Eco Forum Global 2021 Agricultural Thematic Forum
by Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
13/07/2021
Eco Forum Global 2021
Agricultural Thematic Forum
Video Message by
Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
13 July 2021
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. Our natural resources and ecosystem services are the basis of all agri-food systems, and play a pivotal role in achieving food security for all.
2. Currently, they are facing unprecedented challenges:
• overexploited natural resources;
• degraded ecosystems;
• adverse climate change effects; and
• alarming biodiversity losses.
3. The impact of our current agri-food systems on nature and climate is undermining our ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger.
4. A paradigm shift is urgently required!
5. We need to move to a holistic approach that enables humanity and nature to co-exist and develop in harmony.
6. We also need to boost nature-positive food production systems, as highlighted by the Action Tracks of the UN Food Systems Summit.
7. These systems will help us produce the food we need, without jeopardizing our mother nature.
8. Never before has eco-development been as central on the global agenda as right now!
9. The UN Food Systems Summit, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the upcoming COP 15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity, are all ringing the bell on responsible and sustainable natural resource management.
10. The Eco Forum Global-Guiyang provides a timely platform for global consensus and solidarity to translate vision into action.
11. China is at the forefront of promoting eco-civilization, as has been strongly emphasized in China’s 14th Five Year Plan and Vision 2035.
12. From the concept that “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”,
13. to the assertion that “We should protect ecological environment as we protect our own eyes”,
14. and the recent solemn commitment to attain “carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060”,
15. China has demonstrated to the world its wisdom in promoting the eco-civilization
16. Through best practices at national and local level;
17. we can successfully foster a community of life for humans and nature;
18. and a world free of hunger for current and future generations.
19. FAO’s new Strategic Framework supports the 2030 Agenda through the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems,
20. for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
21. FAO stands ready to work with all stakeholders for the game-changing solutions needed to achieve the fundamental human right to healthy and nutritious food, while preserving our planet.
22. I wish the Forum productive discussions and a successful outcome.
Thank you.