Summary of the 72nd UNGA events with FAO participation
The speakers representing UN system, Member States and non-state actors addressed the cost of and the opportunities that exist in eliminating food loss and waste, shared their work on the matter and ideas going forward. The importance of measuring food loss and waste and the difficulty in doing so were highlighted; the need for a food systems approach was recognized; the role of the private sector, civil society and other actors and the need for a multi-stakeholder dialogue was emphasized; and the criticality of ensuring that technologies and innovation are accessible by all was stressed.
The food loss and waste agenda is expected to continue prominent in the next months with the 2018 High Level Political Forum set to review SDG 12 (sustainable production and consumption) and the incoming chair of the G20 (Argentina) committing to take this issue forward next year.
Key messages from the panels
Mr. Alexander Muller, Managing Director, Think Tank for Sustainability, moderated the event and stated that the first assessment of The State of Food Security and Nutrition (SOFI) shows that 850 million were food insecure in 2016; an increase of 38 million from 2015. Achieving zero hunger by 2030 requires zero tolerance for food going into waste at the household, store or farm level.
In a video message, Ms. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the UN called for zero tolerance for food loss and waste. Food production has reached record high, yet millions of people are hungry. There is a business and economic opportunity: to feed more people, reduce the pressure on natural resources and generate revenue. All partners should adopt a holistic approach to the problem, scale up work and innovate.
H. E. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, UAE stated that to meet 12.3 together with FAO, UAE has set a comprehensive food diversification policy to ensure long term food security and production. UAE is promoting healthy food consumption patterns and food waste in the food supply chain.
Ms. Liz Goodwin, Director, Food Loss and Waste at WRI and 12.3, the upcoming the second annual progressive report shows that companies are more to meet 12.3 that countries, and called for action to change this trend.
Mr. José Graziano da Silva, Director General, FAO stressed that SOFI 2017 highlighted the increasing hunger rate and the relationship between hunger and other forms of malnutrition like obesity affecting developing and developed countries alike. He called for looking at the whole food chain, from farm to table. Three points to focus are: a) developing new methodologies, delving deeper and using disaggregated data; b) adopting a holistic approach as the issue brings together climate action, life below water and life on land; and c) more accurate data and information. He informed that consultations on measurements will take place in Rome, and echoed Ms. Mohammed that zero tolerance on food loss and waste makes economic sense too.
Mr. David Beasley, Executive Director, WFP noted that the cause of food loss in developing countries is the lack of infrastructure, whereas in developed countries food waste is predominant. Developing countries should replicate and scale up projects on infrastructure improvement and technology use. He stressed that conflict minimizes the chances of reaching zero hunger by 2030 and stressed the need to engage the private sector.
Ms. Fiona Dawson, President, Global Food, Drinks and Multisales, Mars stated that the private sector is a vital partner in meeting the SDGs. The company aims to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 2/3.
Mr. Ankit Kawatra, founder of Feeding India, SDG Young Leader, stated that his organization has built networks of volunteers collecting and distributing excess food available at any time and managed online. He stressed that food wastage impacts people’s health and nutrition, the economy and the environment. Feeding India is India’s largest youth run not-for-profit fighting hunger, malnutrition and food wastage, present in 55 cities with more than 7,500 volunteers. It has already saved food worth $7.5 million and served more than 9 million meals.
Ms. Josefa Sacko, African Union Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture stated that the CAADP -Malabo Declaration includes seven commitments one of them being to end post-harvest loss by 2025. AU together with NEPAD recently launched an implementation plan for 2017-2021, and is working with FAO and Rockefeller Foundation to design strategies for ending post-harvest loss in Africa. About seven African countries have already domesticated the Declaration with more to join in.
Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, President, IFAD called for investments in improving storage. Improvements in infrastructure are also critical to provide access to markets. It is vital to ensure the recovery and transformation of food loss in products, and link small holders to food systems. In addition, awareness should be raised at the small holder’s levels through training, education and capacity building.
Mr. Mamadou Biteye, Managing Director, Africa Regional Office of the Rockefeller Foundation pointed out that post-harvest loss is often overlooked. The Foundation has invested $130 million to apply science, technology and innovation on methods and models that are effective in addressing post-harvest loss and improve value chain efficiency.
Mr. Klaus Heider, Director General- Nutrition Policy, Product Safety and Innovation, Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Germany called for involving science and increasing research on the issue. Germany has taken the issue forward with the G20 from Turkey and China, working to facilitate progress and research, look at the whole food chain and invest in infrastructure.
