On 23 September 2021, the first-ever UN Food Systems Summit took place as a virtual event, bringing together a diverse set of stakeholders eager to accelerate action to transform the current food systems on a global scale. Such a change is considered pivotal to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and meet the challenges posed by climate change.
Titled the “People’s Summit”, the event began with a summary of the main outcomes from the efforts of hundreds of thousands of people from around the world and across all constituencies that engaged in activities in the run-up to the Summit. Nearly 300 commitments have been registered; initiatives driven by civil society, farmers, indigenous groups, women, and youth envisaging to develop healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable food systems.
The subsequent official opening session featured UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ Statement of Action, followed by speeches of Member State leaders and ministers voicing their commitment to together transform how the world produces, consumes, and thinks about food.
Participants praised the inclusiveness of the event, allowing them to hold independent dialogues at all levels, which resulted in a global common position: together we must leverage the power of today’s food systems to be able to collectively reach the objectives for people, planet, and prosperity.
For more information on the Summit and a wide range of multi-media resources, click here.
