Food security’s crucial role in delivering the SDGs

The Director of FAO’s Liaison Office with the United Nations in New York, Carla Mucavi, delivered a statement on behalf of FAO, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the World Food Programme, during the Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee) deliberations on the Secretary-General’s Agriculture development, food security and nutrition report.

Mucavi acknowledged the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the already strained efforts of the international community to get on track with eradicating hunger and all forms of malnutrition by 2030. That withstanding, she also noted that the pandemic can serve as an opportunity to build on lessons learned, if we recognize food systems as one of the key entry points to leverage interlinkages among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Poverty is linked to food insecurity and malnutrition; hunger, conflict and economic downturn are also interconnected; biodiversity and ecosystems share a key role in sustainable diets,” elaborated Mucavi.

To accelerate transformational change and enhance food security and nutrition, the FAO New York Director called for increasing long-term investments, and acting at country level to take into consideration specific contexts. Mucavi also urged the United Nations community to “actively participate in preparations towards the 2021 Food Systems Summit, with a view to consolidate evidence, knowledge and understanding regarding SDG interconnections.”

Carla Mucavi’s full statement is available here.