Deputy Secretary-General, at Rome Meeting, Says Leadership, Sustained Support Essential to Help Governments Transform World Food Systems in Support of Nutrition for All

Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary‑General Amina Mohammed’s video message to the forty-ninth plenary session of the Committee on World Food Security, in Rome today:

Excellencies, distinguished delegates.

Last month, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Food Systems Summit brought together tens of thousands of people with a shared ambition: to drive urgent action to accelerate our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.  And to do so through the power of transformed food systems.

Leaders from 165 Governments and a wide range of partners agreed that business as usual is no longer an option.  And Governments made bold commitments to transform their food systems.  They were joined by similar commitments and declarations from youth, women and indigenous peoples — food producers — and partners from across the private sector.

But the Summit was just the start of a much longer process.  We must maintain the momentum of the last 18 months and ensure that commitments are translated into action and results for all people in all countries.

The Committee on World Food Security remains an essential part of this process of transformation.  This Committee provides a unique platform for all food systems stakeholders to come together in support of food security and nutrition for all.  And Committee on World Food Security policy products and voluntary guidelines helped shape and inform many of the national dialogues and work streams we discussed at the Summit.

Several multistakeholder initiatives and commitments drew on Committee on World Food Security products.  And the Committee on World Food Security contributed an invaluable report offering a renewed narrative as we look ahead to the food systems we need by 2030.  This process also benefitted from the tireless engagement of the Committee on World Food Security Chair, Ambassador Thanawat Tiensen.  I want to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for his steadfast leadership and commitment.

As we work towards 2030, we all have a role to play.  And Committee on World Food Security leadership will be essential as we continue supporting countries in this process of transformation.

As you continue with the complex discussions ahead of you, I urge you to keep aiming high.  Let’s push forward together, as we transform the world’s food systems — for people, for our planet and for our shared prosperity.

Thank you