Expressing concern over increasing food insecurity across the world, UN chief Ban Ki-moon has said the international task force that he has set up on global crisis will be "moving a full speed" since an urgent response is required as livelihood of millions is threatened.
"If not properly handled, this crisis could cascade into multiple crises affecting trade, development and even social and political security around the world," Ban Ki-moon said.
The UN secretary-general appealed to the member states to attend the Rome summit scheduled for early June at the highest level to work out the strategies to address and overcome the crisis caused by the fast rising prices of food.
Ban Ki-moon, who is sending personal invitation to all heads of state and government, called on the world leaders to come with fresh ideas, stressing that it is time for "real commitment and real action."
Ban Ki-moon last week announced a new international task force which will prepare a plan of action to tackle rise in global food prices. The group, which brings together the heads of key UN agencies, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well as experts from the around the globe, will hold its first meeting in New York on Monday.
The UN chief, who has just returned from official visits to West Africa and Europe, said the international community has taken promising steps in recent days to address emergency needs, but added that the longer-term challenge is "to boost agricultural development, particularly in Africa and other regions most affected."
Responding to criticisms leveled against the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, Ban Ki-moon said given the gravity of the current crisis, he can understand and sympathise with the frustrations that many people have.
