UNFSS+4 briefings set the stage for a transformative Stocktake in 2025

Ahead of the second UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4), the UN, in collaboration with the Stocktake co-hosts – Ethiopia and Italy – convened Member States for a series of briefings. The briefings set the direction of travel, and emphasized urgency and a strong focus on collaboration and investment to build momentum for the acceleration of global food systems transformation. These briefings, along with discussions among non-state stakeholders, underscored the urgency of the Stocktake, scheduled for 28–29 July 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Briefings with Member States

Two Member State briefings were held on 18 and 24 February, in New York and Nairobi respectively, with remote participation from Rome and Geneva. The UN Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) hosted the meetings, joined by high-level representatives from the governments of Ethiopia and Italy, and key UN agencies (FAO, IFAD, WFP, UNEP, UNON), for discussions around the UNFSS+4 vision, objectives, roadmap, and expected outcomes. The discussions reiterated the urgency of collective action in the face of climate change, conflict, economic disparities, and food insecurity during a time of polycrises. The DSG underscored the need to motivate investment in food systems that would help address and overcome these challenges.

Briefing with National Food Systems Convenors

Joined by over 90 participants from 58 countries, the National Convenor Briefing, held on 24 February 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, reinforced the critical role of National Convenors in driving food systems transformation at the country level. The DSG underscored that food systems transformation is at a turning point, with only five years remaining to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She urged National Convenors to move beyond best practices and focus on investment mobilization, policy coherence, and knowledge-sharing to drive measurable change. She also emphasized private sector engagement and digital innovation as key enablers of scaling sustainable food systems solutions.

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting National Convenors, describing them as the "real game changers" who translate global strategies into local action. He emphasized the need for technological innovation, climate-smart agriculture, and stronger data-driven decision-making to accelerate food systems transformation.

IFAD President Alvaro Lario highlighted the urgent need for increased investment, calling for greater financial inclusion for smallholder farmers and new funding mechanisms to support national food security initiatives.

National Convenors shared progress updates, highlighting successes in scaling up school feeding programs, expanding digital agriculture services, and strengthening public-private partnerships. However, many also cited financial constraints, limited access to technology, and the need for stronger multi-sectoral coordination as ongoing challenges. Some countries called for better alignment between food systems strategies and broader economic development goals to ensure long-term sustainability.

The briefing concluded with a robust roadmap toward UNFSS+4, including finalizing voluntary national progress reports, conducting regional consultations, and engaging stakeholders. With the Stocktake fast approaching, National Convenors were encouraged to seize this opportunity to drive real investment and policy action, ensuring that UNFSS+4 delivers tangible progress toward more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems. Read the summary report.

Briefing with private sector actors

The DSG met with private sector thought leaders to share updates on the UNFSS+4 process. The private sector reaffirmed their commitment to support the Stocktake's success, discussed initial potential entry points for engagement, and offered insights and recommendations to enhance their involvement leading up to and during the event. Overall, they welcomed the space for meaningful engagement of the private sector and exploring options for investment partnerships and good practice that can be featured at the Stocktake.

UNFSS+4 kick-off briefing

On 25 February, a kick off meeting brought together representatives from civil society, academia, youth, science, farmer organisations and the private sector to inform the design of the Summit and priority issues including mobilizing international and regional financial institutions and banks, engaging various actors including the private sector, youth and academia, social movements, and collecting their perspectives, and accelerating food systems transformation through a human rights lens. 

The road ahead

The UNFSS+4 Stocktake is shaping up to be a defining moment for accelerated action for food system transformation. Over the next few months, regional consultations – including the UNFSS+4 Regional Preparatory Meetings, a Preparatory Youth Conference, a Pre-Summit moment, virtual touchpoints, and national reports will offer milestones and inform the UNFSS+4 programme in Addis Ababa.

With a strong focus on inclusivity, accountability, and investment, the UNFSS+4 aims to bridge policy commitments with real-world implementation, ensuring that food systems transformation remains at the forefront of the global agenda.