FAO statement at High-level meeting on the First International Day of Zero Waste – 'The role of zero waste as a transformative solution in achieving sustainable goals'

High-level meeting of the President of the General Assembly

International Day of Zero Waste

'The role of zero waste as a transformative solution in achieving sustainable goals'

Video message - FAO Director-General

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to address you on this important occasion of the International Day of Zero Waste,

As it offers us the opportunity to reflect on an issue of critical importance for our survival, and the sustainability of our planet. 

With a world population predicted to grow close to 10 billion people by 2050, we face the immense challenge of meeting the rapidly growing global demand for food and non-food agricultural products - which is projected to increase by up to 56% by 2050 - while ensuring sustainable agrifood systems. 

To meet this extra demand for agricultural inputs, including food, fiber, fuel and fodder, in an equitable and sustainable way, we must use existing biological resources more efficiently and waste less, instead of relying on finite fossil-based resources.

We must produce and consume in a more sustainable and healthier manner, with less inputs. 

We must also create inclusive value chains and local economic opportunities that leave no one behind, especially women, youth, rural farmers, small-scale producers, and indigenous peoples, particularly in the most vulnerable countries. 

A circular and sustainable economy offers systemic solutions to address these challenges. 

In fact, FAO Members have identified bio-economy as a strategic priority for the next ten years to bring about waste and pollution reduction, as set out in the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31,

As it values and promotes responsible production and consumption of renewable natural resources thereby contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, 

And positive actions in support of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. 

For example, waste and residues along agrifood systems can be turned into beneficial products such as bio-materials, bio-chemicals, bio-pharmaceuticals, and bio-energy. 

In the bio-economy, there is no such thing as waste! 

By re-using such bio-based residues we can improve nutrient recycling and valorize all types of biomass, while protecting food security and creating new livelihood opportunities.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

FAO estimates that between production and wholesale stages of the supply chain, over 13% of food produced globally goes lost. 

It is also estimated that 17% of total global food production may be wasted at the retail, food-service and consumer stages. 

Adding to this, there is loss of food quality across the entire food supply chain.

Food loss and waste is happening against a backdrop in which an estimated 828 million people are undernourished, and almost 3.1 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet. 

And food loss and waste is responsible for about 8 to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

When we waste food and non-food agricultural products, as well as inputs like plastics, it places unnecessary pressure on the environment. 

It essentially means that we have wasted land and water resources, we have created pollution and we have emitted greenhouse gases with no purpose! 

We need to identify the “hotspots” where losses and waste occur.

We need to urgently address the inefficiencies and inequalities in our agrifood systems to make them more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable.

Agrifood systems transformation can help us accelerate the pace of achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Reducing losses and waste will not only contribute to our environment, but increase the availability of fruits and vegetables, and improve access to healthy diets.

Our assessments and actions should be informed by solid, valid, scientific and evidence-based data and information. 

And the scientific evidence confirms that reduction of food loss will increase farmers productivity and will reduce trade-offs. 

We must build on the momentum of the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit during which countries  prioritized the reduction of food loss and waste in their national pathways, 

To obtain tangible results on the ground and progress towards our collective vision to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The UN Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment, to be held at FAO headquarters in Rome in July this year, will be an important opportunity for countries to share, exchange, and promote early signs of transformations in their agrifood sector.

At FAO, as the UN lead technical agency for food and agriculture, we are committed to working together with all partners to achieve the goal of zero waste, 

Through the transformation of global agrifood systems, 

For better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all, leaving no one behind.

Thank you.