SEED FUNDING JOINT PROGRAMMES

Cambodia

Transforming Cambodia’s food systems to become more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient

SDG 2 Zero Hunger Logo

PROJECT TITLE	Transforming Cambodia’s food systems to become more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient
Context	Cambodia’s National Pathway is the outcome of an extensive consultation process, involving more than 2,000 people throughout thirty dialogues, which identifies four priority areas, namely healthy diets for all, empowerment of youth, women and vulnerable groups, resilient livelihoods and food systems, inclusive governance. Acknowledging the risks posed by climate change to hard won development gains and as a co-founder of the Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation, Cambodia is prioritizing the integration of climate change and food systems transformation, building coherence across the agendas. The Council for Agricultural and Rural Development, the government agency coordinating food security and nutrition initiatives in Cambodia, is leading collaborative efforts to translate national aspirations into concrete action.
PUNOs	FAO, WFP, UNICEF
Contribution to SDGs	SDG 2 Zero Hunger
Contribution to other SDG transitions	Climate, biodiversity, pollution
Duration	August 2024 – July 2025
Expected financial leverage	$3 million
Alignment with SG Call to Action	Policy integration; Food systems governance; Inclusive and participatory design; Private sector engagement
Outcomes	The Joint Programme fosters an enabling environment for food systems transformation by enhancing national capacities and policy frameworks, identifying opportunities to unlock financial streams, and strengthening advocacy efforts for food systems transformation. The JP provides crucial support to the alignment of the climate and food agendas, accelerating progress towards resilient, sustainable and inclusive food systems.
Partners	Council for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) will be the main government counterpart and will coordinate the government activities in conjunction with other key Ministries, including: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment Ministry of Economy and Finance Ministry of Commerce Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry of Rural Development Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport Ministry of Women’s Affairs
Outputs	Update the Food Systems Roadmap (National Pathway) to identify key transformative areas in different sub-sectors and strengthen its alignment to climate policy frameworks. Develop an action plan and a financing strategy for the Roadmap. Carry out a costing exercise for the Roadmap, complementing the ongoing formulation of the 3rd National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition (2024-2028). Facilitate inclusive multi-stakeholder consultations with line ministries, local actors, private sector, youth and women groups. Design and implement advocacy and communication strategies and tools to raise awareness among decision-makers and mobilize resources from the government, development partners, IFIs, and the private sectors.

National pathway operationalization Policy coherence Inclusive dialogues Advocacy Unlocking finance Food-climate convergence

Empowering tomorrow’s food systems leaders in Asia and the Pacific

16/05/2024

Bangkok, Thailand — In collaboration with the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub recently facilitated the second workshop of its Food Systems Youth Leadership Program. From April 22 to 26, this event, facilitated by the Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation, gathered approximately 25 young professionals from 18 countries to empower a new generation of leaders poised to drive transformative changes.

Watch a recap of the workshop

About the program

Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Food Systems Youth Leadership Program equips young leaders with the skills needed to implement systems thinking and integrate sustainable food systems strategies into national policies. This initiative aligns with the urgent call in the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Report of the UN Secretary-General, emphasizing the vital role of youth in fostering a resilient, equitable, and sustainable food future. Reinforcing this urgency, the fifth edition of the Asia and the Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition report reveals that nearly 45% of the region's population cannot afford a healthy diet, highlighting the critical need for transformative changes in the region’s food systems.

Workshop dynamics

Structured around three core modules, the workshop concentrated on enhancing leadership capabilities, encouraging scientific innovation, and sharpening policy advocacy skills. Young professionals participated in a series of in-depth activities to strengthen their abilities to form collective visions and engage effectively in multi-stakeholder environments.

Participant testimonials

Wannika Wutthi (Thailand): "Attending this workshop helped me gain more knowledge about the food system and improve my skills, especially leadership and communication networking skills."

Xinyue Han (China): "The crux of effectively addressing socioeconomic issues...is to transform our existing agri-food systems through multi-sectoral cooperation and collaborative leadership."

Thanh Duong (Vietnam): "The transformation of our food system is impossible without the vibrant energy and innovative ideas of young people."

Alokita Jha (India): "The learning that I have gained here is something that I'm going to put forward to the youth across India and the other youth across the Asia Pacific."

Mawloda Hassas (Afghanistan): "By actively engaging young people in food system transformation, we can ensure that their voices are heard, their concerns are addressed, and their ideas are implemented, leading to more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems."

Rino Dominic Cabungcal (Philippines): "If this incredible group is any indication, the future of our food systems is bright. We are the ones who will create lasting, positive change."

Experiencing food systems in the field

During a field visit, participants gained firsthand insights into the challenges and innovations within local food systems. The group engaged in a hands-on session entitled “Learning and Visit Aromatic Farm with the Food Systems of Regenerative Organic Coconut Agriculture Practice and Bio-Circular-Green Strategy”. They listened to an entrepreneur in the coconut industry discuss the challenges and opportunities for creating more sustainable supply chains, particularly in waste management. While participants were impressed by the business outcomes, they also recognized the high initial investment capital required, which often poses a significant barrier for youth in low and middle-income countries.

A vibrant new beginning

Equipped with new knowledge, passion, and determination, these young leaders have returned to their communities ready to drive systemic change. The UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and its partners remain committed to supporting these visionary leaders as they work to create sustainable and equitable food systems across the region.