The Director-General stresses need for holistic approach to food and climate security

23 September 2021 Rome/New York - The world needs a joined-up approach to confront the problems of food and climate security, QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations said today in a World Economic Forum event.

“If you look at the climate crisis, it stems from impacts coming from all sectors, not only agriculture but also industry, so we have to use a holistic design to tackle the challenges,” Qu said in a panel discussion on the theme of “Breaking Silos to Achieve Food and Climate Security”. The event formed part of the World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Summit 2021.

Qu pointed to the fact that the linkage between agri-food systems and the climate crisis is high on the international agenda.

The Director-General highlighted the need to provide more, nutritious food with a low carbon footprint, in a sustainable manner and with more socio-economic benefits.

Green and climate resilient agri-food systems are key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, he said. 

“We must be efficient: produce more with less,” Qu said.

But in order to feed a growing population of 9.9 billion by 2050, governments must refocus their energies and investment to rural areas.

The FAO Director-General stressed the need to ensure that the outcomes of the Food Systems Summit, which took place on Thursday, align all stakeholders with the Areas of Action.

All three pillars of sustainability – economic, social, and environmental – must be at the heart of multilateral efforts, he urged.

Qu pledged that FAO would play a leadership role, working closely with sister agencies and the UN framework as well as other partners, to ensure the successful implementation of national transformation pathways.

Also participating in the discussion were UN World Food Programme Executive Director David Beasley, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta and Consumers International Director General Helena Leurent.