Eradicating hunger will require a significant increase in agricultural investment and, more importantly, it will require improving the quality of investment so that it benefits those that need it most.

The CFS Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems – known as RAI – acknowledge that the starting point for defining how responsible investment in agriculture and food systems can contribute to food security and nutrition is the recognition and respect for human rights. They are a set of ten principles that apply to all types and sizes of agricultural investment including fisheries, forests and livestock. They address all stakeholders and apply to all stages of the value chain. As a soft law instrument they are globally applicable and include actions to address a range of environmental, social and economic issues.

As the RAI principles were developed through a multi-stakeholder process, they already have wide buy-in. All CFS stakeholders are asked to collaborate, network and identify joint activities to promote the use of the RAI Principles at the local, national and regional levels.

CFS organized a Global Thematic Event (GTE) at CFS 50 in October 2022 for taking stock of the use and application of the Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems, endorsed in 2014. The GTE provided an opportunity for an interactive multistakeholder dialogue to share experiences and good practices at national, regional and global levels. The event looked into the potential application of CFS policy outcomes, in particular the implementation of the RAI Principles and their contribution to food security and nutrition, thus supporting the progressive realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security, in line with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. More information on the GTE is available here.