Comments from the floor included:
Mr. Hans Hoogeveen, Permanent Representative of Netherlands to FAO in Rome called for efforts to increase trust in private-public partnerships and set a relevant master plan for investment.
Ms. Gerda Verbung, SUN urged for dialogue with companies and civil society as companies to establish trust.
The World Farmers Organization expressed skepticism about ability to measure what is lost in the food chain and called for more work on improving the policy environment that is conducive in Africa.
Mr. Luigi di Chiara, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Italy stated that in 2016, Italy passed a law fighting food waste. The Ministry of Agriculture is allocating additional funds to limit waste, employ food surpluses in effective and efficient ways, and promote the production of reusable and recyclable packaging. It is also actively contributing to the G20 “Technical Platform on the Measurement and Reduction of Food Loss and Waste.” To contribute to the Decade of Action on Nutrition, Italy has set up an inter-ministerial multi-stakeholder platform.
Mr. Thomas Foster called for vertical coherence among levels and the inclusion of civil society and subnational governments in efforts to transform food systems.
Mr. Estanislaos Zawels, Director General of International Organizations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Argentina announced that as the next G20 President, Argentina will take the issue forward. The Ministry of Agriculture is carrying out its first estimation of food loss and waste for 2014 and 2015, using the methodology designed by the Swedish Institute for Food and Biotechnology on FAO’s request.
Conclusion
Mr. Alexander Muller summarized the key discussion points: a) a holistic approach is needed to achieve food security and sustainable development; b) new and innovative partnerships, bringing together different new and existing networks and partners and ensuring coherence at all levels, are needed; c) lessons learn should be scaled up; d) behavioral change and awareness raising are vital; e) research, innovation and new technologies that are accessible to all and at all scales will be also critical components.
- UNGA 72 Events with FAO’s Participation
(1) NEPAD Side-Event: Harnessing Skills for Rural Transformation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: What needs to be done?
20 September 2017, New York
The event brought together various stakeholders to discuss and share experiences on how issues of leadership, policies, and investments can create opportunities for job creation and employment for youth in their home countries and positively contribute to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 8.
Introduction and Opening Statements
Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of IFAD, highlighted IFAD’s Rural Development Report, which discusses the need to invest in young people in rural areas. He noted that a large percentage of Africa’s GDP is related to agriculture and agribusiness. In this regard, he stated that the agri-industry has great potential. Mr. Houngbo noted that it is important to “support young Africans to support themselves”. He further stated that young women and men need greater security and access to land and information services, as well as training and financial skills.
Dr. José Graziano da Silva, FAO Director-General, in his opening statement referred to the recent launch of SOFI 2017, highlighting that the number of chronically undernourished people in the world has increased from 777 million in 2015 to 815 million in 2016. The DG stated that although the largest number of undernourished people is in Asia, the prevalence of undernourishment in Sub-Saharan Africa is the highest in the world, with 23% of the population suffering from hunger in 2016. The DG also underscored that about 80% of hungry people in the world are extreme poor people that live in rural areas, mostly family farmers, smallholders, pastoralists and artisan fisher folks. He stated that to implement the 2030 Agenda, focus must be put on rural areas. However, attention must not only be paid to agricultural modernization, but to the whole agri-food system, “from seed to table”. Addressing youth employment, the DG highlighted that young people are interested in areas such as agribusiness, storage, trade and retail, tourism and infra-structure. He highlighted three key areas in harnessing skills for farm and non-farm jobs: (1) The need to invest more in information and communication technologies; (2) The implementation of a territorial approach that strengthens links between small urban centers and their surrounding rural areas; and (3) The stimulation of private sector investments, which is critical to create a modern and dynamic agricultural sector and value chains.
Panellists
The panel section included Ms. Azita Berar Awad, Director, Employment Policy Department, International Labour Organization; Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator/CEO, NEPAD Nigeria; Ms. Ingrid Hoven, Director General, BMZ, Germany; Mr. Guy Ryder, Director General, International Labour Organization; Mr Federico Bonaglia, Deputy Director of the OECD Development Centre;
Mr. Bonga Petros Masoka, Founder and Business Developer, G-TECH HOLDING, South Africa;
Mr. Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, UNDP; and Mr. Eddie Bergman, Former Executive Director of Africa Travel Association and NEPAD Goodwill Ambassador, President MCW Global.
Panellists discussed the obstacles facing Africa’s employment sector for youth. In particular, they highlighted Africa’s demography challenges, as the continent will see a significant increase in young people in the coming years. In this regard, they asked how it will be possible to create employment opportunities for an additional 30 million people – a challenge based on demography alone. They noted that not enough job opportunities exist, which is compounded by the issue of skills mismatch. In this regard, Panelists stated that data is needed to help pair skilled workers with available jobs. Last, panellists discussed the importance of investing in education for skills improvement and underscored the importance of entrepreneurship as a vehicle for greater job growth.
