Food Systems Coordination Hub UN DSG Briefing to Permanent Representatives (Virtual) Speaking Points

Deputy Secretary General,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to begin by recognizing the leadership of the Deputy Secretary-General, as well as partners. Our collective leadership and commitment are critical as we work together to transform agrifood systems for a more food secure world and a better future for people and the planet.

I also wish to thank the Governments of Italy and Ethiopia for their leadership in supporting FAO’s mission and hosting the UN Food Systems Pre-Summit and Summit+2, and the +4 Stocktaking meeting.

And I extend my gratitude to all Members for their continued engagement to the transformation of global agrifood systems based on the Four Betters.

As we approach the Food Systems Summit +4, we recognize its significance as a pivotal milestone - a moment to take stock of the progress made since the 2021 Food Systems Summit, assess the challenges that remain, and renew our collective commitments to accelerate action.

Let us build on the momentum to drive forward an even more ambitious agenda, based on practical solutions to transform agrifood systems.

FAO remains committed to this effort and we will continue to provide professional expertise, facilitate knowledge-sharing, and support all Members in implementing their national pathways.

FAO also continues to provide support by hosting the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and providing the needed technical expertise and human resources.

Our commitment is rooted in science, data, and innovation, and our focus is on ensuring that no one is left behind.

The success of the +4 Summit depends on collective action and shared responsibility, and I therefore encourage all Members to take an active role in guiding the discussion by sharing lessons learned, best practices, and innovative solutions.

This exchange of knowledge is essential to ensuring that our strategies are efficient, effective, coherent, inclusive, and context specific.

Transforming agrifood systems is at the center of the FAO mandate and our Strategic Framework, grounded on the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life – leaving no one behind.

Agrifood systems transformation requires political commitment and action on the ground, together with coherent partnerships to deliver tangible results. Governments play a crucial role, but the voices of civil society, the private sector, Indigenous Peoples, youth, women, and marginalized communities must also be heard and reflected in our strategies. Ethiopia plays a leading role in Africa and has a lot of experiences to share and learn. Italy has a long history of commitment to supporting the global agenda on agrifood systems, food culture, food diversity and food technologies.

By working together, we can strengthen political will and mobilize the resources needed to advance the SDGs and transform agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable

Thank you.