He said that while there have been improvements in global access to food and drinkable water in recent decades, there are still many challenges to face. To completely tackle world hunger, the pope said, the roots of the problem must be addressed.
"The origin of this tragedy lies above all in a failure of compassion, the lack of interest on the part of many and a scant social and political will to honour international obligations," Francis said.
He stressed that the issue of food security involves every nation, not just those in poverty. Environmental instability continues to affect food quantity in many areas, he noted, while some nations are also affected by high migration rates.
"The increased numbers of refugees throughout the world in recent years has shown us that one country's problem is a problem of the entire human family," he said.
The pope urged those present to reduce food and water waste. He challenged them to invest in educational programs, which spread awareness and inspire greater social responsibility. He also encouraged greater agricultural development in vulnerable regions, through the advancement of technology and solidarity policies.
"FAO and other international organizations are appropriate actors to coordinate necessary and decisive measures aimed at ensuring that all, particularly the poorest, have the access to basic goods," he said.
