Governments must uphold the right to food, FAO stresses at sustainable lifestyles summit

The Sustainable Lifestyles Summit, held online from March 10-14, brought together more than 85 experts across 18 sessions to discuss the transition to sustainable lifestyles. Organized by Consumers International, the five-day event featured policymakers, consumer advocates, businesses, and multilateral organizations, focusing on key issues such as food, health, energy, plastics, gender, mobility, and consumer rights. A dedicated session, “Achieving Access to Food for a Healthy Planet,” highlighted the essential role of policy in securing food access and promoting sustainable food systems.

Speaking at the event, FAO’s Right to Food Lead, Juan Echanove, underscored that the right to food is a legally recognized human right and must be treated as such by governments worldwide. “The right to food is not an abstract concept—it is a legally binding right that governments must uphold,” Echanove stated. “It is about accountability, dignity, and sustainability. Food must not only be available but also safe, nutritious, and accessible to all.” He added.

Policies must ensure sustainable and fair food systems
The discussion highlighted the critical links between environmental sustainability, food accessibility, and consumer rights. Participants examined how policy and regulation can drive a just transition to sustainable food systems while ensuring affordability and food safety. The need for stronger government oversight of corporate food practices was also emphasized to prevent market abuse and promote fair food environments. Echanove reiterated that governments must take a proactive role in protecting and fulfilling the right to food by implementing robust social protection policies, regulating food prices, and ensuring strict food safety measures.

Consumers as key actors in food system transformation
One of the main themes of the summit was the role of consumers in shaping food systems. Echanove stressed the need for consumer voices to be heard in decision-making processes, such as food policy councils and trade negotiations. “Consumers do not just eat food—they shape food systems,” he noted. “Governments need to create real spaces for consumer participation, while also holding corporations accountable for their role in the food system.”

He also pointed out that the responsibility for ethical food choices should not rest solely on consumers. Instead, governments must take action to disincentivize unhealthy ultra-processed foods, enforce transparent labeling, and prevent monopolies from dominating food supply chains.

FAO’s commitment to a human rights-based approach to food system
FAO continues to advocate for integrating human rights and sustainability into global food policies. Through initiatives like the Right to Food Guidelines, FAO supports countries in designing strategies that ensure universal food access while respecting environmental limits. “FAO works to bridge the gap between policymakers and consumers, ensuring that food systems are designed not just for people, but with their help,” Echanove concluded.