G7 leaders launch initiative for global food security (Photo: Kyodo/VNA)

The G7 Apulia Food Systems Initiative (AFSI) - named after the Southern Italian region hosting the leaders' summit - will aim to "overcome structural barriers to food security and nutrition," according to the draft. he initiative will focus on low-income countries and support projects in Africa, one of the top priorities under Italy's rotating G7 presidency this year.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced a flagship Italian plan to help Africa earlier this year and has repeatedly said that support for the continent is essential to address the root cause of illegal migration to Europe.

The Western powers also committed to work together to "improve the fiscal space for food security" including by reducing borrowing costs for poorer nations via mechanisms such as debt swaps.