Lane, who previously served as U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Agencies in Rome (including the World Food Programme and the Food and Agricultural Organization), discussed progress that has been made in reducing the proportion of the world’s population who suffer from food insecurity. However, he also noted the alarming rise in the number of the world’s poorest who live in countries with unstable governments, adding to the severity of crises in global poverty, hunger and health.
The YLUK members peppered Ambassador Lane with questions and observations of their own, including thoughtful analyses of shifting geopolitical forces that complicate action by major world powers.
Barzun, who is completing his service as Ambassador, started the YLUK program, which now numbers more than 2,000 participants. In addition to Ambassador Lane, previous US speakers have included Secretary of State John Kerry and President Obama, who met with the group during his visit in April 2016.