Regional Meeting for Europe and Central Asia

The UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and the UN Issue-based Coalition on Sustainable Food Systems in Europe and Central Asia (ECA), are pleased to convene Food Systems National Convenors and other experts from across the ECA region to assess the progress made in transforming food systems, facilitate regional knowledge sharing, and identify emerging patterns and solutions.

Structure and Objectives of the Regional Meeting

The Regional Preparatory Meeting will take place on March 12 in Geneva, on the margins of the annual Europe Regional Forum on Sustainable Development.

The meeting will build on the Regional Preparatory Meeting in Europe and Central Asia that took place in March 2023, looking at the key challenges, priorities, and key messages for the Stocktaking Moment. Despite the wide variety of topographies, climates, and food systems, National Convenors in the region reported interconnectedness and the need for opportunities for peer learning and inspiration.

 The event objectives:

1. Comprehensive review of progress in food systems transformation. It will explore the process of reviewing and assessing the progress (including updates from the UNFSS+2 National progress reports) made by participating countries in their food systems transformation efforts. Time will be dedicated to exchange of information by national convenors and other stakeholders on i) progress and focus, ii) sharing lessons on entry points and actions, and iii) identification of emerging patterns and solutions.  
2. A deeper look at the thematic areas of Monitoring food systems transformation, Convergence with climate action, Financing food systems and working with UNFSS Coalitions. This will provide a systematic approach to evaluating achievements and identifying areas that require further attention and improvement.
3. Foster regional collaboration and regional communities by exploring strategies for planning and coordinating future collaborative efforts among participating countries and stakeholders, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation and the setting of shared goals.

 

Expected Outcome

The expected outcome of the meeting is a summary report that will include the key messages, regional priorities and major challenges facing food systems transformation. By the conclusion of the meeting, it is expected that National Convenors will have a clearer understanding of the progress made and challenges faced in food systems transformation. This will serve as the foundation for enhanced cooperation and coordination in the pursuit of sustainable food systems and will be a tangible representation of the collective will to work together towards sustainable and resilient food systems, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Participants And Registration

The primary participants of these meetings include National Convenors from the respective regions and their teams, UN Resident Coordinators, members of UN Country Teams, and other stakeholders. Participation in this event is limited to individuals who have received formal invitations.



This event is part of a series of regional Preparatory Meetings organized by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub as a follow-up to the United Nations Food Systems (UNFSS+2) Stocktaking Moment which took place in Rome in July 20232 . These meetings are being conducted in collaboration with the UN Regional Commissions, the Regional Offices of the UN Agencies supporting the Hub, and other relevant UN and regional bodies.