In a new report, the United Nations joined a number of environmental groups in calling for an end to — or at least an overhaul of — subsidies for biofuels.

The Mediterranean diet, which has been associated with longer life spans and lower rates of heart disease and cancer, is in retreat in its home region.

The Mediterranean diet, which has been associated with longer life spans and lower rates of heart disease and cancer, is in retreat in its home region.

U.N. secretary general Ban Ki-moon called on countries to act with ?a sense of purpose and mission? to address global hunger. Instead, leaders spoke of their unique economic challenges.

Food experts and representatives from poor countries wondered whether the divided forces at the conference could devise any solution to the global hunger problem.

Leaders from around the world spoke about economic issues in their own countries and political priorities at a U.N. conference on food shortages.

Officials called the $1.5 billion donation a significant boost to their efforts to address the global food crisis, but acknowledged that much more money is required.

Resolving the global food crisis could cost as much as $30 billion a year and wealthier nations are doing little to help the developing world, United Nations officials said.

Resolving the global food crisis could cost as much as $30 billion a year and wealthier nations are doing little to help the developing world, United Nations officials said.

Defying European restrictions on his international travel, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe arrived in Rome over the weekend to attend a United Nations food conference.