Now and then, slandering and defaming others are considered acts of "mean people", but they are tricks favoured by subversive forces against Viet Nam. Their purposes are to discredit cadres, especially senior leaders of the Party and State, causing internal divisions, creating discord in society, and undermining people's trust. These tricks of "old wine" in "new bottle" are very dangerous which should be identified and eliminated as soon as possible.

“Old wine”

Disseminating fabricated and distorted information in order to defame officials and “opponents" to fight against, splinter, weaken and distrust the opponents from inside is one of the dangerous subversive tactics that has long been applied in the world. Currently, this tactic is implemented by well-trained people, with the support of science and technology, making it more and more popular and sophisticated. Being failed to subdue Vietnam revolution by force, hostile forces have changed their strategy to "peaceful evolution" aiming to undermine all aspects of our country's social life. In ideological and political aspects, defaming and demeaning cadres and party members have been considered by hostile forces as key contents to fight. They have conducted them proactively, continuously, and moderately; combining sophisticated, blatant, and cunning measures from distorting history, denying the contributions of revolutionary elders to smearing and defaming the incumbents. Their popular forms include: distorting, fabricating backgrounds and past actions of cadres as well as violating their private life, family life, etc. They even make use of health issues of high-ranking cadres to speculate and deduce the political situation of the country, etc. In order to highlight their efficiency, hostile forces often release information that defames officials at the time of political sensitiveness, such as: before, during and after important political events and anniversaries of the country, like the Party congress, the election of deputies to the National Assembly and all-level People's Councils, etc. The essence is still to fabricate information, distorting the truth to undermine the reputation of individuals, causing disunity, "self-evolution", and "self-transformation" internally, making confusions and suspicions in society, and creating favourable conditions for them to carry out their sabotage. They make use of the degeneration and metamorphosis of a part of cadres and civil servants, distorting that it is the essence of the social system, the nature of our Party and State, undermining the trust of the people in the Party, the State and the socialism.

“New bottles”

The trick of defaming cadres and party members has long been carried out by hostile forces to undermine our country's revolution. Moreover, taking advantage of the development of science and technology, the internet, and social networks, this trick has been implemented more broadly; its tactics are covered by more sophisticated "new bottles". In the past, contents that were used to defame cadres were often taken from news, events and actions of cadres then. Now, in this interconnected world, it is easy for the hostile forces to find topics then supplement information and distort the news to defame cadres. They dig up everything, from the past to the present, about the personal life, social relations, working style, and capacity, etc. of officials and party members. Even just a single action or statement of an official could be analysed, dissected, and distorted to make up stories. In the past, their targets were usually senior officials or cadres who had direct contact with the people; but now all cadres and party members are not excluded.

They exploit the internet and cyberspace to increase the social impact. Not only could it spread quickly, reach every corner, but also cause unlimited suspicion. The methods of smearing and releasing distorted information are also very diverse and sophisticated. They often exploit, distort information, and build up stories about officials.

To achieve their goal, the hostile forces have applied all possible methods; including the application of "artificial intelligence" technology to fake images, and clips defaming officials and then post them on social networks. They even set up "pitfalls" to provoke, cause officials to lose control in specific situations then shooting clips, taking pictures and build up new stories to ignite social dissidence.

In reality, bad news has wings. And when it is posted on internet and virtual community, the effect is multiplied by manipulation of hostile forces. Moreover, they are also experts in hyping things up to attract followers and create hot news. From a minor inappropriate action of a cadre, they can draw up a panorama picture of ethics, lifestyle, and civil service culture, etc. of an entire agency or unit, and even of the society and then compare it with the situation in other countries, despite the lameness of that comparison. More dangerously, in order to lead public opinion in accordance with their scheme, they block or remove conflicting comments, causing panic even for those with appropriate points of view.

