UNFSS Regional Dialogue for Europe and Central Asia - Opening Remarks by Dr. QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General

UNFSS Regional Dialogue for Europe and Central Asia

Opening Remarks by

Dr. QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General

As prepared

25 May 2021

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. The pandemic has brought about a crisis of unprecedented magnitude.
2. It exacerbated a situation that was already dire.
3. 690 million people that are chronically undernourished.
4. Three billion people that cannot afford healthy diets and unsafe food supplies affecting one in 10 people.
5. The 2021 Global Report on Food Crises showed that the steady increase in acute food insecurity reached 155 million people in 2020.
6. The pandemic also exposed the fragility of current agri-food systems and highlighted the need to transform them.
7. Agri-food systems are the world's largest economic systems, with over four billion people being employed in them or indirectly engaged with them.
8. A holistic redesign of the world's agri-food systems is crucial to ending hunger by 2030 and achieving the other SDGs.
9. We need to jointly address how agri-food systems can be transformed to:
  • sustainably deliver the quality diets needed for good health;
  • relieve pressure on the planet’s natural resources; and
  • drive inclusive economic growth.
10. Agri-food systems should be fair and equitable, and ensure decent employment to all those engaged in food production, trade, delivery and supply.
11. Today’s panel discussion will provide a valuable opportunity to identify solutions to transform our agri-food systems.
12. I look forward to your views on how to strengthen cooperation, promote the circular economy, maximize the use of digital tools, foster innovation, and adapt financing support.

Dear Colleagues,
13. The region of Europe and Central Asia is an economic and agricultural powerhouse and contains diverse cultures, agri-food systems and climatic zones.
14. This diversity gives opportunity to share experience and good practices within the region and beyond.
15. To incorporate the various priorities in our new Strategic Framework, a transparent and inclusive consultation process was followed.
16. FAO’s new Strategic Framework for the next decade supports the 2030 Agenda to achieve the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.
17. The UN Food Systems Summit is a timely opportunity to galvanize momentum, foster dialogue and present game changing solutions.
18. We need solutions that are evidence-based and backed by science.
19. The Summit’s 2021 Science Days will be facilitated and co-hosted by FAO on 8 and 9 July.
20. I am also pleased to see that young people are engaged in today’s event.
21. The role of the youth is pivotal in shaping agri-food systems transformation.
22. Their views will be an important contribution to the ongoing discussions in the region and beyond.
23. The FAO Youth Committee initiated the World Food Forum, powered by global youth (WFF).
24. The Forum will have its first major global event in October, which will be dedicated to the future of our agri-food systems.
25. It will bring together youth groups, influencers, and start-ups, along with youth networks from academic institutions, civil society, the private sector, national authorities and media to drive awareness, involvement and resources.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
26. With challenges there come opportunities, let us seize them together!
27. FAO will continue supporting the Region’s important efforts for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.
28. Thank you.