Rome: The Secretary-General expressed gratitude to the governments of Ethiopia and Italy for co-hosting a significant summit on food systems. Despite being unable to attend in person, the Secretary-General emphasized the multidimensional nature of food systems, highlighting their impact on health, nutrition, climate, and justice.
According to EMM, the Secretary-General pointed out that nearly 40 percent of the global workforce is linked to food systems, yet many remain in poverty due to climate change disrupting harvests and supply chains. Conflict, from regions like Gaza to Sudan, continues to exacerbate hunger, creating further instability. The Secretary-General stressed that hunger should never be used as a weapon of war.
The Secretary-General noted that investments in nutrition can yield substantial returns, and sustainable food systems are essential for advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Governments are already taking steps to incorporate food systems into climate strategies and budgets, empowering women and youth, and investing in agroecology. Ethiopia’s investments in local wheat production were highlighted as an example of reducing import dependence and creating jobs.
However, the Secretary-General emphasized that government efforts alone are insufficient. The private sector must contribute through innovation, logistics, and responsible business practices. New partnerships like the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty should be expanded.
The Secretary-General identified three urgent priorities: breaking down silos to create integrated policies, addressing power imbalances to ensure fair governance, and unlocking finance for transformation. Emphasizing the need for climate action, the Secretary-General called for debt relief, concessional finance, and reform of the global financial system.
The Secretary-General concluded by underscoring the importance of peace for sustainable investments and the development of food systems that can nourish humanity and restore the planet.