Science and evidence-based approach is key for accelerating transformation to sustainable food systems

12 May 2020, Rome/London - FAO Director-General QU Dongyu met today, via teleconference, with Sir John Beddington and Sandy Thomas, members of the Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition - an independent group of influential experts with a commitment to tackling global challenges in food and nutrition security.

During the talks, the parties agreed on the need to step up efforts to transform agriculture and food systems including food supply chains to make them more sustainable and environmentally friendly. They noted that this requires evidence and science-based approaches as well as remodeling consumption patterns to promote nutrition.

The FAO Director-General said that he was happy to accept the invitation to join the panel given that both  - the UN agency and the Global Panel - share the same vision of science-based solutions being an integral part of the food systems transformation and serving as basis for shaping food and agriculture policies. He also highlighted the importance of diversifying food systems and improving nutrition.

The FAO chief underscored the need for strong catalytic effects to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To this end, he added that transferring scientific insights to policy makers and consumers will be critical for advancement towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For her part, Professor Thomas complimented FAO on the impressive work the Organization has done in the context of the COVID-19 crisis by providing Policy Briefs and data on food trade related issues. 

Sir Beddington further mentioned that the international response has to gear up to address issues of poverty and malnutrition amid the pandemic, and also commended FAO for the important work that the Organization has done to mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19 on food security and nutrition.

Both parties agreed on the critical relevance of taking further steps to address the implications of the current pandemic for food systems, poverty and malnutrition. They also underscored that special attention needs to be given to key areas, such as food for growth, the environment, healthy diets and food diversity when economic recovery efforts are implemented in a post COVID-19 Scenario.