ActionAid has linked with Avaaz and delivered a petition signed by 165,000 people from 192 countries calling on world leaders to address the growing hunger crisis. Rome’s Coliseum was illuminated for the UN World Food Summit to send a message to leaders that action on hunger is urgent.

An online petition launched by ActionAid and Avaaz.org, the global citizens' network, calls for the full delivery of a new $20 billion agriculture and food security package pledged at the G8 Summit this summer.

"Citizens around the world are shocked that governments are not meeting minimal promises," said Ricken Patel, executive director of Avaaz.org. "The financial crisis is hitting the poorest countries hardest and pushing millions more to the very brink of survival.
 
"Rich nations were swift to bail out big banks but when it comes to sustainable solutions and saving lives, they are clearly dragging their feet," he added. "The world is urging them to put this right in Rome."

The tradition of lighting up Roman monuments began in 2000 to mark special events. The City’s mayor agreed to mark the eve of the World Food Summit following ActionAid’s request last week.

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