Bread for the World Institute

Public Policy:Solving a complex problem such as hunger requires a clear understanding of the impact of specific policies and how policies affect each other. Bread's Policy and Research Institute's (PRI) nonpartisan analysis and identification of action steps help strengthen Bread as a trusted voice. (See Sch. O)Public Policy:The Institute contributed to research and thought leadership through briefings, coalition meetings, webinars, blogs, and policy papers on a variety of hunger-related policy and programs that came through Congress. Here are a few highlights from 2024: A delegation from Bread participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), where they highlighted the importance of a strong COP replenishment and the need for long-term solutions to climate change. Bread's President and CEO Rev. Eugene Cho was the first leader of a faith-based organization to moderate the Global International Development Association (IDA) Forum, where more than 120 civil society organizations met with senior Bank leaders to discuss their policy framework and IDA replenishment. We also published comments on the World Bank IDA21 Replenishment Report. Bread representatives led discussions on integrating biodiversity into food policies at the Action on Food event. Additionally, we joined the Green Generation Initiative panel to analyze negotiation outcomes and foster cross-generational collaboration. International financial institutions (IFIs) are the largest source of international financing for many low- and middle-income countries. Their support is more critical than ever as increasing numbers of people around the world face hunger and life-threatening malnutrition.In 2024, we co-led the International Financial Institution Working Group (IFI WG), keeping members informed about budget updates, policy considerations, and relationship-building efforts with congressional members and their staff. Our efforts have helped cultivate new champions for IFIs in Congress, expand participation in the Congressional IFI Education Caucus, and establish a productive, ongoing dialogue with Treasury representatives. For the first time in recent history, Bread for the World participated in the G20 Summit as a Civil Society Partner, elevating global hunger and development financing on the world stage. Bread played an active role in shaping policy discussions by submitting two white papers: one underscoring the critical role of the World Bank and other financial institutions in addressing hunger and another amplifying the voices of Pan-African women on nutrition, food security, and economic empowerment. These efforts helped shape the broader G20 policy recommendations, particularly in relation to the World Bank's funding roadmap. Bread's contributions also fed into the establishment of the Global Alliance Against Hunger, Poverty, and Inequality, a landmark initiative announced at the G20 to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). In July, Bread released a policy brief underscoring the importance of reauthorizing the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA, a cornerstone of U.S.-Africa economic relations, allows 32 sub-Saharan African countries to export goods to the U.S. duty-free, supporting economic growth and opportunities for small business owners, including farmers. Bread has long supported AGOA since its inception in 2000, advocating for its potential to strengthen Africa's agricultural sector. By eliminating burdensome tariffs, AGOA enables farmers to invest in farming practices that are better for the environment, contributing to long-term food security across the region. As part of our ongoing efforts to educate policymakers, Bread organized and led an AGOA Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. This event brought together African leaders and members of Congress, providing an invaluable opportunity to discuss AGOA's impact and answer questions.