United Nations calls for urgent food systems overhaul to meet goals
The report was officially unveiled on Monday during the UNFSS+4 at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Launched five years before the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline, the report outlines both growing global momentum and the urgent need to scale up inclusive, resilient and rights-based food systems transformation globally.
At the heart of this is SDG 2, which aims to end hunger and achieve food security by 2030.
In a statement issued on Monday, the United Nations noted that the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit marked a turning point by recognising food systems as fundamental to achieving all 17 SDGs.
'Two years later, the first Stocktake (UNFSS+2) reaffirmed countries' commitments [to this vision],' the United Nations said.
National action and accountability
According to the UNFSS+4 report, a more co-ordinated and diverse community of governments, including UN agencies, civil society, Indigenous people, youth, farmers, businesses and others, is working together to align food systems pathways with broader national and global development goals.
The report also noted that by 2025, 128 countries had developed national food systems transformation pathways, with 155 having appointed National Convenors.
'Of these, 39 countries revised and updated their pathways into more actionable implementation plans. In a significant increase in accountability, 112 countries voluntarily submitted progress reports in 2025, up from 101 in 2023.'
Key trends highlighted in the report include:
The right to food is gaining ground, with countries placing it at the heart of national strategies and, in some cases, enshrining it in constitutions and legislation.
Policy integration is deepening, as governments embed food systems into national development plans, budget frameworks and climate and biodiversity strategies.
Governance mechanisms are becoming more fit for purpose, with countries establishing high-level, cross-sectoral bodies to oversee implementation.
Coalitions and partnerships are expanding, with 20 of the original 31 UNFSS Coalitions of Action continuing to provide critical support through advocacy, technical assistance and financing.
Inclusivity is being prioritised, with governments advancing policies that centre women, youth, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and smallholder producers.
UN support is intensifying, with resident co-ordinators and UN country teams working closely with governments to align efforts across agencies and sectors.
Science, data and technology are driving change, with increased investments in AI, digital tools and evidence-based decision-making.
Financing is mobilising, though challenges remain. Countries report reallocating national budgets, accessing climate funds, and engaging with regional and international financial institutions, including through blended finance and innovative instruments.
Looking ahead
As the world passed the halfway mark between the 2021 Food Systems Summit and the 2030 SDG deadline, the report stresses the critical role of the multilateral system in delivering resilient food systems and solutions.
Looking forward, the report identifies upcoming global events, such as the World Summit for Social Development and COP30, as key opportunities to build on the momentum of UNFSS+4.
These summits are expected to link food systems transformation to broader priorities, including decent jobs, energy and affordability, digital connectivity, education, employment and social protection, and climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. – SAnews.gov.za
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