High-Level Expert Seminar on Climate change impacts: Expanding situations of vulnerability on Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant populations and Latin American migrants
by Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
27/05/2021
High-Level Expert Seminar on Climate change impacts: Expanding situations of vulnerability on Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant populations and Latin American migrants
Statement by
Dr. QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
27 May 2021
Distinguished Speakers,
Ladies and gentlemen,
1. The COVID-19 pandemic, gave us a surprising wake-up call – reminding us of the close connection between environment and humankind.
2. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of healthy ecosystems and of maintaining biodiversity to contain future zoonotic diseases.
3. 2021 is a Super Year for Nature, as we are preparing for the UN Food Systems Summit, Climate Change Conference (COP26) and the Biodiversity Conference (COP15).
4. We must act collectively to reshape our relationship with nature, and support those who are mostly affected by the climate change and fragility of agri-food systems, such as: small-scale farmers and rural indigenous communities.
5. Indigenous peoples represent just 6.2% of our population but make up 19% of the world’s poorest. At the same time, they are guardians of 80% of our global biodiversity, reserving various agri-food systems in harmony with nature.
6. All around the world, Indigenous Peoples have been applying their profound traditions, unique knowledge and sustainable practices to produce nutritious food, while maintaining ecosystems and enriching biodiversity.
7. However, these valuable contributions are seldom reflected in mitigation strategies and adaptation policies to address climate change and agri-food systems.
8. We should not leave those who know so much about biodiversity, food diversity and cultural diversity behind.
9. At FAO, we recognize this rich potential and wisdom through our Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems Program.
10. These ancestral systems constitute the foundation for contemporary and future agricultural innovations and technologies.
11. Their cultural, ecological and agricultural diversity is of great value for humankind.
12. And FAO has been working hard to put its Policy on Indigenous Peoples into action.
13. The 2019 Rome Group of Friends on Indigenous Peoples and the Global-Hub on Indigenous Peoples' Food Systems launched last year, have proven critical to ensure the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in policy making processes.
14. The extent to which we will be able to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity will depend, on the social inclusion of all.
15. FAO assists countries to reinforce household and community resilience and integrate agri-food systems and land tenure into climate policies. FAO’s new policy on gender equality promotes gender-responsive technologies and good practices.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
16. FAO´s new Strategic Framework seeks to support the Agenda 2030 with a vision for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all.
17. FAO is committed to the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, for paving the way to deliver healthy foods and prosperity for all, while preserving our natural resources.
18. We have the solutions, now we need to head to action.
19. Let us working together to build a world where hunger and poverty are eliminated for ever.
20. I look forward to today’s discussions and views as we move from concepts to collective action.
21. Thank you!