Comments from the floor echoed the statements of panellists showing concern for the demography challenges facing Africa and called for strengthening investment in education for job creation. They noted that opportunities in the health, technology, education, services, and tourism sectors will be key for Africa. Comments also noted the importance of improving working conditions and to create high quality jobs to attract workers.
Closing Session
Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, CEO, NEPAD Agency, closed the event by stating that the African leadership must adapt to the way of life of African youth, and that a disconnect between youth and current leadership exists. He noted that youth are no longer as interested in farming as they used to, and that other types of job opportunities must be created. Dr. Mayaki stated that leadership is “how to build knowledge and strategy”, which will be key to solving Africa’s employment problems. He also called for greater financial investment in Africa to support the continent’s development.
(2) One Year On: Progress, Challenges, Opportunities, and New Ways of Working to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
21 September 2017, New York
The event brought together multiple AMR stakeholders to reflect on progress since last year’s High-Level Meeting on AMR, to highlight the linkages between AMR and the SDGs, and to discuss ways to move forward and build further momentum for action. Speakers and panelists remarked on the complex and intertwined nature of AMR and therefore stressed the need for greater cooperation between civil society, the private sector, governments and the United Nations. Speakers also highlighted positive country examples where AMR initiatives are underway, carefully noting that although not all countries are the same and face different obstacles, they can still learn from one another.
Rajesh Mirchandani, Vice President of Communications and Policy Outreach, Center for Global Development, and Moderator of the event, opened by noting last year’s High-Level Meeting, signaling the commitment of Heads of State to AMR. He called AMR a creeping but urgent global threat which requires international cooperation to address.
Keynote remarks
Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer, UK and Co-Convener of the IACG, began by stating that it is easy to talk about policy but that it is a different matter to change behaviors on the ground. She noted that the work needs to start at countries with national action plans and asked how the UN could help in this regard. She noted that “drug resistant infections are here to stay” and that we must work together to address these issues. Professor Davies further highlighted the challenge of access for both people and animals, and remarked on the importance of working on the entire food chain, where she noted that FAO and the OIE are gearing up their work. Professor Davies also brought up the IACG work plan and requested people to send in their comments. Last, she highlighted the AMR Framework for Action and noted that it takes on board the SDGs and the Global Action Plan on AMR.
Ms. Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director General, FAO, noted that although AMR is usually described as a threat, it is also an opportunity to unite health, agriculture and environmental concerns in collaborative global action. Ms. Semedo highlighted the experience of Cambodia, where 1.5 years ago, there was almost no awareness of AMR in agriculture, medicines were freely sold and used without any control, and there was no surveillance and no links with human health officials. By strengthening collaboration between health and agriculture ministries, helping draft rules to regulate the sale of veterinary medicines, and assisting animal health labs, there has been an increased awareness and greater cooperation in dealing with AMR. Ms. Semedo noted that similar success and positive stories have been seen in Ghana, Kenya, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, Latin America, and Central Asia. She stated that to control AMR, the issue must be addressed at the field level. Ms. Semedo further underlined lessons learned: the need for evidence based policies; surveillance on antimicrobial use both in hospitals and throughout the food chain; greater surveillance of AMR at national levels; improved mechanisms for the quality assurance of pharmaceuticals; and the need for strong governance. Last, Ms. Semedo highlighted the One Health approach of the Tripartite.
Panel One: All In, Across the Human, Animal, Environmental Spectrums and the Multisectoral Approaches to Tackle AMR
Panelists included Dr. Phusit Prakongsai, Senior Advisor on Health Promotion, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand; Mr. Bård Skjelstad, Head of Biology and Nutrition, SalMar; Ms. Jean Halloran, Director of Food Policy Initiatives, Consumers Union; and Dr. Tim Evans, Senior Director of Health, Nutrition and Population, World Bank.
Dr. Prakongsai provided the example of Thailand’s National Strategy Plan on its work to curb AMR. He noted the government has worked with civil society organizations as well as with FAO. Mr. Skjelstad noted the possibilities of vaccination programs, which could lead to decreased antibiotic use. Ms. Halloran described the awareness program with doctors and consumers of the Consumers Union to reduce antibiotic use. She noted the importance of focusing on food chains, and highlighted McDonald’s recent announcement to phase out antibiotic use from poultry. Ms. Halloran concluded by stating that mass production of meat is possible without using antibiotics. Dr. Evans described the negative financial impacts of AMR on the global economy, stating that it would disproportionately affect the poor. He stressed the need for new vaccines, which would “stem antibiotic resistance than anything else”.
