How do coalitions support governments

How do coalitions support governments?

Monday, 24th July, 11:00-12:30

Coalitions emerging in the context of the Food Systems Summit in 2021 are considered as one of the Summit’s main outcomes. Two years after the Summit, coalitions are in different stages of maturity and assume various roles, e.g. as a global advocate and matchmaker, while others have started providing in-country advocacy, technical and financial assistance to food system transformation. The session will provide 1) clarification of the expected role and value of the coalitions in their support to governments 2) recognition of the different stages of maturity and roles of coalitions 3) recognition of the need for stronger inter-coalition collaboration and for integrated country support with both global and in-country food system partners.

Governments are requesting support to operationalize the food systems agenda at country level. This includes assistance to strong political leadership, capacities and coordination for food systems transformation; engagement of multiple stakeholders; translation of the current 117 National Pathways into action through operationalization, integration into national policies and plans; financing; and support to National Convenors who often have multiple and competing functions. Coalitions can play a critical role in convening and providing such assistance, keeping in mind the need to reduce the governments transaction costs in line with the Paris/Accra Declaration.

The session will focus on the following questions.

What is the role, value, and type of assistance that your coalition is offering to governments?
What have been the achievements of your coalition at the global and country level?
What is your coalition doing to provide integrated and tangible assistance to governments, while reducing transaction costs to national administrations and convenors?

The session will, on the one hand, provide more clarification of the role and “offer of assistance” of coalitions for governments and regional bodies, which is required by governments that often lack clarity and information on how coalitions can support them and the implementation of national pathways. On the other hand, the session will also acknowledge a government perspective on external assistance and the need for coalitions to work closely with other coalitions and food system partners in country to provide integrated and result-oriented support to food system transformation.