Speaking at the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Context of Climate Change, Dr. Arvind Kumar, President, India Water Foundation (IWF), underscored that transforming global food systems is fundamental to safeguarding human rights in an era of accelerating climate change.
Dr. Kumar emphasized that Climate change and food insecurity are deeply interconnected challenges. Addressing one requires addressing the other. The transformation of food systems is therefore not merely an agricultural priority but a human rights imperative. Climate change disrupts global food systems by reducing crop yields, straining livestock productivity, and damaging supply chains through extreme weather. Warmer temperatures, droughts, and floods lower nutritional value, accelerate food spoilage, and increase food prices, ultimately threatening worldwide food security.
Highlighting India’s proactive response to climate-induced food insecurity, he noted that India has developed climate-resilient crop varieties, required significantly less water while maintaining productivity, strengthening both nutritional security and farmers’ resilience in vulnerable regions. He also drew attention to the Government of India’s landmark decision in 2024 to launch the National Mission on Natural Farming, designed to support ecosystem-based agriculture. He reaffirmed India Water Foundation’s commitment to supporting global efforts that place human rights at the centre of climate action and food systems transformation, in line with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals and international climate commitments.
In parallel with the UNHRC session, India Water Foundation team also organized a photo exhibition at the iconic Broken Chair Square in Geneva, showcasing India’s remarkable strides in health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and community well-being. Health, nutrition, and clean water and sanitation (WASH) are inextricably linked. Unsafe water and poor sanitation directly cause infections like diarrhoea and parasitic worms, which drain vital nutrients from the body. Without WASH, even the most nutritious diet cannot prevent malnutrition, making integrated approaches essential for human development. Reflecting India’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, the exhibition demonstrated how integrated investments in health, water, sanitation, and nutrition are contributing to stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.