Panel 2: Invigorating Development and Access
Panelists included Dr. Julie Gerberding, Executive Vice President and Chief Patient Officer, Strategic Communications, Global Public Policy, and Population Health, Merck; Mr. Ed Whiting, Director of Policy and Chief of Staff, Wellcome Trust; Dr. Raj Taneja, Senior Director, Pharmaceutical Product Development, TB Alliance; and Ms. Martha Gyansa-Lutterodt, Director of Pharmaceutical Services and Chief Pharmacist, Ghana and Co-Convener of the IACG.
Dr. Gerberding discussed some of the challenges of bringing new drugs to the market, and noted the close cooperation of companies in this regard. Mr. Whiting noted that AMR could learn from examples such as the Paris Agreement, and stated that focus on AMR should increase. Dr. Taneja described his personal story and struggle with tuberculosis treatment, and noted that new drugs and treatments which are shorter in duration should be developed. Ms. Gyansa-Lutterodt discussed the opportunity of working with FAO, and other actors, for increased partnership on AMR. She stated that partnerships are key in moving forward.
Keynote remarks and closing
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, World Health Organization and Co-Chair of the IACG, noted that the continuing rise of AMR is a threat with huge implications for global health. He stated that AMR is beginning to catch the attention of political leaders. He recalled how at a G20 Meeting in July of this year, he heard world leaders (including President Trump and Chancellor Merkel) discuss their concerns of AMR, something that would have been unimaginable years ago. He stated that as the Director General of the WHO, he will make AMR a top priority. He conclude by saying that there needs to be a much greater investment in new drugs to tackle AMR.
Dr. Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health, South Africa, began by stating that it’s not about declarations, it’s about action”. He noted that drug resistance to tuberculosis alone contributes to 1/3rd of AMR, and if this issue is not addressed, 1/3rd of the battle will have been lost already. Dr. Motsoaledi also recalled the G20 meeting, and added that health ministers and Heads of State and Governments also pledged to help on the issue of tuberculosis. He also highlighted the issue of prevention and fighting to change health systems of the world. Last, Dr. Motsoaledi also mentioned McDonald’s move to antibiotic free poultry, and stated that the international community should push more in the food industry to make similar moves.
Ms. Kate Dodson, Vice President for Global Health, UN Foundation, closed the event by thanking all of the participants and called on the international community to work together and continue momentum in the right direction on AMR.
(3) Leaders’ Roundtable: Integrating Climate and Humanitarian Action
20 September 2017
The United Arab Emirates and Norway hosted a High-level roundtable to discuss the growing humanitarian dimension of climate change, as well as its disproportionate impact on women and children. The roundtable aimed at identifying a limited number of near-term solutions and innovations, which participants could collectively promote to bridge policy making, financing, and management of the largely separate climate and humanitarian fields.
Participants noted that climate is many times considered a primary driver or intensifier of humanitarian crises, and is likely to worsen in coming years. The number of refugees is likely to increase and conflict-prone crises risk being magnified due to changes in climate. Participants also stressed the need to build resilience and strengthen the capacity to respond, noting that long-term investment and the engagement of development actors are essential.
The Secretary-General of IFRC, Mr. Elhadj As Sy brought attention to the Forecast Based Financing (FbF) exercise being piloted by IFRC and supported by Germany, which offers financial resources to communities before the onset of a shock or hazard, so they do not become disasters. FbF is informed by early warning, meteorological information and clear and previously agreed regulatory frameworks. Ms. Jennifer MacIntyre, Canada’s Ambassador for Climate Change, noted Canadian’s women-centered programmes in international development programmes, as women and girls are the most vulnerable and powerful amplifiers of efforts. Fiji, as a representative of the SIDS, echoed the need to mainstream gender in climate-sensitive policies.
The representative from France brought attention to the CREWS (Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems), a recently-launched initiative which aims to increase the capacity for early warning systems to generate and communicate effective impact-based early warnings, and risk information for hazardous weather events. Its purpose is to protect lives, livelihoods, particularly in LDCs and SIDS. The vice-president of the World Bank brought attention to the need to invest in capacity building, in innovative partnerships with the engagement of the private sector in climate-smart agriculture and infrastructure. The World Bank is increasing their investment in climate co-benefits to $16 billion, which is 25 per cent of the Bank’s current lending.
