Cities in the forefront of agri-food system transformation

“Cities can play a key role in agri-food system transformation by sharing their successful experiences in ensuring affordable, healthy and environment-friendly food for their citizens.” That was the main message of FAO Brussels Director Raschad Al-Khafaji at the Organic Cities Conference, held under the auspices of the City of Vienna.

Al-Khafaji showcased the FAO-led Green Cities Initiative, which was launched in September 2020 during the United Nations General Assembly. The initiative encompasses a rich network of partners – from local governments to private sector and international organizations – and seeks to improve the urban environment, strengthening urban-rural linkages, while ensuring access to healthy diets.

“FAO is engaged to boost city-to-city collaboration in order to improve cities’ green lifestyle, create green jobs and increase urban resilience to climate change. Organic production is part of this sustainable approach that can be implemented in EU cities and beyond,” said the FAO Brussels Director. Highlighting the common challenges faced by cities in all parts of the world, Al-Khafaji said there was strong scope for them to learn from each other’s solutions.

Diego Canga, Principal Adviser at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, observed that “EU cities need to share their experiences, not only within Europe, but also globally” by boosting organic and other kinds of sustainable production.

Other panelists included: Cecilia del Re, Environment Councilwoman of the City of Florence; Audrey Pulvar, Vice Mayor of Paris, responsible for sustainable food, agriculture and short supply routes; Nina Abrahamczik, Member of the State Parliament, City Councilwoman of the City of Vienna and Chair of the Climate, Environment, Democracy and staff; Ronny Meyer, State Councilman for Climate Protection, Environment and Mobility, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, spokesman for the German Bio-Cities Network; and Eduardo Cuoco, Director IFOAM Organics Europe, Head of Secretariat.

You can read more about FAO’s work on Green Cities here.