LONDON, England – The global community is falling behind in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims for zero hunger by 2030. As a priority for Commonwealth member nations, eradicating hunger, ensuring food security, and promoting healthy diets through sustainable food systems are critical objectives. The 2024 Commonwealth Trade Review highlights how strategic trade, investment, and resilient supply chains can enhance food security for the Commonwealth’s 2.7 billion citizens.
International trade serves as a vital instrument for creating inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economies across the Commonwealth, which comprises six developed nations and 50 developing countries, including 33 small states and 14 least developed countries (LDCs).
Trade, investment, and financing play crucial roles in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in pivotal sectors such as poverty alleviation, food security, gender equality, and economic growth. As the world approaches the midpoint of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the 56 Commonwealth members must enhance their trade and investment partnerships, both within the Commonwealth and globally, to meet these ambitious targets and ensure lasting prosperity, particularly for the most vulnerable nations.
The latest edition of the Commonwealth Trade Review reveals that Commonwealth membership contributes to a 22 percent increase in food trade among member nations compared to non-members. This positive impact is especially pronounced in exports of fruits, vegetables, cereals, and fish products, all of which are crucial for food security. Moreover, the effect on food trade rises to 33 percent for Commonwealth countries that participate in the same bilateral or regional trade agreements.
To further augment food trade, Commonwealth nations are encouraged to strengthen multilateral and regional cooperation. Increased domestic and international investments in food production, processing, and value addition throughout the supply chain will be essential. Leveraging the Commonwealth’s vibrant and entrepreneurial diaspora will also play a significant role.
Modernizing trade facilitation through digital technologies can help bolster exporters, particularly small and medium enterprises, by ensuring compliance with technical and sanitary standards for food products. Aid for Trade initiatives can be utilized to enhance productive capacity and improve logistics infrastructure within supply chains. Additionally, prioritizing the reduction of food loss and waste and embracing circular economy principles are vital for transitioning towards sustainable agri-food systems.
This report accompanies “Trade, Agriculture, and Development: Meeting Global Challenges to Commonwealth Countries.”