Ms. Maria Helena Semedo, FAO’s Deputy-Director General, brought attention to the staggering numbers of the SOFI Report: from 2015 to 2016 an additional 38 million people are suffering from hunger in the world, with climate change the second main driver of this increase, conflict the first. Ms. Semedo stressed that collaborative work and innovative collaborations are essential to address the extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and more intense. Ms. Semedo echoed the need to invest in early warning and preparedness through investment in reliable sources of information, and more climate-sensitive actions such as climate-smart agriculture. Response cannot be limited to saving lives, but especially saving livelihoods: vulnerable people living and working in rural areas need to have the means to survive. Finally, Ms. Semedo stressed the need for nationally-owned strategies, in partnership with non-government actors, including the private sector.
Written inputs as well as those received at this High-Level Roundtable will be compiled and presented in the UAE in February.
(4) Childhood obesity – a development time bomb: Learning from SIDS to accelerate multi-sectoral action in support of the 2015 NCDs targets and the SDGs
22 September 2017
The objective of the event was to share the experiences of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Pacific Island States (PSIDS), in scaling up activity, policies and programmes for providing an enabling and less obesogenic environment for their people, especially the children. The side-event was hosted by the Permanent Missions of Barbados and Canada to the UN, CARICOM, PSIDS, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC).
Ms. Semedo provided remarks from the floor, and informed the participants about the Global Action Programme on Food Security and Nutrition in SIDS (GAP) which was prepared following the invitation of the Paragraph 61 of the S.A.M.O.A Pathway by FAO, in close collaboration with DESA and OHRLLS. Ms. Semedo highlighted that for the successful GAP implementation, there is a need to (1) strengthen the enabling environment for food security and nutrition; (2) improve the sustainability, resilience and nutrition-sensitivity of food systems; and (3) empower people and communities. Ms. Semedo invited all to join the GAP implementation efforts. After the meeting a number of participants expressed their interest in receiving the GAP publication. LON followed-up by sharing the electronic copy of the GAP.
2. Additional Events Covered by FAO LON
(1) Using the Multidimensional Poverty Index to Track Progress in the SDGs
19 September 2017
The event was chaired by the President of Honduras, with video remarks delivered by the Presidents of Colombia and Mexico. Other high level government officials from Bhutan, Costa Rica, Panama, South Africa, Egypt, the Philippines, and Bangladesh spoke on their countries' experience with the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Representatives of the UN system (UNDP, ECSW, DESA and UNICEF) as well as of the League of Arab States, Sida and the World Bank made statements. The event was moderated by Ms. Sabina Alkire, Oxford University.
Based on the critical situation of poor people, the MPI makes visible the multiple forms of poverty. It was noted that many countries reported their MPI alongside their monetary poverty measures, with both forms complementing each other to guide action. It was noted that the MPI should be used to track interlinked SDG indicators as a headline and a shared policy perspective with analysts being able to download information by indicator and design policies at all levels. MPI is often used to measure the education, employment, health, housing and nutrition levels of poor households.
To meet the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda, the departure point should be to address the poverty of those left behind. The MPI is a very useful tool to identify and understand the root causes of poverty as well as to combat it. It is important to look beyond growth figures to look closely at how inclusive the growth is. Lack of access to resources, income and human security are at the heart of the poverty problem and action should be taken to end it.
The concept note, program and video of the event can be found here: http://www.ophi.org.uk/ophi_stories/unga-2017/
(2) High-Level meeting on South Sudan
20 September 2017
OCHA hosted a high-level meeting on South Sudan, with participation from UN Member States, regional organizations, UN partners and members of the civil society, aimed to draw attention to the escalating humanitarian and political crisis in South Sudan, affecting the South Sudanese, the region as a whole as well as relief workers, who are losing their lives as they become targets of the fighting groups.
As stated by Panelists, some 7.6 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in South Sudan. A record-high 6 million people are severely food insecure, including 1.7 million on the brink of famine (IPC 4). More than two million South Sudanese have fled the violence to neighboring countries since 2013, while nearly another two million people are estimated to be internally displaced.
The brutal conflict continues to have a horrific human cost. Panelists raised that the level of atrocities are deepening and that it is a men-made crisis, where the level of atrocities keep deepening, aid resources – especially food – are regularly looted. Humanitarian actors also brought the need for a political solution to the crisis and the need for spoilers and violators of International Humanitarian Law to be held accountable. The access difficulties, including bureaucratic impediments, for humanitarian workers from government and opposition are challenging the assistance to the most needed.
While recognizing that humanitarian needs will only continue to grow until the fighting stops, participants applauded the early warning and collective efforts by humanitarian partners to ease famine conditions in South Sudan earlier this year and to prevent famine from taking hold elsewhere.
