The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) was established in 1974 and reformed in 2009 to become the foremost inclusive international and intergovernmental platform for a broad range of committed stakeholders to work together in a coordinated manner and in support of country-led processes towards the elimination of hunger and ensuring food security and nutrition for all, for the progressive realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security. 

CFS promotes policy convergence and coherence on global food security and nutrition issues. Its processes ensure that the voices of all relevant stakeholders are heard, particularly those most affected by food insecurity and malnutrition.

The Committee supports country-led implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a special focus on Sustainable Development Goal 2:  Ending Hunger, and its linkages with other goals, targets, and indicators relevant to food security and nutrition.

CFS is an integral component of global governance on food security and reports to the UN General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It is made up of countries that are members of the United Nations; UN agencies and bodies with a mandate on food security and nutrition; other relevant UN System bodies whose overall work is related to attaining food security; civil society and non-governmental organisations and their networks; international agricultural research systems; international and regional Financial Institutions; and relevant private sector associations and private philanthropic foundations.

CFS is jointly supported by the three Rome-based Agencies:  the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Programme (WFP), which provide CFS with core funding, technical expertise and make up the joint CFS Secretariat hosted by FAO. CFS activities also rely upon voluntary contributions.