Keep Russia in G20, aid group urges amid food crisis.

As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, another crisis is looming large – the global food crisis. With millions of people facing hunger and malnutrition, aid groups are calling for urgent action to address the issue. In this context, one aid group has made a unique appeal – to keep Russia in the G20.

The G20, or Group of Twenty, is a forum of the world’s largest economies, including the United States, China, Japan, Germany, and Russia. The group was formed in 1999 to promote international economic cooperation and decision-making. Since then, it has played a key role in addressing global challenges such as the 2008 financial crisis and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

However, in recent years, Russia’s membership in the G20 has been called into question. The country’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election have led to tensions with other G20 members. Some have argued that Russia should be expelled from the group as a punishment for its actions.

But according to the aid group Action Against Hunger, keeping Russia in the G20 is crucial to addressing the global food crisis. The group argues that Russia is a major player in the world food market, with significant agricultural production and exports. In 2019, Russia was the world’s largest wheat exporter, and it also produces large quantities of other crops such as barley, corn, and sunflower seeds.

Moreover, Russia has experience in dealing with food crises, having faced its own famine in the early 20th century and more recently, a food embargo imposed by Western countries in response to its actions in Ukraine. The country has also been a key player in international efforts to address hunger and malnutrition, including through its support for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

By keeping Russia in the G20, Action Against Hunger argues, the group can leverage the country’s expertise and resources to address the global food crisis. This could include measures such as increasing agricultural productivity, improving food distribution systems, and providing humanitarian aid to those in need.

Of course, there are valid concerns about Russia’s actions in other areas, such as its human rights record and its involvement in conflicts in Syria and Ukraine. But as Action Against Hunger points out, the global food crisis is a pressing issue that requires urgent action from all stakeholders. By working together, the G20 can help ensure that no one goes hungry in the midst of this crisis.

In conclusion, the global food crisis is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a coordinated response from the international community. While there are valid concerns about Russia’s actions in other areas, keeping the country in the G20 could be a crucial step in addressing this crisis. By leveraging Russia’s expertise and resources, the group can help ensure that everyone has access to the food they need to survive and thrive.