(3) The SDGs in Action: Country-Led, Country-Owned
21 September 2017
The event was chaired by Mr. Achim Steiner, UNDG Chair, who stated that the SDGs provide a common "language" to understand the challenges and the opportunities, but also one that connects us to the future, all citizens across boundaries, and engages all actors, including business and financial markets. It should not be forgotten that the vast majority of food is not produced by large corporations, but by small holder producers, who are also small sized businesses. There is an opportunity with the SDGs for business to channel and attract financial markets.
The President of Gambia and the President of Kyrgyzstan spoke about their countries experience with establishing peace and democracy, despite the economic, political and environmental challenges. For Gambia, tackling hunger and achieving SDG2 are at the core of the National Zero Hunger Planning. For Kyrgyzstan, poverty, food security, healthcare, education, energy, environment, closing the digital gap, parliamentary democracy and strong civil society are key areas. The Deputy Ministry for Multilateral and Global Affairs (ROK) elaborated on his work at the Peace Building Committee. A representative of the civil society organization, Global Network of Women Peace Builders, talked about its work and underlined that peace and development are parts of the same equation.
On Mr. Steiner's question on what would a UN Country Team should look like 5 years from now, Ms. Amina Mohamed, Deputy Secretary-General, stressed that change is transitional and transformational and that it will be a long and gradual process undertaken with partners.
It was stated that in the future:
- Country priorities must be reflected on the country roadmap but also the RC should be driving behind one framework.
- The UN should be more responsive and faster, especially when helping countries transitioning to democracy or coming out of conflict.
- The UN must facilitate partnerships with civil society, private sector, academia, etc. in daily work to help countries and not on a project-based basis.
- The humanitarian narrative should be prepared to help countries come out of conflict.
- More young people, women and local staff should be employed in country teams.
- The UN should be tackling all goals at once, while striking a balance, and seeing what needs to be done to drive them all forward.
- The UN should help drive investment to a country and not just provide aid.
From the floor, Mexico outlined all its national policies to promote the 2030 Agenda such as establishing a National Council for the 2030 Agenda headed by the President, aligning the SDGs with the national development plans, opening an online platform offering information on the progress of implementation etc. IMO underlined that migration is the face of globalization and the mega-trend of the century affecting all countries, as well as the need to include it to national and local planning. The SDG Fund underscored the need to embed the private sector in the development endeavor, and WHO stressed that it is putting focus on SDG 3.8 on universal health as it will drive progress on all other goals too.
Link to video: http://webtv.un.org/live-now/watch/the-sdgs-in-action-country-led-country-owned/5579544295001
(4) Migration and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
21 September 2017
The high-level side event was co-hosted by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations. High level officials included Geraldine Byrne Nason, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations; Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the WHO; Louise Arbour, United Nations Special Representative for International Migration, Managing Director, ODI; Michael Gerber, Swiss Special Envoy for Global Sustainable Development; and Stefano Manservisi, Director-General, International Cooperation and Development, European Commission.
ODI launched the final two briefs on Migration and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development series and a synthesis report. An expert panel reflected as part of the discussion on top-level findings from across the series providing practical policy actions for national governments.
Delegates noted that there are 40 million internally displaced people in conflict situations, with 26 million displaced by disasters every year. The number of newly displaced persons is increasing every year. Delegates emphasized that language surrounding migration must change, as negative language feeds into a negative perception of migrants. Delegates also noted that governments have to reach out to civil society, academia and migrants themselves.
Delegates stressed that there are three driving principals that need to be inserted into the Global Compact: (1) It must be people centered; (2) It must be the center principle of state cooperation including at the regional and sub-regional level; and (3) It must be forward looking.
(5) High-Level event on the Famine Response and Prevention
21 September 2017
The High-level event, hosted by the UN and World Bank, aimed to provide a platform for the international community to assess its collective response, including efforts to ensure collaboration between humanitarian and development actors, in line with the “New Ways of Working”. The event followed up on the outcomes of the UN-World Bank High Level Event on Famine and Fragility, held in Washington DC in April 2017.
After presenting key figures of the humanitarian crises afflicting the four countries, OCHA stressed that collective efforts by humanitarian and development actors were crucial to saving lives: among others, CERF allocated 128 million USD for critical early action; cash assistance was increased; life-saving assistance was provided to nearly 15 million including food assistance and cholera treatment. However, the ‘famine crisis’ is far from over. The needs have increased, in some cases sharply. 1.9 million people in need are still out of reach to sustained humanitarian assistance due to access challenges, and $2 billion are still required to respond to existing and increasing needs.
