There is a consensus that the global food system is not delivering good nutrition for all and is causing environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. A profound transformation is needed to meet the challenges of persistent malnutrition and rural poverty, aggravated by climate change consequences. Agroecological approaches have gained prominence in scientific, agricultural, and political discourse in recent years, suggesting pathways to transform farming and food systems that address these issues. This document presents a broad conceptual overview of the literature, definitions, agroecology principles, and historical evolution. Besides, it considers three agroecology dimensions as a science, a set of practices, and a social movement. It relates them to the recent dialogue established to develop a series of ten iconic agroecology elements that have emerged from a global multi-stakeholder consultation and synthesis process, presenting pathways to more sustainable food systems.