The CFS52 side event focused on the Convergence Initiative, showcasing efforts to integrate food systems and climate policies through global collaboration and practical national strategies

In his latest editorial, Hub Director Stefanos Fotiou presents the Hub’s Convergence Initiative, an innovative effort to tackle climate change and food systems transformation through collaborative, locally adapted solutions. The initiative supports countries in aligning national pathways with climate commitments, fostering sustainable outcomes for people, the planet, and prosperity.

On 21 October 2024, from 13:30-14:45 CEST, during the 52nd Session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) at FAO’s headquarters in Rome, Italy, a side event “The Convergence Initiative: Converging Food Systems and Climate Action for Better Food Security and a Sustainable Future’ is taking place.

"Stories of agrifood systems change" shares experiences from five countries—Côte d’Ivoire, Cambodia, the Pacific, Guatemala, and Albania—showing how FAO has worked with governments, civil society, and development partners to transform their agrifood systems. These stories highlight shifts in mindsets, power dynamics, relationships, and structures, while exploring what helped drive these changes. They try to clarify complex agrifood systems concepts, showing how a systems approach translates into real, tangible benefits across different national contexts.

A thought-provoking e-book, featuring contributions from the Hub and hailed as a must-read by Jane Goodall, emphasizes the vital role of regenerative farming and sustainable diets in transforming global food systems and ensuring lasting sustainability for human, animal, and planetary well-being.

During a side event co-organized by the Hub and AGRA at the Africa Food Systems (AFS) Forum 2024 in Kigali, National Convenors gathered to share insights on driving cross-sectoral collaboration to accelerate food systems transformation across the continent.

Kuwait's recent national talk, held on June 30, 2024, brought together over 110 participants to address key challenges and recommendations for strengthening the country's food systems.

Discover how the Hub’s Youth Leadership Program (YLP) alumnus, Musa Juwara, is working to transform food systems in The Gambia through multistakeholder collaboration. Learn about his inspiring professional journey and how YLP empowered him to champion youth inclusion in food systems.

Organized from March to April 2024, in collaboration with UN Regional Commissions, Regional Offices of UN agencies, and other key entities, these meetings brought together Food Systems National Convenors and key stakeholders to discuss achievements, challenges, and transformative solutions. The reports provide detailed accounts of these discussions, highlighting progress, major achievements, challenges, and key insights from each region.

At the 2024 High-level Political Forum (HLPF), experts explored innovative strategies for food systems transformation, with the potential to drive SDG acceleration through policy integration and inclusive governance.

Don’t miss the third FAO Science and Innovation Forum (SIF 2024) from October 14-18, 2024, under the umbrella of the World Food Forum (WFF). This year's theme, "Inclusive Science and Innovation for Agrifood Systems Transformation, Leaving No One Behind," will drive discussions on biotechnologies, community-driven innovations, and digital agriculture. Connect with scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore advancements shaping the future of agrifood systems. Learn more and register.

Together with the World Food Forum (WFF), the Hub hosted an online brainstorming session with alumni from the Food Systems Youth Leadership Program (YLP) and WFF members, fostering global youth empowerment to transform food systems and achieve the 2030 Agenda.

The open-access book, Science and Innovations for Food Systems Transformations, focuses on the just, equitable, and sustainable transformation of food systems within the context of the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) and UNFSS + 2. The volume has resonated widely, with over one million clicks since its publication.

In a context of growing hunger and accelerating climate and biodiversity crises, the 300-member Agroecology Coalition launched an ambitious strategy to rapidly accelerate the transition to sustainable agroecological food systems by 2030 at an event hosted by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and attended by pioneering governments, international agencies, scientific groups, and civil society organizations.

On 12 July, the Hub, the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the European Union, Mexico and South Africa organized a side event at the UN Headquarters in New York. This event focused on the catalytic role of policy integration and inclusive governance for food systems transformation and SDG acceleration.

A one-of-a-kind partnership between UN entities, institutional representatives of the private sector and global think tanks from civil society has launched a comprehensive roadmap to develop a corporate accountability framework for food systems transformation. This initiative aims to foster collaborative efforts and strengthen sustainable practices across the food sector. By leveraging the combined expertise of many partners, the roadmap seeks to support efforts to enhance transparency, drive science-based solutions, and promote equitable food systems transformation, ultimately contributing to the SDGs and benefiting both people and the planet.

Register for the upcoming webinar on Gender transformative approaches for inclusive agrifood systems: Towards the 2025 UN Food Systems Stocktaking Moment, happening online on Tuesday, June 18^th at 3:00 PM (CET).

This event will provide a platform for stakeholders to share good practices stemming from experiences at the country-level, promote dialogue and raise awareness on how these approaches support inclusive agrifood systems interventions and policies.

If you have a passion for journalism and communication and a vision for food systems change, this is your chance to make a difference. The UN Food Systems Coordination Hub is seeking a Senior Advocacy Specialist to guide its public advocacy strategy and generate compelling content that showcases the impact and achievements of the Hub and its stakeholders. You will also play a key role in preparing for the 2^nd UN Food Systems Summit stocktaking moment in 2025. Don't miss this opportunity, apply today!

Join the World Health Organization (WHO)'s Department of Nutrition and Food Safety (NFS) for the launch of a new WHO guideline on fiscal policies to promote healthy diets on 14 June 2024 from 13.00-14.30 (CEST). This new tool will support countries in developing enabling food environments to promote healthy diets and reduce malnutrition in all its forms.

The study, “Cost of Ending Hunger—Consequences of Complacency and Financial Needs for SDG2 Achievement,” has shed light on the true cost of the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent unprecedented disruptions, like the war in Ukraine and the climate change-induced impacts devastating the Horn of Africa and South Asia, on attaining food security.