Local capacity-building is the crux. The Netherlands wants to contribute to the development of know-how and help to increase its availability, for example, through the Agricultural University of Wageningen. It is up to each country to make every effort to contribute to the reduction of hunger and malnutrition as symptoms of extreme poverty. The developed countries carry a particular responsibility with regard to those countries that cannot deal with these problems without outside assistance. We cannot ignore an estimated billion people living in abject poverty.
International solidarity is crucial.
The Plan of Action duly underscores this point. The Netherlands, for its part, is prepared to shoulder its responsibilities. We will continue to devote at least 0.8 percent of our GNP to development cooperation. We are facing the daunting task of securing Food for All. Together we can and must live up to the promise of this Summit.