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

Forging new connections: Youth Leadership Program alumni meet with the World Food Forum

02/07/2024

On 30 June, the Hub co-organized with the World Food Forum (WFF) an online brainstorming with the alumni of the Food Systems Youth Leadership Program (YLP) and WFF members. The meeting united participants to facilitate peer learning and synergies with youth-led activities linked to the World Food Forum (WFF), sparking a powerful global movement to empower youth in shaping food systems and achieving the 2030 Agenda.

The opening remarks by Maximo Torero Cullen, FAO Chief Economist, emphasized the critical role of youth in accelerating food systems transformation. Stefanos Fotiou, Director of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, highlighted the importance of creating links within the food systems network to support national pathways.

The briefing also included an interactive session moderated by the Hub’s Technical Officer, Nicole de Paula. Here, participants shared their experiences and gratitude, highlighting the enriching lessons learned during their tenure at YLP. Key suggestions included establishing national chapters, identifying common areas of work, and facilitating connections with National Convenors and governments to foster further collaborations. For all of this, the focus should be on collaborative efforts that avoid duplication of work and create complementarities.