Be aware to identify right from wrong

It is clear that, no matter how sophisticated tricks of the hostile forces are, their essence remains unchanged, just "new bottle, old wine". Their purpose is to overthrow the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and to abolish the socialist regime in our country. Therefore, cadres and party members should be aware to identify right from wrong. It is said that "No one is perfect." In the country's cause of construction in the transitional period to socialism, it is impossible to avoid shortcomings and weaknesses, especially in leadership and management. Among a large number of cadres and party members, it is inevitable that there will be someone who make mistakes. To limit that, our Party and State have issued regulations and laws with strict sanctions to manage, educate, deter, and strictly handle cadres and party members violating the regulations and laws. Every cadre and party member has to undergo a process of striving and training to achieve certain criteria and standards of moral qualities, qualifications and capabilities. Each agency and unit has its own regulations and cultural standards for its officials and party members to follow. The specific manifestations of "self-evolution" and "self-transformation" are pointed out by our Party in the Resolution of the 4th Central Committee (12^th tenure); specific regulations on responsibilities of setting an example of cadres and party members; Regulation No. 37-QD/TW, dated October 25, 2021 of the Central Committee (13^th tenure) on what Party members are not allowed to do; The whole political system and our people are promoting studying and following Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality and lifestyle, etc. These are efforts of the Party and State to prevent and reduce the manifestation of degeneration and metamorphosis of cadres and party members, etc.

In practice, thousands of cadres and party members have been disciplined and prosecuted, including the senior ones. But those are just "worms that make the soup pot"; these phenomena cannot be equated with the nature of the Party and the regime. The equitable practice and spirit of working hard for the people and for the country of the majority of cadres, party members, and leaders of the Party and State are proofs to refute all distortions of the hostile forces.

Our Party and State desperately need sincere criticisms, constructive suggestions, in accordance with the law to criticise, condemn and denounce the bad practices and weaknesses of cadres and party members, as a basis for doing business, cleanliness within the Party and State apparatus. But we also resolutely punish those who take advantage of social criticism, in the name of "the people" to slander, distort, and defame the honour and dignity of others. In our country, the Constitution and laws have a number of provisions protecting human rights, honour, reputation, personal and family secrets, prohibiting acts of fabricating, distorting, slandering and defaming these human rights. The Article 21 of the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (2013) stipulates: “Everyone is entitled to the inviolability of personal privacy, personal secrecy and familial secrecy; and has the right to protect his or her honour and prestige". The Criminal Code 2015, amended and supplemented in 2017 and the Law on Criminal Procedure (2015) stipulate the application of specific sanctions for the crime of slandering, fabricating or spreading distorted information in order to seriously insult to the others’ dignity and honour or offend to the legitimate rights and interests of others. When committing this crime, depending on the severity and nature of the slander, the individual or organisation that commits the crime may be liable to a fine of at least VND 10,000,000 or face to a penalty of up to 07 years imprisonment, especially for those who commit dirty crimes. Article 117 of this Law further stipulates: “Any person, for the purpose of opposing the State of Socialist Republic of Vietnam, commits any of the following acts shall face a penalty of 05 - 12 years imprisonment: making, storing, spreading information, materials, items that contain distorted information to cause dismay among the people. An extremely serious case of this offence shall carry a penalty of 10 - 20 years imprisonment.” Not only the laws of Vietnam, but also international laws and regulations protect people's privacy and personal rights. Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) provides for the right to privacy, affirming: no one shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his or her privacy, family, home, correspondence, or unlawful attacks on honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

Thus, international and Vietnam laws have set forth regulations and sanctions to properly handle organisations and individuals that misrepresent, fabricate, and defame others for bad purposes. However, behind these "small" acts are always the malicious political intrigues of forces that oppose our country's revolution. This requires each of us to be aware to identify the true nature, not to assist them while actively fight to abolish them from social life.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the Climate Summit, held within the framework of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26)

“We need sustainable development in harmony with nature to secure a clean living environment for present and future generations, instead of unlimited exploitation and possession of resources, unrestrained consumption and destruction of the environment.” This is one of the five “needs” defined by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in his article titled “Some theoretical and practical issues on socialism and the path towards socialism in Vietnam.”

Sustainable development, with proper settlement of the relations between development and environment, is one of the true values of socialism and the goal that the Party, President Ho Chi Minh and the people of Vietnam have set and persistently pursued.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fisheries Society (VINAFIS) said that the path to socialism is closely attached to the path for sustainable national development in politics, society, culture and environment. This is a right strategic choice  ensuring economic efficiency in the long term.
Throughout the process of national construction and development, especially since the start of the “Doi Moi” (Renewal) cause, the system of viewpoints of the Party and State regarding environmental protection and sustainable development has shown coherence and consistency.

