Brazil's President criticises military prioritisation over global food security

Brasilia - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday (4 March) criticised the prioritisation of military spending over food security, asserting that eradicating hunger is an achievable aim, but hampered by ‘a lack of commitment.’ ‘If we take the money spent last year on weapons and conflict, equivalent to 2.7 trillion US dollars (1 US dollar = Rp16.886), and divide it among the 630 million people who are hungry on the planet, it would be enough to give each person 4,285 US dollars,’ Lula said at the opening of the 39th FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The meeting, held in Brasilia from 2 to 6 March, aims to set priorities for 2026 and 2027 with a primary focus on combating hunger and malnutrition in the region. The gathering brought together ministers, officials, and representatives from Latin American and Caribbean countries. Lula cited Brazil’s success in combating food insecurity as evidence that the crisis can be overcome, while stating that the country has made significant progress since he returned to power in 2023.