The UN Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, stressed the manmade nature of these crises, which unfolded due to a protracted conflict and lack of safe and sustained access and respect to international humanitarian law. Mr. Guterres brought attention to the need to invest on long-term solutions to reduce risks and vulnerabilities. The President of the World Bank, Dr. Jim Y. Kim, echoed the Secretary-General’s statement, stressing the need to build resilience and avoid cycles of panic and neglect. Mr. Achim Steiner, UNDP’s Administrator, congratulated the early response in spite of the failure to address the root causes of these problems from the beginning, which led to a humanitarian crisis, and reiterated the need to strengthen the debate on the ‘New Way of Working’. The Steering Committee on the Famine Countries, co-chaired by OCHA and UNDP, is a milestone on the matter.
WFP’s Executive Director, Mr. David Beasley, spoke on behalf of the UN operational agencies, highlighting figures of food insecure people and at the brink of famine in each of the four countries, as well as assistance provided so far, which includes 9 million livelihood agricultural inputs from FAO. Mr. Beasley also brought attention to the launch of SOFI in partnership with FAO, stressing that conflict is the number one driver of hunger: the food security situation has worsened in the world for the first time in years, as the number of chronically undernourished people in the world is estimated to have increased from 777 million to 815 million in 2016.
Substantial funding announcements were also made. While these amounts will need to be cross checked, around US$630 million was announced by Member States as new or additional funding towards the four countries. The World Bank also noted $200 million towards cholera response in Yemen, which was additional to the $1.8 billion package that was announced in February 2017.
At the occasion, OCHA distributed a report on achievements against seven key areas articulated in the road map agreed to at the High-level Event on Famine and Fragility hosted by the World Bank. The report provides non-exhaustive, indicative examples of progress to date against seven key areas agreed at the Spring Meetings, based on inputs from UN agencies, including FAO.
(6) High-Level Meeting on the Syrian Crisis
21 September 2017
The European Union hosted a High-Level meeting to keep the humanitarian response to the Syria crisis and its work for a negotiated end to the conflict at the top of the international agenda. The meeting followed up on the 2016 Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the region.
Panelists noted in unison that the situation on the ground has improved, with secured ceasefire, a better control of DAESH, and reduced violence since the Astana process. Ms. Federica Mogherini, EU High Representative, stressed that the EU is willing to support early recovery in the de-escalation zones and in liberated areas of Syria while continuing to invest on the development of the country when the war is over. While there is a political process led by Mr. Staffan de Mistura, UN Special Envoy for Syria, humanitarian assistance needs to continue, combined with the restoration of livelihoods, and the provision of basic services. “We will be prepared when the day of peace comes”, she noted.
Mr. de Mistura stressed that the conflict now moves into a post-DAESH phase. De-escalation agreement in Astana and Amman provided the reduction of violence. Military de-escalation has been secured, but it still needs political de-escalation and the re-initiation of the Geneva talks, which were suspended since the Aleppo crisis. Yet, efforts to ensure the sustainability of de-escalation areas must be a priority.
Mr. Mark Lowcock, USG and Emergency Relief Coordinator, reiterated the importance of supporting early recovery, resilience building and support to livelihoods, and brought attention to the continuing concerns on the protection of civilians and internal displacement. The Syrian Response Plan continues to be underfunded, and pledges need to turn into concrete contributions. Mr. Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, urged the international community to not forget the 5 million refugees in neighboring countries. The Syrian crisis continues to be the largest refugee crisis dealt by UNHCR and shouldered by the neighboring countries. Based on surveys, most Syrians want to return to their country, but not yet, as the conditions are still not good.
From the floor, neighboring countries, namely Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon, brought attention to the fact that the burden of the Syrian crisis needs to be better shared.
Next Spring, the EU will launch the ‘Brussels Process’, which should support the Geneva talks on a political transition, which, panelists stressed, remain the only viable path towards ending the war and stabilizing the country.
Link to the debate: http://webtv.un.org/search/high-level-meeting-on-the-syria-crisis-–-unga72/5582674703001/?term=syria
(7) Ministerial Roundtable on Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region
21 September 2017
Co-hosted by OCHA, the African Union and the European Union, the Roundtable aimed to draw attention to the humanitarian situation in the region and provide a platform for Ministers from affected countries, with their international and regional partners, to discuss the way forward. The Roundtable built on the outcomes of the Oslo Conference, highlighting progress made so far and the most urgent challenges.
Panelists stressed that the Lake Chad Region is one of the most severe in the world, with 10.9 million people in need of humanitarian assistance across the four countries. Even though concerted efforts avoided famine, a lot of efforts are still needed to help people that are one step away from starvation, especially in regard to food access.