The viewpoints have been reviewed, supplemented and perfected through Party congresses to make them suitable to the national development situation in particular periods, while many resolutions and directives on environmental protection have been issued.

Efforts to protect global common house

Protecting the environment and securing sustainable development is a matter of interest of not only Vietnam but also all countries around the globe. Ensuring the sustainability in environment is one of the eight Millennium Development Goals that the UN set in September 2000. In September 2015, the UN adopted the Agenda 2030 with 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including the goal No. 13 on climate actions.
 
After five years of implementing the Agenda 2030, Vietnam has ranked 49th among 166 countries in the sustainable development index, leaping five positions from 2019. Vietnam is likely to complete five out of 17 SDGs in 2030, including the goal No. 13.
UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Vietnam Terence D. Jones affirmed that Vietnam is in the top group among the three groups of countries with fastest progress in implementing the SDGs.

Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam congratulated Vietnam for always being a pioneer in multilateral cooperation and a leading country in the people-core, inclusive growth and sustainable development policy in both regional and global levels. She complemented Vietnam’s commitments in increasing the ambition and engagement in global efforts against climate change.

For a green Vietnam

With a strategic vision, 60 years ago on November 28, 1959, President Ho Chi Minh wrote an article entitled “Tet trong cay” (Tree planting festival) for Nhan Dan (People) newspaper, which analysed the significant meaning and practical benefits of tree planting and forest expansion for the country as well as each family and person.

Responding to President Ho Chi Minh’s call, the people of Vietnam conducted the first tree planting festival in the Lunar New Year Festival in 1960. Since then, the festival has become a sound tradition of the nation.

On April 1, 2021, the Prime Minister issued decision No. 524/QD-TTg approving a project to plant 1 billion trees in the 2021-2025 period. By the end of 2021, 210 million trees had been planted, reaching 115 percent of the plan.
Socio-economic development in parallel with environmental protection and the economical and efficient use of energy has become a major trend and a vital requirement during the nation’s development path. Every Spring, all Vietnamese people in every corner of the nation have actively responded to the Tet trong cay, showing the responsibility and commitments of the present generation to the future generations, contributing to protecting the environment and building an evergreen and sustainable country./.

                                             Defendant Le Van Dung at the trial on March 23

The Hanoi People’s Court has sentenced Le Van Dung, a resident in the city’s Ha Dong district, to five years in prison for “conducting propaganda against the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam”.

At the first-instance trial on March 23, the court also decided to put the defendant, born in 1970 and living in Ha Cau ward, under five-year surveillance after he completes his jail term.

His accessory, Nguyen Van Son, born in 1956 and living in Phuong Tu commune of Hanoi’s Ung Hoa district, received a suspended 18-month prison sentence with 36 months’ probation for “hiding a criminal”.

According to the indictment, from March 2017 to September 2018, Dung made and posted 12 video clips, including five that distorted the State’s guidelines and policies, defamed the people’s administration, and spread fabricated information stirring public concern.

After police launched legal action, Dung fled and was later arrested while hiding at Son’s house. Son knew that Dung was being wanted by the investigation agency but still let Dung stay at his home until Dung was uncovered and detained.

At the trial, Dung admitted his acts as pointed out in the indictment but said those acts did not violate the law. Meanwhile, Son pleaded guilty to all of his wrongdoing.

The jury held that this is a serious case that threats national security. Dung was aware that his acts ran counter to the law but still intentionally committed the crime.

Earlier, he had been fined thrice by police of Hoan Kiem district for causing public disorder./.

                                                            Illustrative image

Policies and mechanisms are needed to take better care of the elderly as Vietnam’s population aging is forecast to increase in the coming years, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said on March 22.

Speaking at a working session with representatives from the Vietnamese Association of the Elderly in Hanoi, the PM noted that elderly people make up 17 percent of the national population, and the rate is expected to reach 25 percent by 2045.

