the partnership agreement between South Korea and the WFP, and in that time, the country went from being a recipient of food aid to one of the WFP's top 20 donors.
Rice bags stamped with the Korean flag are now being delivered to the most vulnerable people all around the world, something unthinkable a few decades ago.
"This is actually very good news story and shining example to other countries,... and is also looking to ensure not only its own citizens are taking care of but also to assists others in need through various short and long term strategies."
Just few months ago in May, South Korea sent its first food aid to Africa. Some 50-thousand metric tons of locally grown rice was delivered to Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda in Africa, as well as Yemen in the Middle East.
"1.2 million people have been receiving this rice since July… It's actually saved lives and come at a critical time when unfortunately the situation in Yemen is deteriorating."
Through its transformation from a recipient to a donor of food aid, South Korea is showing that global aid can have a lasting positive impact and change the fortunes of recipient countries around the world.
Won Jung-hwan, Arirang News.
Celebrating World Food Day today,… Won Jung-hwan looks at how Korea is now becoming an inspiration to others.
World Food Day reminds us that people are still going hungry in the world and we have not yet achieved zero hunger.
But there are examples that show the efforts of organizations like the World Food Programme make a real difference, and one of the most clear-cut examples is South Korea.
This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the partnership agreement between South Korea and the WFP, and in that time, the country went from being a recipient of food aid to one of the WFP's top 20 donors.
Rice bags stamped with the Korean flag are now being delivered to the most vulnerable people all around the world, something unthinkable a few decades ago.
"This is actually very good news story and shining example to other countries,... and is also looking to ensure not only its own citizens are taking care of but also to assists others in need through various short and long term strategies."
Just few months ago in May, South Korea sent its first food aid to Africa. Some 50-thousand metric tons of locally grown rice was delivered to Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda in Africa, as well as Yemen in the Middle East.
"1.2 million people have been receiving this rice since July… It's actually saved lives and come at a critical time when unfortunately the situation in Yemen is deteriorating."
Through its transformation from a recipient to a donor of food aid, South Korea is showing that global aid can have a lasting positive impact and change the fortunes of recipient countries around the world.
Won Jung-hwan, Arirang News.