The catalytic role of policy integration and inclusive governance for food systems transformation and SDG acceleration
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.
12 July 2024, New York: The 2024 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) buzzed with energy and anticipation as delegates, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world gathered to tackle the 2030 Agenda amid mounting global challenges. Recognizing food systems as a critical entry point for achieving all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the forum highlighted their potential to accelerate SDG progress through coordinated and innovative actions. In this context, the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the European Union, Mexico, and South Africa organized a side event to showcase holistic approaches and successful implementations in transforming food systems, driving forward the global sustainable development agenda.
Setting the stage
The event began with a warm welcome from the moderator, Corinna Hawkes, Director of Agrifood Systems and Food Safety at FAO. She emphasized the importance of moving from silos to systems in order to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. “Significant progress is being made around the world in the development and delivery of policies, interventions, innovations, and investments to transform agrifood systems. It is only by connecting these into an integrated, systems approach that we will achieve the transformative impact we need,” she asserted.
Opening remarks
A video message from Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, highlighted the critical need for integrated policies and inclusive governance mechanisms to fast-track food systems transformation. She underscored the importance of a whole-of-society approach, bringing diverse voices to the table, and leveraging global assets like the CFS guidelines to promote policy coherence.
Axel de la Maisonneuve, European Union Ambassador to ECOSOC, reinforced the EU's commitment to sustainable food systems through their Farm to Fork Strategy. This strategy integrates diverse stakeholders to create fair, healthy, and environmentally-friendly food systems, aligning with broader goals under the European Green Deal. "With barely six harvests left before 2030, the need to make transformative changes to our agrifood systems has never been more critical," he noted.
Nosipho Nausca-Jean Jezile, Chair of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), provided insightful remarks emphasizing the vital role of policy integration. “Policy integration is among the most powerful tools for transforming food systems on the way to achieving the SDGs – particularly when it comes to SDG 2, but practically encompassing all other SDGs as well,” she stated. She highlighted the CFS’s efforts in promoting voluntary global policy guidance and fostering stakeholder collaboration to tackle hunger and malnutrition.
Panel 1: National pathways to transformation
The first panel session featured distinguished speakers who shared their countries' experiences with policy integration and inclusive governance:
Alicia Buenrostro Massieu, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the UN, highlighted the "Sembrando Vida" program, which aims to improve rural quality of life through sustainable production, food self-sufficiency, and environmental conservation. This initiative supports SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), by fostering sustainable agroforestry systems and creating employment opportunities in rural areas.
Ahmed Magdy, Counselor, Permanent Mission of Egypt to the UN, discussed Egypt's challenges and initiatives, including the "Decent Life" and "FAST (Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation)" programs. These initiatives focus on improving living conditions and food security, particularly in rural areas, while addressing climate resilience and sustainable transitions.
Vicente Araújo, General Coordinator for Sustainable Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, highlighted Brazil's innovative Single Registry Portal, which consolidates multiple social programs into a single platform, ensuring streamlined access to essential services and promoting policy coherence across various sectors. This system enhances food security, nutrition, and economic stability, particularly for the most vulnerable populations, by integrating sustainable development efforts.
Panel 2: Reflections from the Ecosystem of Support
The second panel session brought insights from key support organizations:
Iain Wright, Vice-Chair of the Steering Committee of the CFS High-Level Panel of Experts (HLPE-FSN), emphasized the necessity of inclusive governance and evidence-based policies. He highlighted the importance of involving local governments in shaping food systems and the need for a whole-of-government approach to address food security and nutrition.
Afshan Khan, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Coordinator of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, shared SUN's experiences with multi-stakeholder platforms that integrate nutrition into food systems transformation. She stressed the importance of inclusive governance, particularly the representation of women and youth, in driving policy and investment to combat malnutrition.
Jean-Luc Chotte, Research Director, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, representing the Agroecology Coalition, discussed agroecology's role in food systems transformation. He highlighted the Coalition's efforts to promote biodiversity, resilience to climate change, and integrated policies through national and global initiatives.
Closing remarks
The event concluded with closing remarks from Stefanos Fotiou, Director of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub. He echoed the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action at the UN Food Systems Summit +2 (UNFSS+2) Stocktaking Moment, which advocates for incorporating food systems strategies into all national policies for sustainable development. “Integrated policies that incorporate food systems strategies can help us deliver on all the SDGs, enhancing livelihoods, nutrition, health, economic growth, and climate action,” he stated, highlighting the Hub's role in supporting National Convenors to achieve these goals.
The side event underscored the power of policy integration and inclusive governance as catalysts for food systems transformation and SDG acceleration. The shared experiences and innovative solutions presented provided valuable insights and inspiration for continued efforts towards achieving a sustainable, equitable, and food-secure world by 2030.
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