He ordered efforts to well implement contents relating to the elderly in the resolution adopted at the 13th National Party Congress, and other relevant guidelines, policies and laws.

It is necessary to raise public awareness of the role by the elderly as well as the association’s operations and contributions to the society, Chinh continued, expressing his hope that the elderly will uphold their role in social supervision and criticism.

The association brings together more than 9.7 million members, accounting for nearly 90 percent of the population.

Some 4 million old people have received regular health check-ups and more than 95 percent of the elderly have health insurance cards.  

Over 6.5 million old people are directly joining production and business activities, of whom some 100,000 have run their own facilities, and around 400,000 have been honoured for their outstanding performance in this field.

The association proposed the government speed up and raise the efficiency of the amendment and supplement of the Law on the Elderly, and create more favourable conditions for the elderly and the association itself to further contribute to socio-economic development./.

 With the purpose of denying the leadership of the Party and the path to socialism in Viet Nam, hostile forces and political opportunists spread many documents distorting that Viet Nam’s path to socialism is the wrong choice, going against the trend of mankind, etc. That is an absurd argument, without scientific and practical basis, and needs to be fought against and rejected.

It can be affirmed that, our Party's choice of the path to socialism is completely objective and scientific, basing on "the will of the Party" and "the people's hearts", in line with the country's reality and the trend of the times. But hostile forces and political opportunists see it as a threat to the existence of capitalism. They focus on attacking, rejecting, and denying Marxism-Leninism. They claim that Marxism – Leninism is just a theory of utopian socialism that could never be realised; that, the Communist Party of Viet Nam has chosen the wrong path, there can never be socialism; socialism is a "lost" doctrine, going against the development of mankind, etc. However, it has been proven in practice that, however hard they try to oppose, the path to socialism in light of Marxism-Leninism is still the aspiration and future of mankind, of our nation, because that is the rule of history. Our Party's choice of the path of national development is absolutely correct and scientific.

Theoretically

Marxism-Leninism is the selective inheritance of human progressive thought on the development of human nature and society; the practical summary of the workers' movement. It specifies the development law of humankind, point out the way and measures to smash the domination of the bourgeoisie; shows the way for the proletariat to struggle to liberate themselves, build a new social system - socialist society; and becomes the lodestar guiding awareness and actions of communist parties and international workers' movements.

According to Marxism-Leninism, the development of human society is the regular development, the natural-historical process, the replacement and continuation of socio-economic forms from low to high level, in which the root cause regulating that process is the dialectical relationship between forces of production and relations of production, the culmination of which is the irreconcilable internal contradiction between these two factors, leading to social revolution, replacing the old socio-economic form with a new higher one. Accordingly, the inevitable movement and development from capitalism to socialism is not an exception to that rule. This is an objective law in the evolution of human society that Marx and his associates discovered, not a subjective, one-sided, one-way imposition. Along with that process, the state serving the ruling class in the capitalist regime is replaced by the one of the working class, which manages society and serves the interests of all citizens according to the good ideals of socialism in which people are liberated comprehensively, and all oppression and exploitation are eliminated.

It should be added that, basically, the development of human society is a natural historical process, sequentially from low to high. However, depending on historical conditions and circumstances of each country, certain socio-economic forms can be ignored if conditions permit. For example, from feudalism bypassing capitalism straight to socialism through a long transitional period (as in Viet Nam). It was a great cause, requiring time, with a labour process to create the material basis for socialist-oriented life. In particular, this process must be led by a political party of the working class with bravery, high political determination, the right development direction and strategy, based on a solid ideological foundation, the creative application of Marxism-Leninism into the specific circumstances of their country, with the people's consensus and support.

Practically, socialism is the future of mankind

Although facing a very difficult period, socialism is still the aspiration, ideal, and a good goal that mankind is aiming for. The preeminent nature of socialism, which has been tested by practice, is to harmonise economic development with the realisation of justice, social security and equality, to minimise and wipe out the exploitation among people, create the best conditions for people to enjoy the achievements of the development process.

