Looking to Stockholm+50: agri-food systems transformation as key for sustainable recovery to COVID-19

FAO delivered remarks at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Hall during today’s preparatory meeting ahead of Stockholm+50, convened by the UNGA President.

Today the UN General Assembly Hall saw a preparatory meeting ahead of Stockholm+50, convened by the President of the General Assembly and chaired by the Stockholm+50 co-hosts – Sweden and Kenya.  The “Stockholm+50: a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity” global meeting will provide leaders with an opportunity to look back on 50 years of multilateral environmental action and look forward at how to achieve the bold and urgent action needed to secure a better future on a healthy planet.

Preparations for the meeting have involved a multi-stakeholder process and, along with the UN System, FAO has been actively contributing key inputs, data, and policy recommendations to all three Leadership Dialogues, which will aim to yield clear, concrete, and applicable recommendations to protect our planet and its natural resources.

Today’s meeting was structured around three interactive discussions on the preparations of the three Stockholm+50 Leadership Dialogues.

Delivering remarks during the interactive dialogue held under the segment on ‘Leadership Dialogue 2: Achieving a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic’ was Katherine Clyne, Information and Knowledge Management Expert on Sustainable Development, on behalf of FAO. 

Agri-food systems: at the heart of global efforts for human and planetary wellbeing

Speaking on the interconnectedness of how transforming agri-food systems can offer an opportunity to address COVID-19 recovery as well as the environmental challenges before us – FAO called on Members, UN partners, and the international community at large to continue to work together.

It is key to join forces to protect and restore the health and productivity of degraded terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, and sustainably mange our natural resources. Sustainable agri-food systems must be recognized as a key solution to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. 

Mobilizing action behind integrated, innovative solutions

FAO believes the agriculture and food production sectors offer integrated and systemic solutions including  innovation, technology and big data; strengthened institutions; successful agricultural policies and practices; and the empowerment of women, youth, rural communities, and Indigenous Peoples as key actors in decision-making processes.

We must build more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable agri-food systems to better navigate climate uncertainties and economic downturns and ensure food security and nutrition for all. 

Global solidarity and sustained finance

For an inclusive and sustainable COVID-19 recovery, it is important to work as One UN, as well as to collaborate with the private sector on responsible investments for agri-food systems.

These messages are reflected in the outcomes of the UN Food Systems Summit, the Paris Agreement, and the emerging post-2020 Biodiversity Framework. FAO’s remarks noted that Stockholm+50 presents us with a unique opportunity to galvanize further action towards these goals,.

Related links

• Learn more about Stockholm+50 and read the draft background papers from the three leadership dialogues.
• Watch Part I and Part II of today’s meeting.
• Read the full remarks delivered by FAO.