Typhoon Haiyan has devastated vast parts of the Philippines, leaving suffering and destruction in its wake. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from around the world have mobilized staff and resources to offer support. Emergency food, water and medical supplies have begun to reach survivors, but many are still in need of urgent care.

In reaction to the typhoon and to force policy change, the Philippines’ Climate Change Commissioner Yeb Saño announced a hunger strike at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (known as COP19) in Warsaw, Poland, from Nov. 11-22.

AIDF staff note that Typhoon Haiyan will also put a renewed urgency on the AIDF Food Security Summit. Policy makers and sector leaders will meet to discuss effective measures for food security in Asia and the Pacific and will dedicate a special focus to disaster relief measures and how to ensure food security in the face of natural disasters.

Christopher Hoffman, emergency and post-crisis specialist at the International Organization for Migration, who will be speaking at the event, said, “The AIDF Food Security Summit is a great opportunity to bring together those that need to make the decisions with those that operate in the communities.”

Vinod Thomas, director general of independent evaluation at Asian Development Bank, and one of the keynote speakers at the AIDF summit said, “Climate change is often talked about as a long-term concern. However, its effects on agricultural productivity are already being felt and need to be addressed immediately. If climate change cannot be mitigated much more attention needs to be given to agricultural research and adaptation to ensure future productivity gains.”

Limited space to join the discussion is still open for investors, policy makers, NGOs and relevant companies. Register at www.aidforumonline.org/registration or contact Claudia Weston via e-mail at cweston@aidforumonline.org or by telephone at +44 (0)20 7871 0123 ext. 240, for more information.