FAO Seeks Increased Political Commitment, Solidarity for Transformation of Agrifood Systems

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has called on Heads of States across the globe to increase their political will and solidarity to transform agrifood systems in their bids to achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

At a high-level event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Mr. QU Dongyu, explained that while there are still many challenges, there are also many opportunities ahead and countries must adopt a systematic approach focused on leaving no one behind.

Dongyu said: “We are still coping with the impact of COVID-19, economic slowdowns and downturns, conflict and climate change, and as a result, there are 122 million more people pushed into hunger since the outbreak of the pandemic,” he explained.

Acknowledging the complexity of agrifood systems as well as environmental and biodiversity issues, he invited participants to focus on cooperating to change the current economic development model making it more sustainable and fostering science and innovation.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of Italy, Mr. Edmondo Cirielli, reiterated that Italy is deeply committed to global food security, partnering with the United Nations, FAO, and COP28. During Italy’s G7 presidency, he said, the nation plans to support accelerated food systems transformation, ensure a seamless transition with Japan, and address challenges like securing financial resources and promoting climate-resilient agriculture.

Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE, Ms. Mariam Almehiri, underscored the need for political will to address food system transformation and climate change, particularly in the lead-up to COP28.

She mentioned the importance of various stakeholders, including national leadership, non-state actors, and innovation, in this effort.

Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Satoshi Katahira, highlighted the escalating risks to food security due to factors like conflicts, pandemics, and climate change, resulting in increased hunger.

He said that Japan has prioritised food security during its G7 presidency, emphasising the need for immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term resilience-building efforts.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina Mohammed, also delivered remarks during the event. She emphasised the importance of integrating food systems with climate action and highlighted the need for coordinated efforts across various sectors and levels of governance.