UN Secretary-General António Guterres has powerfully spelled out to world leaders the clear actions needed to mend our broken food system.

His calls for action at the ‘United Nations Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment’ in July, were prompted by the results of voluntary reports submitted to the UN by 101 countries. Findings were analysed and presented in one report Making food systems work for people and planet-UN Food Systems Summit+2. This pivotal document highlights that some progress has been made, but not yet enough to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the 2030 target date.

During the summit, the Secretary-General urged delegates not to accept the unsustainable status quo and take urgent action for change.

“Broken food systems are not inevitable. They are the result of choices we have made. There is more than enough food in the world to go around. More than enough money to fund efficient and sustainable food systems to feed the world, while supporting decent work for those who grow the food we eat,” he said.

To transform the food system he is calling for the following objectives, that appear in full in Call to Action for accelerated Food Systems Transformation, to be met.

Incorporating food systems strategies into all national policies and developing food systems governance that ensures an inclusive, accountable, sustainable, ‘no one left behind’ – approach.

Investing in research, data, innovation, and technology and promoting the increased engagement of businesses, including through public-private partnerships.

Ensuring inclusivity at local levels so that women, young people, and indigenous peoples are thoroughly involved and considered in food system design.

Providing the short and long-term concessional finance, investments, budget support and debt restructuring urgently needed to bring about food system change.

The UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment was hosted at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Italy from 24-26 July. More than 3,300 delegates attended. These included representatives from 182 countries and 225 NGOs.

Urgent food system transformation needed