FAO and UNEP: COVID-19 increases the urgency to transform food systems

8 May 2020, Rome - FAO Director-General QU Dongyu and Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) today held talks that focused on the impact of COVID-19, particularly on the most vulnerable populations.

In particular, they discussed how the pandemic’s effects will be more overwhelming in Africa which is already dealing with various threats including, the Desert Locust upsurge in the Horn of Africa region.

Qu noted how at this time there is an even a greater need for the transformation of food systems - as a means to address biodiversity and ecosystems restoration but also food security. In this context, Anderson underline the upcoming UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021–2030.

Both agreed that it is time to move towards positive nature based solutions with the FAO Director-General stressing the need for strengthened international solidarity and cooperation. He noted that science-based policy, new business models and modern technology are key elements in achieving the food systems transformation and ensuring food security.

For her part the UNEP Executive Director, also highlighted the importance of seizing the momentum in view of COP15 as well as the Nature Summit (planned at the margins of United Nations General Assembly September 2020) to provide guidance for action in terms of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. Both parties agreed that agriculture and ecosystem restoration are critical to also address climate change.