Speech of The Day (159): TO THE “FREEDOM FROM HUNGER” CAMPAIGN

TO THE “FREEDOM FROM HUNGER” CAMPAIGN

From time immemorial, hunger, disease and illiteracy have been man's persistent enemies which have plagued his effort to lead a fuller and healthier life.

Being aware of the urgent necessity to eradicate these causes of human misery, and having realized that this could only be done through their concerted actions in the various agencies of the United Nations, the nations of the world have joined hands and pulled together their resources and energies to fight back these scourges.

When, in 1960, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, determined to free mankind from the scourge of hunger, which is one of the three enemies of man, presented a programme of “Freedom From Hunger Cam- paign” to the Tenth Session of the FAO and the General Assembly of the United Nations, Ethiopia was one of the foremost countries to support and endorse the proposal.

Apart from the various actions and programmes which We endeavour to initiate to enhance and promote the welfare of Our beloved people, Our efforts to propose and support various programmes at the various forums of the United Nations and its specialized agencies have given encouraging results.

At all times, Ethiopia will continue to be the first to take action on such programmes that are designed to fight and eradicate such enemies which threaten human life and prosperity.

All nations have readily and fully endorsed the proposal that the “Freedom From Hunger Campaign” should be established within the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

                                                                                                                                                 Feb. 20, 1963.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 651 –