WORLD FOOD FORUM 2023 “Innovation Breakthroughs” Statement

WORLD FOOD FORUM 2023

 

“Innovation Breakthroughs”

 

Statement

By

Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General

 

18 October 2023

 

Excellences,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Welcome to all of you, it is indeed an honour to have so many special guests here with us.

 

We are living in times of risks and uncertainties. With many heartbroken events taking place around the world, for such a long time, at FAO this means we need to work even more and better.

 

Uncertainties have always existed throughout history, but the current multiple and overlapping challenges require unprecedented measures.

 

The climate crisis, ongoing conflicts, and economic downturns, among others, are having a significant effect in amplifying existing risks and contributing to losses in global agrifood systems. In recent years, the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters have increased drastically,

 

For this reason, we have a strong and deep commitment to COP28 and the UAE Presidency, to explore how we can work even better together across agrifood systems.

 

With an estimated USD 3.8 trillion worth of crops and livestock production lost over the last 30 years – this amounts to an annual loss of USD 123 billion or nearly 5% of annual global agricultural GDP.

 

Agrifood systems is one of the most highly exposed sectors and increasingly at risk, with increased hunger and poverty worsened by our diminishing ability to produce more, with the impacts mostly felt by countries that have lower capacity and fewer resources to address these unforeseen threats.

 

We must increase our capacity to prevent and be more resilient, with the necessary instruments to respond in a timely manner.

 

To be prepared, we need science, innovation, technology, information, and data, as well as enabling policies and responsible investments.

 

Today’s event provides the space for and facilitates inclusive global dialogue around innovative approaches and solutions, and concrete initiatives such as Atom4food, the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) Initiative, Global Development Initiative (GDI) and others– concrete with resources, capacity, technology, and strong political will.

 

But we need to go beyond innovation – it is time for Breakthroughs!

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

We need Innovation Breakthroughs to successfully transform our agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient, and more sustainable, to produce more and better, with LESS, to feed the world and to provide access to healthy food.

 

We need Breakthroughs to reduce inequalities, for gender parity and to provide opportunities for the youth in this sector.

 

One of these Breakthroughs is the VACS by the United States of America that seeks to support African governments, farmers, agricultural researchers, and civil society organizations as they prepare the Continent’s agrifood systems for the challenges posed by the climate crisis. The initiative will identify the most nutritious crops across the African subregions, assess expected challenges and seek to boost public and private investments for effective adaption.

 

Since taking office, I have always emphasized digitalization and the use of technology to improve food security and nutrition, such as nuclear technologies and biotechnologies.

 

Using isotopes or radiation techniques in agrifood systems can control pests and diseases, increase crop production, protect land, and water resources, fight and adapt to climate change and ensure food safety. 

 

FAO and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have been expanding knowledge and enhancing capacity in this area for 60 years, and recently strengthened this partnership through a new Memorandum of Understanding, including through the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, to upgrade and improve collaboration and strengthen the network of two key UN agencies.

 

FAO is now eager to turn the strengthened partnership into a concrete initiative. The joint Atoms4Food Initiative we are launching today looks to transform agrifood systems using the advantages of nuclear techniques.

 

We need innovation and technology to address issues among others such as Malaria and Fall Armyworm, among others.

 

In China, for example, we have good examples of how mainstreaming innovation across all sectors has led to successful practices that have avoided huge losses. This is in addition to the effective collaboration undertaken by China over many years under the umbrella of South-South Cooperation.

 

Thanks to technology, digitalization and artificial intelligence, China has more options to make agrifood systems more productive and use land and water efficiently, and the country has significantly reduced waste during the process.

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

In times of extreme challenges, we need extreme Innovation Breakthroughs!

 

It is time to work together like true brothers and sisters in the true UN multilateral spirit.

 

Breakthroughs are born out of sharing inspiring and innovative practices.

 

So, let’s put our heads together to come up with Innovation Breakthroughs!

 

Thank you.