For the EU High Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, Mr. Christos Stylianides, highlighted that needs include livelihood support, led by governments and complemented by donors and the international community as a whole. The Humanitarian-development nexus requires working together for durable solutions. UNICEF’s Executive Director, Mr. Anthony Lake, reiterated previous comments, adding that 500,000 children are at risk of malnutrition and that the major problem is protection.
Ms. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, stressed that the Lake Chad Basin region is an example of how it is important to put prevention at the core of the work, investing in institutions and in people, towards reducing inequalities and creating opportunities for all. The 2030 Agenda and the African Union 2063 Agenda are the best prevention tools in place.
Ministers from Niger, Chad, Nigeria and Cameroon expressed their concern over attacks of Boko Haram, which are causing unprecedented humanitarian needs. They highlighted the need to invest in youth, education and local governance, in which collaboration with the international community is essential.
From the floor, Member States stressed the need to focus on development work and on addressing the complex political dynamics of this manmade crisis.
Co-chairs summary of the event: https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/UNGAMinisterialRoundtableonNigeriaandLCBUSGRemarksAsDelivered_0.pdf
Webcast: http://webtv.un.org/watch/ministerial-roundtable-on-nigeria-and-the-lake-chad-region/5582674666001/
(8) High Level Event on the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen
22 September 2017
Co-hosted by OCHA, Netherlands and Sweden, the event focused on the current humanitarian situation in Yemen and what the international community can do now to relieve humanitarian suffering in the country, including increased support for humanitarian operations and strengthening engagement to resolve major obstacles to the response. Panelists and Member States noted that in spite of the efforts from the international community to alleviate the suffering in the country, humanitarian assistance is no solution to this man-made crisis affecting the Yemeni population in the past 2.5 years. A robust political engagement and peace process needs to be put in place so people can restore dignity and rebuild their livelihoods.
Panelists brought attention to the 17 million food insecure people, 7 million of these at risk of famine. They noted, however, the difficulties in accessing the most vulnerable communities. Constraints include interference in the movement of humanitarian actors and supplies, and armed conflict conditions. Moreover, in a country that imports 90 per cent of the food needs, including staple food, the impairment of technical facilities is bringing additional hindrances, leading to significant delays in the delivery of food.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, noted with concern the world’s largest cholera outbreak, which has killed more than 2,000 people and infected nearly 700,000 others since 27 April. The numbers of suspected cholera cases are increasing and WHO is investigating its causes.
As of 20 September, 44% of the $2.3 million requested for Yemen’s Response Plan was funded.
(9) Regional Perspectives on the Global Compact on Migration
22 September 2017
The event was organized by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh and ESCAP on behalf of the Regional Commissions of the United Nation. Delegates discussed their regions’ experience and perspectives on migration and the continuing Regional Consultations on the Global Compact for Migration.
Delegates noted that there are 40 million internally displaced people in conflict situations, with 26 million displaced by disasters every year. The Pacific region disproportionately faces higher consequences from climate change which include displacement. It was noted that Tuvalu is still struggling to give food relief to its people as a result of effects of extreme weather. Tuvalu informed that the 2016 Regional Dialogue in Fiji to wrap up a Pacific Climate Change and Migration Project (PCCM), which calls to prioritize and increase the resilience of the island communities in order to ensure that people are not compelled to or forced to move away from their islands.
It was stated that migration contributes to economic growth and that contribution by migrants to social development and cultural diversity must be acknowledged. Delegates also stated that it is important to make a distinction between migrants and refugees as protection and humanitarian assistance will vary accordingly.
(10) The 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement: Harnessing Synergies through coherent implementation
22 September 2017
The focus of the high-level breakfast event on was on how to harness synergies between the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement, with a special emphasis on countries in special situation. The event was organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), in collaboration with the Office of the High Representative of Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Islands Developing States.
During the event participants noted that increased frequency and strength of natural hazards due to climate change creates an existential threat to SIDS. Participants also expressed their sympathies to all States which were affected by Harvey, Irma and Maria Hurricanes which caused devastating humanitarian and economic consequences. Participants were called to capitalize mutually reinforcing benefits of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement.
During a bilateral interaction with Ms. Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of UNFCCC, Ms. Semedo shared the new publication on “The State of Food Insecurity in the World” which estimates that 815 million people suffered from hunger in 2016. This represents an increase of 38 million people compared to 2015. Ms. Semedo highlighted that the increase in hunger is most notable in situations of conflict, and in particular where the impacts of conflict are combined with the impacts of climate change. Ms. Espinosa noted the information, and suggested to organize a joint side-event.