Sustainable Urban Food Systems for SDGs Acceleration
On Thursday, 15 December 2022, FAO will co-host a High-Level Dialogue at the 17th Annual Session of the Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS).
The GFHS is a global non-profit organization (recognized by the United Nations system) committed to providing a global dialogue platform for sustainable cities and human settlements.
Being recognized within the United Nations Economic and Social Council, it convenes an annual global forum on human settlements, among other efforts.
FAO will enrich the next Forum with the High-Level Dialogue - Sustainable Urban Food Systems for SDGs Acceleration - featuring participants from Academia, Regional and Local Government and high-level representatives from the Organization.
Urbanization and its challenges
Today, cities already host more than half of world's population, and their citizens consume 70% of the food produced. Unfortunately, these urban diets are often unhealthy, and the food systems are poorly managed, resulting in significant amount of food waste, amongst other challenges.
Considering this data and future urbanization trends, the Event will focus on urban food systems challenges and the crucial role of cities in achieving food systems that are sustainable and inclusive.
Given their sheer size, the transformation of urban food systems towards sustainability has the potential to generate numerous inter-connected, socio-economic and environmental benefits. Therefore, they will be indispensable for accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Sustainable Urban Food Systems for SDGs Acceleration
This High-Level Dialogue calls for specific Objectives and Outcomes to increase awareness of the importance of urban food systems in achieving the SDGs.
More specifically, the Event will focus on 3 Key Points:
- Highlight the most urgent challenges urban food systems face to ensure access to healthy diets and reduce environmental ‘foodprint’
- Showcase concrete examples of successful practices to reduce urban food systems’ contribution to climate impact, including consumption patterns
- Identify gaps and share recommendations on the transition to sustainable urban food systems
The Event will take place virtually during the first day of the GFHS, on Thursday, 15 December 2022, from 9.50 to 11.20 (CET).