One Sustainable Health Forum

One Sustainable Health Forum

Video Message by

Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General

7 July 2021

 

Distinguished Guests,

Dear Colleagues and Participants, 

1. I would like to thank you for inviting me to address you today.
2. Our world is facing increasing threats from the risks of epidemics and pandemics,
3. Climate crises and environmental contamination,
4. biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, among others. 
5. Natural resources are under pressure due to a growing world population, unsustainable
   agri-food systems, and rapid urbanization.
6. If left unchecked, these global challenges will have devastating consequences for humankind and our capacity to feed the world.
7. The complexity and interconnectedness of the challenges require a bold paradigm shift, embracing structural solutions with great emphasis on upstream prevention.
8. We must rethink our relationship with nature.
9. We need to embrace collaborative, collective, multi-sectoral, and transdisciplinary approaches, to move forward.
10. We must build partnerships, alliances and coalitions for science-based and green solutions to transform our agri-food systems and keep our healthier planet.
11. These efforts are crucial for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
12. With an overall mandate of ending hunger and alleviating poverty;
13. underpinned by the aspiration for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
14. FAO promotes the transformation to more efficient, resilient, inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems.
15. One Health as a systematic approach links human, animal, plant and environmental health.
16. It seeks the optimal balance across sectors and systems to prevent long-term health risks to people and animals, achieving food security and preserving natural resources.
17. The approach is gaining traction as a core strategic area within FAO’s 4 Betters vision.
18. And we are working with OIE, WHO plus UNEP and others on developing a Global Plan of Action on One Health.
19. The plan is a joint commitment for collective action to implement One Health at global, regional and national levels.  
20. Our timeline is ambitious,
21. but urgency and political willingness shall propel us to move fast,
22. to ensure a sustainable One Health for all.
23. Thank you.