KOREAN NET

President Yoon Suk Yeol (second from right) on Nov. 18 speaks at the first session of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit at the Museum of Modern Art of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Office of the President)

By Lee Dasom

President Yoon Suk Yeol on Nov. 18 in Brazil pledged humanitarian aid worth USD 10 million this year to help Africa combat its food crisis.

The Office of the President said he told the first session of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Rio De Janeiro, "We will actively take part in G20 efforts to conquer hunger and poverty."

The president also announced Korea's entry into the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty (GAAHP) as a charter member state.

A key accomplishment of Brazil's chairmanship of the G20 this year, the alliance connects countries that request support with nations and organizations that provide it for developing and implementing policy to fight hunger and poverty.

On the occasion of joining the GGAHP, Korea next year will boost its food support to 150,000 tons through the World Food Program of the United Nations. Seoul doubled such aid from 50,000 tons last year to 100,000 this year.

In the International Development Association's final replenishment meeting early next month in Seoul, the World Bank will raise its contributions to developing economies 45% from 2021.

"The Republic of Korea will strengthen its win-win partnerships with emerging economies and act as a prosperity bridge connecting developing and developed countries," President Yoon said. "The fundamental solution to hunger and poverty is growth in developing countries, so the G20 must unite to support the creation of growth engines of such states."

dlektha0319@korea.kr