Currently, thanks to its positive changes, capitalism has seen certain developments which have been promoted by hostile forces as a civilised regime, the "peak" of human society, and the bourgeoisie is the centre of the times, holding a historical role in the development of mankind! Some people look at the material conditions, the level of development of capitalist countries thanks to the achievements of the scientific - technological revolution and decades of peace, and hurriedly attack socialism. However, in nature, capitalism is characterised by  exploitation of surplus value and profit, inequality, rich and poor gap, war, etc. which should be resolutely countered.

In addition, the strong development of socialist countries and socialist-oriented ones is a solid proof that socialism will be the future of mankind. Take China for example, by creatively applying Marxism-Leninism and the ideology of its predecessors, being persistent with China-way socialism, the Communist Party of China has led the cause of building socialism in this country with great achievements, becoming the world's second economic power. As for Cuba, despite being the focus of fierce sabotage, economic sanctions and embargo imposed by hostile forces, with the bravery of communists and a strong determination to follow the path of socialism, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba, Cuban people conducted a revolution and implemented a dynamic foreign policy to develop the economy and build the country in order to "increasingly improve the material and spiritual needs of the working people", especially on the fields of education and health. More specifically, Cuba always gives priority to social security policies through the development of health, education and sports sectors, which is typical in the region and in the world. On its chosen path, although there are still many difficulties ahead, the preeminent features of socialism have been seen on this free and beautiful island. These show that socialism is immortal with time and unstoppable.

Real socialism in Viet Nam

We know that in the early years of the twentieth century, our Party and Leader Nguyen Ai Quoc creatively applied Marxism-Leninism to specific conditions of Viet Nam and found the right revolutionary path for the nation, ending the era of policy crisis. Therefore, right after the establishment of the Communist Party of Viet Nam on the 3^rd February 1930, in the first Platform, the Party decided the way of Viet Nam’s revolutionary path as conducting bourgeois and land revolution to advance to communist society. This is a very important political orientation and guideline for our Party to lead the people in the revolutionary process. In order to realise that line, our people, under the leadership of the Party, did not hesitate hardships, sacrificed themselves to defeat all invaders, regain the independence and territorial integrity for the country, and realise the goal of national independence associated with socialism.

The socialist society that the Vietnamese people are making all efforts to build is a society where the people are well-off, the nation is strong and the people are owners, a society characterised by democracy, equality and civilisation. It possesses a highly developed economy on the basis of a modern productive force and suitable and progressive production relations. It enjoys an advanced culture imbued with national identity. Its people are entitled to wellbeing, freedom and happiness and are blessed with opportunities for comprehensive development. Ethnic groups in the Vietnamese community are equal, united, respectful and supportive of each other to grow together. It has a rule-of-law socialist state of the people, by the people and for the people under the leadership of the Communist Party. And it maintains friendship and cooperation with all countries in the world. Thus, in whatever conditions or circumstances, our Party and People would definitely choose the path to socialism. This is the study, and faithful and creative application of Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh's thought on socialism to specific conditions of Viet Nam revolution.

Since its inception, especially after 35 years of renewal cause, 30 years of implementing the transitional period to socialism, despite the sabotage of hostile forces, our Party and People are still steadfast in the chosen path with strong political will; the theory on renovation line and socialism has been increasingly perfected and gradually realised. Our renovation cause has been carried out comprehensively in terms of economy, politics, culture, society, national defence, security and foreign affairs. Renovation is not about changing the goal of socialism, but having that goal realised by correct conceptions of socialism, with appropriate forms, steps and measures.

Facing the complicated developments of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the people-centred view, the whole political system took action under the leadership of the Party and the Government's management, bringing about essential results, contributing to curbing the spread of the pandemic, and bringing all activities of the society to the new normality. That has clearly demonstrated the preeminent nature of the regime, which has earned the trust and support by the people, and been recognised and appreciated by the international community, the World Health Organisation and international organisations. The image of a humane, brave and responsible Viet Nam has spread far and wide.

The great achievements of historical significance continue to affirm that the path to socialism in our country is consistent with the reality of Viet Nam and the development trend of the times. The preeminent nature of socialism has been increasingly vividly and clearly shown in Viet Nam. Both theory and practice have justified for the correctness of our choice. Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh's thought have always been the ideological foundation and lodestar for the Party’s leadership over Viet Nam’s revolutionary path to socialism.

