UN Secretary-General urges alignment of climate action and food systems transformation for peace and security
©UN Photo/Loey Felipe
13 February 2024: In his remarks to the Security Council High-level Open Debate on the Impact of Climate Change and Food Insecurity on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security, the UN Secretary-General emphasized the critical importance of aligning climate action with food systems transformation. He referenced the recent UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+2) and the Hub’s Convergence Initiative as essential components of this alignment.
The UNFSS+2, held in Rome in July 2023, served as a platform for countries to review progress on commitments to action and identify priorities for closing the implementation gap in food systems transformation. With 182 Member States present, it advocated for urgent action at scale, highlighting the role of sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Food Systems and Climate Convergence Initiative, launched during the UNFSS+2, focuses on aligning national food systems pathways with climate-related targets, including Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans. It aims to catalyze advancements toward climate-smart and nature-positive food systems, promoting a fair and sustainable future.
The Secretary-General underscored the urgent need to address the intertwined challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and conflict. He emphasized that aligning climate action and food systems transformation is crucial for securing sustainable development, livelihoods, and peace. The remarks reflect a call to action for governments, businesses, and societies to work together in creating food systems that are both environmentally sustainable and socially equitable.
As the world faces escalating threats from climate change and food insecurity, the Secretary-General's message highlights the importance of coordinated efforts to address these challenges and build a future free from hunger and conflict.
“A global food crisis is creating a hellscape of hunger and heartache for many of the world’s poorest people.
And the climate crisis is accelerating with a deadly force – last year was the hottest ever.
Both these facts undermine peace.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres
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