From the MDGs to the SDGs: Understanding the meaning of the “2030 Agenda” for Food Security and Nutrition

Objective:

This event aims to inform CFS stakeholders including the Permanent Representatives to the Rome Based Agencies on the implications of the 2030 Agenda for food security and nutrition actors.

Background:

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted in September 2015 by all 193 countries, calls for a significant transformation in the approach to development at all levels. It is grounded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and encompasses universal aspirations centered on “the five “Ps” (People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership) where “no one is left behind”. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are interwoven, requiring integrated implementation. They apply to all countries depending on their national priorities and levels of development. Success in achieving them by 2030 will depend on countries’ capacity to develop and implement national strategies that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable, mobilize the support of national stakeholders, as well as of the regional and global development community. The follow up and review of progress by the High Level Political Forum (HLPF) is expected to capitalize on national reviews, knowledge and expertise at all levels and work by the UN regional economic commissions, functional commissions of ECOSOC and other intergovernmental forums.

Format:

Two keynote presentations by speakers from the UN in New York and Regional Commissions, will be followed by an interactive multistakeholder discussion. The session will aim to give a sense of the variety of actors involved in the processes, and provide an update on the concrete arrangements for the first cycle of reviews in the HLPF. It will improve collective understanding of:

• How can different actors be engaged to ensure participatory implementation of the SDGs?
• How do different governments prioritize food security and nutrition policy and strategic programming in the 2030 Agenda, in country and globally?
• How do the many processes forming the global Sustainable Development Follow-up and Review framework (national, regional and global thematic), contribute to the HLPF?
• How can CFS best contribute to the 2030 Agenda process?

Keynotes

Mr Thomas Gass, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs, UN DESA (NY)
Mr Amr Nour, Representative of UN Regional Commissions in NY

14:30 - 14:35 

Welcome address: Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director, WFP

14:35 - 14:45 

Opening: Amira Gornass, CFS Chair

14:45-15:30

What does the 2030 Agenda mean for food security and nutrition? How can CFS contribute meaningfully to the achievement and review of food security and nutrition related goals and targets?
– A New York perspective

• Mr Thomas Gass, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs, UN DESA (NY)
• Mr Amr Nour, Director, UN Regional Commissions

Response: How can CFS harness the variety of processes and actors to best support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda?
- A CFS perspective

• Josefina Stubbs, Associate Vice-President, IFAD (on behalf of the Rome based Agencies, FAO, IFAD, WFP)
• Stefano Prato (CSM)
• Robynne Anderson (PSM)

15:30-16:45

Interactive Discussion: Q&A

16:45-17:00

Closing remarks: Amira Gornass, CFS Chair

Moderator: Willem Olthof (EU)