CL176 Side Event: Promoting Transformation of Agrifood Systems through the Global Development Initiative (GDI) of China to Accelerate the SDGs Opening Remarks

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to join you in hosting this important side event to reflect on increasing collaboration in key areas across global agrifood systems.

We are facing complex development challenges around the world that are impacting food availability, food accessibility and food affordability, thereby impacting all the SDGs.

These global challenges go beyond borders and require even stronger global solidarity and collaboration.

FAO as a specialized agency of the United Nations is the custodian for SDG2 and SDG1, which are central to FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31.

The overarching guidance of FAO’s Strategic Framework is the Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life - leaving no one behind.

Especially for developing food exporting countries – it is essential to have Better Production, to produce more with less.

The right to food is a basic human right – this is a concept I have also often discussed with the Holy Father.

The Global Development Initiative (GDI) aligns with our Mandate, which offers a valuable approach to address global challenges and offers solutions by focusing on development, promoting shared growth and accelerating implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

FAO welcomes all initiatives from Members, by Members and for Members that can contribute to FAO’s mandate, such as the GDI today, as well as others such as the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) launched by the United States, and the Food for Gaza initiative by the Italian Government.

We support all initiatives that support our efforts, combine resources, share knowledge, and catalyze the needed transformation of global agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable. 

We appreciate the support from all countries, no matter how big or small.

China’s vast experience and great achievements, based on its long history and contribution to civilization, should be shared globally with all countries, not just within China.

To facilitate the transformation of global agrifood systems, we have launched FAO flagship initiatives such as: 

• The Hand-in-Hand Initiative - which promotes targeted investments to uplift the most vulnerable;
• The One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative – which enhances value chains of special agricultural products, now operating in 87 countries worldwide;
• The Digital Villages Initiative – which leverages digital solutions for rural transformation;
• The Green Cities Initiative – which promotes urban food systems that are sustainable and inclusive, especially though efforts at the local government level; and
• FAO’s South-South and Triangular Cooperation Programme – which fosters solidarity in addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality and sustainable development.

Through South-South and Triangular Cooperation, for example, we have identified unique solutions to solve common development problems, including in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs); and strengthened human resources, technical skills and institutional capacities in countries that need it most.

We have seen tangible results that are leading to positive changes and progress, especially in agriculture development and poverty reduction.

Looking ahead, there is immense potential to further increase our collaboration, foster innovation, enhance financing mechanisms, and prioritize sustainable agricultural development.

I look forward to the discussions and exchanges on the goals and priority areas for the Group of Friends under the GDI framework, and to hear of examples of current collaboration and identify further opportunities, as well as to examine how to better align the GDI with the key strategies of the UN sister agencies, FAO, IFAD and WFP, to contribute together in an efficient, effective and coherent manner to accelerate action towards achieving the SDGs.

In line with other initiatives, we can build more coherent action on the ground.

Let us continue to work hand in hand to build a better and more sustainable future for all and ensure the Four Betters.

Global development from the smallholders, from the rural areas, with real change from the ground!

Thank you.