 The effects of COVID-19 over the past two years, in addition to the increase in wars and conflicts, climate change and economic crises, have aggravated global food insecurity, generating serious concerns for 2022.

The main annual report on agrifood insecurity of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) presented in the second half of 2021, the subsequent reports on the crises in areas facing the greatest risk of food insecurity, and the current war between Russia and Ukraine, confirm these pessimistic global trends affecting every region of the world.

In 2020, more than 800 million people were already suffering from hunger. The dramatic effects of COVID-19 projected an increase of 100 million in these past two years, continuing in the negative trend of the last five years.

Around 50 of the least developed countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, with low incomes and large food deficits, obtain more than 30% of their wheat from the area currently in serious conflict

With just eight years before 2030, the date established by world leaders to eliminate poverty and hunger within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms persist. Insufficient progress is being made to allow us to consider the possibility that these objectives will be achieved within the agreed time.

The COVID-19 pandemic made clear the causes of vulnerability and deficiencies in global agrifood systems – the activities and processes affecting the production, distribution and consumption of food.

The challenge of overcoming hunger and malnutrition in all its forms (including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overweight and obesity) goes beyond obtaining enough food for survival. Food for people, especially for children, must also be nutritious.

The high cost of healthy diets, which is likely to increase as a result of the war between Russia and Ukraine, will drive a growing number of families around the world further away from the goal of improving nutrition.

The dramatic European conflict that began on February 24th, whose effects are still difficult to understand in its full capacity, suggests that these trends will worsen.

Just think that Russia is the world’s largest exporter of wheat and Ukraine stands as the fifth largest. Together, they provide 19% of the world’s supply of barley, 14% of wheat and 4% of corn, and 52% of the world market for sunflower oil, and Russia is also the main producer of fertilizers.

Around 50 of the least developed countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, with low incomes and large food deficits, obtain more than 30% of their wheat from the area currently in serious conflict.

According to a recent FAO study, food prices started to rise in the second half of 2020, reaching an all-time high in February 2022 due to the high demand for products, input, and transport costs.

The study is still unable to record clear trends in the effects of the war that began in February, but considering the difficult conditions for carrying out the traditional June harvest in Ukraine, the massive displacements in many areas of the country that are causing a reduction in the number of agricultural workers, as well as the difficulty in accessing agricultural fields, transportation, among other aspects, makes us foresee a very complicated situation.

Countries with large populations, such as Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran and Turkey, are the main importers of wheat, buying more than 60% of that product from Russia and Ukraine. Other countries with strong internal conflicts, such as Libya and Yemen, and nations such as Lebanon, Pakistan and Tunisia also depend heavily on wheat from these two European countries.

If the situation continues in this direction, the number of people suffering from hunger will inevitably increase, which in the Middle East reached 69 million in 2020 due, in particular, to conflicts, poverty, climate change, the scarcity of natural resources and the economic crisis, in addition to the effects of COVID-19.

In Asia and the Pacific, during the same period, more than 375 million people were in a situation of hunger, facing high levels of poverty, economic contraction, climate change and COVID-19, among other aspects.

In Africa, the unstoppable increase in hunger continues for reasons similar to those of the other two regions. Latin America and the Caribbean is not far behind, reaching 9.1% of the regional population, slightly below the world average of 9.9% of the population.

Faced with the possible acceleration of this global scenario, aggravated by the war between Russia and Ukraine, FAO´s Director-General, QU Dongyu, called for keeping the world trade in food and fertilizers open to protect the production and marketing activities necessary to meet national and global demand.

He also asked to find new and diverse food suppliers for importing countries that would allow them to absorb the possible reduction in imports from the two European countries in conflict. He also focused his concern on supporting vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons in Ukraine, expanding social safety nets, and anticipating that around the world “many more people will be pushed into poverty and hunger by conflict”.

QU called on governments to avoid ad hoc policy reactions because of their international effects, “since the reduction of import tariffs or the use of export reduction restrictions could help solve agrifood security problems for individual countries in the short term, but it would push prices higher on world markets.”

He also requested to strengthen transparency on world market conditions for governments and investors, relying on existing instruments such as the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) of the Group of 20 (G20).