Highlighting the escalating famine risk, Erdoğan stated that 96% of Gaza's population, over two million people, currently lack access to clean food and water. He warned that the worsening conditions, coupled with continuous attacks and the approaching winter, have pushed Gaza into what he described as a "disaster level" crisis. 

Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to humanitarian aid, noting that the country has delivered over 86,000 tons of supplies to Gaza and 1.3 thousand tons of aid to Lebanon. "The civilians in Gaza, as well as those in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, should not be left to their fates. The ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza demands urgent global action," Erdoğan said. 

During his speech, Erdoğan called for the "Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty" to prioritize regions affected by famine and conflict, urging the inclusion of initiatives to reduce food waste and promote sustainable systems such as Türkiye’s "Zero Waste Project." 

Erdoğan pointed out that Türkiye had spearheaded significant efforts during its 2015 G20 Presidency, including the "G20 Action Plan on Food Security and Sustainable Food Systems." He emphasized the impact of the Zero Waste Project, which gained international recognition and led to the United Nations declaring March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste. 

Erdoğan also highlighted Türkiye’s strong social security system, stating that the nation protects vulnerable citizens through comprehensive support programs. He reiterated Türkiye’s active participation in global food security initiatives, such as the Black Sea Grain Corridor Initiative, aligning with its humanitarian foreign policy. 

The Turkish President concluded his address by reiterating Türkiye's readiness to cooperate for a world where "children, youths, and the elderly have access to sufficient and healthy food," urging G20 members to take concrete steps to combat hunger and poverty globally. (ILKHA)