Stockholm+50 Preparatory Meeting – Leadership Dialogue 2 (Achieving a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic)

Stockholm+50 Preparatory Meeting 

Statement by FAO, delivered by

Information and Knowledge Management Expert on Sustainable Development, Katherine Clyne

FAO Liaison Office with the UN in New York

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we have heard today, Stockholm+50 is a time to demonstrate bold action for human prosperity and a healthy planet. 

We know the world is not on track to achieve the SDGs by 2030, including SDG2 to end hunger and SDG1 to reduce poverty.

COVID-19 and current global conflicts have caused additional burdens to our political, social, and financing systems, especially in countries already facing food crises.

Sustainable agri-food systems must be recognized as a key solution to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, and to achieve an inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We must join forces to protect and restore the health and productivity of degraded terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, and sustainably manage our natural resources.

We must also harness innovation, technology, and data; strengthen institutions; promote and scale-up successful agricultural policies and practices; and ensure women, youth, rural communities, and Indigenous Peoples are key actors in decision-making processes.

Only integrated and systemic solutions stand the best chance of optimizing the relationship between people and nature.

Managing the interconnected risks from food production to consumption along the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus is also key. 

We must build more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable agri-food systems, to better navigate climate uncertainties and economic downturns, and ensure food security and nutrition for all. 

Furthermore, it is crucial to work together with the private sector on responsible investment for agri-food systems.

Collaboration among UN entities is key deliver as One, at the global, regional and country levels. 

These messages are reflected in the outcomes of the UN Food Systems Summit, the Paris Agreement, and the emerging post-2020 Biodiversity Framework.

Stockholm+50 presents us with a unique opportunity to galvanize further action towards our common goals.

I thank you.