With only five years to the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the global community is facing a sobering reality: only 17% of the SDGs are on track, whereas 35% are stagnating or regressing. SDG 2 (‘zero hunger’) stands out as a particularly pressing concern. Studies on the ‘costs of hunger’ estimate the need for an additional $93 billion per year, or $512 billion in total over the next six years, to adequately manage the complexities of closing the financing gap.  

However, these increasing financing needs, which the Food and Agriculture Organization estimates to be an annual $680 billion, have been met with cuts to global funding. Financial constraints severely undermine food security initiatives and limit resources to otherwise improve market access, boost agricultural productivity, improve the nutritional value of food, support building efforts and realise the right to food. The shrinking pool of deployed and available funding, especially from public sources, is unlikely to be compensated by increases in private and philanthropic contributions. This jeopardises the progress made in reducing hunger and malnutrition over the past two decades. 

Coordinating financing frameworks for policy coherence 

A well-functioning agri-food system requires efficient markets; strong governance;, and balanced public, philanthropic and private investments to deliver long-term food security, healthy diets, economic growth, and resilience. This demands a fundamental rethinking of the international development architecture, particularly in attracting private investors. The G20 has acknowledged these challenges and made commitments to accelerate progress in tackling food insecurity, with South Africa stating this as one of the top priorities for its G20 presidency. 

Fragmented financing and the shrinking pool of resources require greater efficiency. Without a clear definition of financing for food security and nutrition, or a strategic shift within and between funding entities, commitments will fall short. G20 countries must thus transition to sustainable, long-term financing strategies and models that foster food security and resilience.   

One approach is for the G20 to prioritise and streamline existing frameworks, such as the Committee on World Food Security, the UN Food Systems Summit pathways and the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, as well as the Kampala Declaration at the African continental level. This builds policy coherence and incentivises collaboration for more catalytic funding for food security and nutrition, year-on-year. It also facilitates investment plans in support of countries’ development plans and targets, thereby attracting private and philanthropic investors.  

Strengthening national-level capacity and innovation 

For investments to reach those in need, it is essential to invest in building the capacities of public, market and community institutions. Supporting the design and implementation of investable, locally driven strategies requires leveraging best practices to scale both investment in and the adoption of high-quality, affordable agricultural and food innovations. Coupled with multi-year, predictable funding commitments, these safeguards against political and economic shifts that could undo progress. 

Another consideration is the growing pipeline of context-specific and scalable innovation. This requires long-term investment in research institutions to drive innovation in drought-resistant crops, soil health, regenerative farming, and digital agriculture. The enhancements to national agri-food research institutions have lasting multiplier effects for complementary sectors and contribute to overall well-being improvements. 

A call to action: Strengthening the G20’s role in improving food security and nutrition 

The G20 has long prioritised hunger and food insecurity, endorsing initiatives such as the Deccan High-Level Principles in 2023 and aligning with other global efforts such as IFAD’s 3FS approach to track investments in agri-food systems and the Committee on World Food Security’s Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems. The South African G20 presidency’s priorities for food security also complement the 2025 Kampala Declaration and the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. In March 2025, the African Development Bank announced its plans to scale smallholder financing. However, without a major shift in financing mechanisms and greater collaboration between funders and investors, G20 commitments risk falling short of delivering impact at the intended scale. 

The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development is a timely opportunity to advocate for bold reforms in global financing systems. Given the urgency of the food crisis, G20 leaders must take decisive action to not only fulfil their commitments to end hunger and poverty but also promote global economic stability, social equity, and environmental sustainability for future generations. 

A window of opportunity is ushered in by the G20 Agriculture Working Group to translate commitments into actionable policies. Its work should complement and leverage existing commitments, not duplicate them. These include building accountability for investable national development plans; adopting strategies and practices for mainstream scaling; and making sustainable investments in building institutional capacity and research capabilities. With these, G20 leaders can drive meaningful transformation of agri-food systems and thus achieve inclusive and resilient economic growth; long-term food and nutrition security; and poverty reduction.