FAO Liaison Office with the United Nations in New York

HLPF Meeting on Science, technology and innovation: Triggering transformation and sustaining science-driven solutions

Stefanos Fotiou, Director of the FAO Office of SDGs

08/07/2024

Transforming agrifood systems requires increased investment in science, technology, innovation, and data to guide policies and actions at all levels. It is crucial to establish a supportive policy framework that incorporates the perspectives, knowledge, and contributions of small-scale and family farmers, fishers, aquaculture producers, rural women, Indigenous Peoples, and forest-dependent communities. 

This approach harnesses the combined power of science, technology, and innovation while building on Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems. Such integration fosters data-driven agriculture, promising more efficient, inclusive, resilient, sustainable agrifood systems and enhanced food security. 

Amidst global challenges, leveraging collective wisdom, expertise, and resources from the science-policy-society interface is essential to accelerate progress towards achieving SDG 2. Evidence-based decision-making underscores the significance of scientific research, data-driven analysis, and monitoring frameworks in shaping effective policies to combat hunger and malnutrition. 

In conclusion, strategic partnerships and collaborations are pivotal in agrifood systems transformation. By working with various stakeholders, we can build on the momentum of global processes like the UN Food Systems Summit +2, the SDG Summit, the World Food Forum, and the Summit of the Future. These partnerships create opportunities for participation in agrifood systems, support sustainable agriculture and rural transformation, and improve livelihoods while addressing social inequalities.