Facing the Food Crisis

Santa Tecla, May 16th 2008. The local committee of AIESEC ESEN in El Salvador hosted the event in which economist, and representatives of organizations shared their opinions regarding different aspects of the global food crisis.

The event counted with the presence of Ing. Manuel Enrique Hinds, recognized economic analyst in El Salvador; Carlo Scaramela, Representative of the United Nations World Food Program; Amy Angel, Agriculture and Enviroment manager of FUSADES (Salvadorian Fundation for Economic and Social Development), and Manuel Sanchez Masferrer Ph D. Professor of ESEN.

The discussion focused on the kind of economical policies that would help Salvadorian economy to face the Global Food crisis as well as concrete actions for the typical citizens and vulnerable groups in particular.

Manuel Enrique Hinds presented the evolution of different economical index in Latin America and described similar situations that already happened; his approach focused on the effects caused by different policies in the past and the possible results of the same policies applied now days. Hinds, who explained the difference between ‘scarcity at any price’ of ‘high prices’ suggested strategies to ensure the availability of food, for example: enhancing productiveness of the resources instead of distorting the prices artificially.  

Carlo Scaramella and Amy Angel shared the researches made by their organizations and their approach towards the situation. Amy also focused on the importance of strategies that focus on vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, children under 3 years old and women en período de lactancia.

Finally, Manuel Sanchez suggested the general criteria for selecting a policy that will give real effects; ease to apply and control, focused of vulnerable groups instead of focusing in the whole population, long term effects and costs of the policy.

“I have to say, that our parents didn’t do a good job, because the reality this days is very complex, so it is our responsibility to start today to think on alternatives for our familiar economy and even your country. I think that it’s great that initiatives like organizing this forum, comes from university students, because it shows their proactiveness and the commitment to the future”.

Carlo Scaramella

“AIESEC is an organization lead by university students who are conscious of their responsibility towards the future and the fact that these students care about the issues that are shaping our world today enhances their learning and ensures that, when they get to a position in the government or similar, they will do the right thing.

Rafael Barraza

Director of Escuela Superior de Economía y Negocios. Alumni AIESEC in Chile . Former President of the Central Bank in El Salvador

The event took place yesterday, at Escuela Superior de Economía y Negocios campus

University students, NGO and company’s representatives attended the event.

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For media information:

Ethel Nuila

AIESEC in El Salvador
Email:  prensa.sv@aiesec.net