The living marine resources may also contribute substantially to achieving food security, but this requires urgent combat against excessive fishing and recognition of international agreements and principles of sustainable management of the aquatic resources. In addition to domestic production, trade is a key element in achieving world food security. The terms of trade are decisive for the least developed and net food importing countries and I am pleased that the Summit signals special support to the poorest countries. I also appreciate that the important linkages between trade and environment are reflected in the Plan of Action. In general, our commitments made by the Uruguay Round Agreement form the basis for action in this field in the years ahead.
Equality is a key to sustainable development through empowerment of people, both men and women.
The role of women in achieving food security cannot be over-estimated. In many societies women are the main producers of food. Women must be given equal access to education, land, and other productive assets, as well as credit. Women are also the main providers of meals, nutritional information and in assuring improved nutritional status within households. Any strategy for improvement in food security will therefore have to take women's needs as a point of departure.