JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICAFIRST G20 FOREIGN MINISTERS' MEETINGSession III: G20 objectives in 2025: Reflection on South Africa’s G20 Presidency High-Level Deliverables and the Review of the G20@20 Statement

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I commend South Africa’s G20 Presidency for prioritizing Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability, which are key to achieving the 2030 Agenda, especially SDG2 and SDG1.

The G20 is a vital platform for building up solidarity, driving concrete action on food security, economic growth, and innovation, which are critical issues shaping our shared future.

Gap increases among the poor and the rich, the rural and the urban, women and man have exacerbated the pressing situation on hunger and poverty, intensifying the impact of conflict, climate extremes, and economic crises.

Addressing wealth gap and social inequality requires more than economic development - it demands a deep transformation of global agrifood systems and rural prosperity.

The FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31, approved four years ago, outlines a path for the transformation of global agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable, based on the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life - leaving no one behind.

The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, launched under the Brazilian G20 Presidency endorsed by more than 90 Heads of States and 40 international organizations, provides a coordinated mechanism to combat hunger and inequality.

FAO is committed to supporting the Global Alliance and is proud to host its Support Mechanism, providing technical and policy assistance to all the members who need it the most.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In the week of 13-17 October 2025, we will celebrate FAO’s 80th birthday, and during that week FAO will also convene the 4th edition of the annual World Food Forum, focusing on three pillars: Hand in Hand Investment, Science and Innovation, and Empowerment of Youth and Women.

The application of biotechnology, ICT and AI, and others, for agrifood systems is cost effective.

They are critical for improving food productivity, food quality, and reducing food loss and waste, while minimizing environmental impacts.

We must leverage science and innovation to transform our agrifood systems reflecting the growing need to produce more, while using fewer inputs and minimizing negative impacts.

FAO has supported the G20 since 2011, and I reaffirm our strong commitment to offer all our professional assistance.

Efficient, effective and coherent collaboration among Members and partners to build a dynamic, and modern FAO is key to achieving food availability, accessibility, affordability, and a peaceful and prosperous future for all.

Let us define together, design together, deliver together and be devoted for humanity, together.

Thank you.