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THE
Philippines joined calls for the adoption of the United
Nations framework of action to address global food and
energy crisis while citing specific recommendation of
creating a global grains reserve to protect both
importing and exporting countries from fluctuating
prices.
Ambassador Hilario Davide Jr., Philippine permanent
representative to the UN, said the Philippines has also
embarked on a biofuels program that uses nonfood
sources, as well as called for the increase in funding
for the global research and development, specifically
for the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
based in the Philippines.
The
Filipino diplomat made the call at the plenary meeting
of the UN general assembly on the Global Food and Energy
Crisis held over the weekend in New York.
“By
endorsing this Comprehensive Framework for Action and
implementing the proposals contained therein, the
General Assembly, as the largest legislative body in the
world, will be able to provide a coherent and
coordinated response to the immediate needs of the many
millions adversely affected by high food and energy
prices,” Davide said in a statement on Tuesday.
He
added: “More important, the General Assembly will lay
the foundation for continued stable and rational markets
in the food and energy sectors.”
UN
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon led the high-level task
force on the Global Food Crisis that drafted the
Comprehensive Framework for Action for the adoption of
the UN general assembly.
The task
force is also composed of the heads of the UN
specialized agencies, funds, and programs, as well as
the World Bank and the World Trade Organizations.
The
Comprehensive Framework for Action to Address Global
Food and Energy Crisis is intended to promote a
coordinated response among agencies, national
governments, donors, civil society and the private
sector to the global food crisis and develop a plan of
action.
The
framework will also help UN members to line up solutions
to contribute to sustainable food security.
“The
decision must be made now,” Davide said.
“The
Philippines joins the rest of this august body in making
that decision today or, at the latest, at any time
during the 62nd session of the General Assembly.” |
