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Advancing sustainable development through food systems transformation in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)
At the LAC Sustainable Development Forum 2024, the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and the UN Interagency Food Systems Task Force for LAC convened key events focused on accelerating food systems transformation to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. Mr. Mario Lubetkin, FAO Regional Representative for LAC, emphasized the integration of food systems into national policies and the importance of governance at regional and subregional levels. Mr. Stefanos Fotiou, Director of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, advocated for enhanced engagement from international financial institutions and the private sector to boost these initiatives. Participants reviewed progress on national pathway implementation, shared innovative solutions, and discussed the integration of food systems with climate action. The forums emphasized collaborative approaches, engaging multiple sectors and actors to enhance regional resilience and sustainability in food systems. In her closing remarks, H.E. Ms. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, recognized the region’s leadership in food systems transformation and urged further efforts to strengthen governance systems, foster innovation, and secure funding, highlighting the critical role of regional collaboration in shaping a sustainable and resilient future for food systems.
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Advances in African food systems: Takeaways from the regional progress review
The UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, together with the UN Economic Commission for Africa and the Food and Agriculture Organization, convened a regional meeting on the sidelines of the 2024 Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-10) to review progress in African food systems since the UNFSS+2 Stocktaking Moment. During this event, National Convenors and stakeholders exchanged insights and strategies on accelerating food systems transformation, aligning processes with climate action plans, and setting the stage for future milestones leading up to the 2025 UNFSS+4 Stocktaking Moment and subsequent COP events. The discussions emphasized the importance of prioritizing sustainable agriculture for food sovereignty and fostering holistic governance with cross-ministerial collaboration. H.E. Ibrahim Mayaki, Special Envoy for Food Systems of the African Union, emphasized a whole government approach, calling for institutional reform and regional strategies for broader food systems transformation. Ms. Cristina Duarte, Special Advisor for Africa to the UN Secretary-General, highlighted the critical role of energy access in enhancing food security and how the mobilization of energy finance is pivotal in supporting sustainable development and achieving economic stability. These talks also stressed empowering youth and women in driving sustainable food initiatives across the continent. A comprehensive summary will be shared soon.
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Sustainable development in action: Insights from the regional review of food systems in Asia and the Pacific
On April 29, the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, in collaboration with ESCAP and the FAO Regional Forum, held a workshop following a side event at the APFSD in February. The workshop included 20 National Convenors or representatives, with a total of 100 participants both online and in person. During the event, countries and stakeholders exchanged best practices and underscored the critical need for public awareness and a deeper understanding of the financial flows and gaps critical for future investments. The discussions highlighted that climate convergence is an urgent priority in the region, necessitated by the tangible impacts of climate change already being felt. Participants noted that while several countries are actively implementing relevant policies and projects, enhanced coordination and improved access to financial resources are imperative to ensure these efforts are sustained and not interrupted. The need for coordinated and accelerated action was a recurring theme. A comprehensive summary will be shared soon.
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Food Systems National Convenors and stakeholders shaping the Convergence Initiative
Following all five regional reviews of progress on food systems transformation, the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub has updated the framework of he Convergence Initiative that was announced by the UN Deputy Secretary-General during COP28. The updated framework provides details on how the initiative will be operationalized and highlights that the implementation of the initiative at the national level will respect national policies and operational modalities and will be based on a modular approach that will lead to bespoke and demand-driven support at the country level, using expertise and capacities of the FAO, WFP, IFAD as well as other UN Agencies that support countries in the areas of food systems transformations and climate action.
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Food Systems Youth Leadership Program: Uniting young leaders across Africa
The inaugural workshop of our Youth Leadership Program recently took place in Accra, Ghana, bringing together nearly 30 young leaders from across Africa. This five-day event, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and organized by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and FAO Africa, fostered cross-disciplinary learning with a strong focus on practical applications in leadership, science, and policy advocacy. Participants left equipped with strategic insights and innovative tools critical for transforming food systems in their communities and beyond. Learn more about the workshop and hear directly from the participants.
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Global Donor Platform for Rural Development interview with Nadine Gbossa:
In an interview with the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development, Nadine Gbossa – Director of Food Systems Coordination at IFAD and Chief of Means of Implementation at the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub – discussed the important role of coordinated donor efforts in advancing food systems transformation. She emphasizes the need for a shared understanding among donors and in-country teams about what a food systems approach entails and its vital value for the people and the planet.
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From governments to UN agencies, coalitions, and civil society organizations, diverse actors are achieving significant milestones in food systems transformation. In each edition of our newsletter, we spotlight these exemplary efforts to inspire and mobilize the broader food systems community.
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Kenya finalizes measurement of its financial flows to food systems
We are excited to share a significant milestone in Kenya's journey towards sustainable food systems transformation. With the support of IFAD, the World Bank, and the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, the Kenyan government has successfully completed the tracking of its financial flows to food systems, achieved through the piloting of the 3FS tool (Financial Flows to Food Systems).
The 3FS tool is a financial tracking that provides up to-date information on food system financing at country and global levels, enabling decision-makers to track, allocate resources, and optimize financing flows for food system transformation. Through Kenya's leadership in piloting this tool, critical insights have been garnered, empowering the Government to make informed and impactful investment decisions.
We extend our congratulations to the Government of Kenya on this remarkable achievement, showcasing dedication and leadership on the journey towards more equitable, healthier, and sustainable ways of producing and consuming food.
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Call for input: Draft guidance on strengthening national science-policy interfaces (SPIs) for agrifood systems
Open call to participate in an e-consultation on the draft "Guidance on strengthening national science-policy interfaces for agrifood systems," developed by the FAO Chief Scientist Office. Aligned with the FAO Science and Innovation Strategy, the guidance is intended to be a tool to facilitate reflection about advancing an SPI, its possible scope and mandate, and launch a learning process around SPIs. It could be considered at the country level in a process to strengthen existing, or establish new, agrifood system SPIs. Your feedback will help further elaborate and refine this draft guidance. Submit your comments by 8 May 2024.
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