As Stocktaking Approaches: Seizing the Moment

During the lively discussion in this NFP network meeting, participants expressed genuine interest in the crucial role of a multi-stakeholder approach for effective partnerships in food systems transformation. They highlighted the need for a shared vision, policy coherence, government involvement, effective governance, financial resources, and inclusion of marginalised voices. Also participants stressed the importance of integrating business solutions with policy interventions and actively involving the private sector in discussions on food systems transformation.

Seizing the moment to accelerate action towards FST

Dr. Fotiou, the Coordinator of the UN Coordination Hub, emphasised the importance of making the Stocktaking Moment (STM) a dynamic and productive event rather than a routine meeting. He highlighted the value of interactive sessions, inspiring panels, and engaging dialogues with the audience.

In addition he underlined, the focus is on actualising and accelerating existing commitments rather than introducing new ones. Implementation of the national pathways will be a central theme throughout the Stocktaking Moment, with dedicated sessions on finance, trade, digitalisation, and governance for implementation.

To facilitate implementation beyond the event, the UN deputy secretary general is expected to launch a food systems window within the UN SDG trust fund to garner support and resources from stakeholders, donors, and governments directly for countries and their national pathways. Dr. Fotiou's remarks underline the importance of driving tangible progress in the STM for food system transformation.

Progress on the national pathways

The response to the call for voluntary reports on national food systems pathways has exceeded expectations, with 101 out of 120 countries with a national pathway submitting reports. In addition, over 300 best practices and case studies were also provided by the various stakeholders, including those from the ‘ecosystem of support’ (including governments, NGOs, and UN system). The UN Food Systems Hub plans to publish a summary report on the progress on food systems transformation since the UN Food Systems Summit 2021. This report is based on the analysis of direct inputs received through voluntary country progress reports from 101 countries, and input provided by the actors of the Food Systems ecosystem of support. (update after the online briefing: the draft report has been published in the meantime (link to report))

The narratives being created for the report emphasise the central message that the work continued after the Food Systems Summit in 2021 and is significant and indicative of countries' commitment to food system transformation. During the session with the Dutch network, this was enforced by the leading food systems experts from Jordan, Bangladesh, and South Sudan who described how their respective countries have made advancements in developing and implementing their national food systems pathways. The key message from the speakers is the importance of collaboration and multi-stakeholder involvement in developing national strategies and pathways for food systems transformation. They emphasised the need to engage government policymakers, NGOs, INGOs, UN, research institutions, youth, farmers' associations, civil society, and academia in participatory dialogues to identify key issues and develop frameworks for transforming food systems. As well as the importance of convincing the government to acknowledge the necessity for a national strategy and resources for follow-up action. See for more information about the inspiring stories and progress in Jordan, Bangladesh and South Sudan in the boxes [below].

These stories from the national pathway development processes show that the plans are there and implementation is starting. Dr. Fotiou underscored the growing momentum stemming from the collective efforts of countries, with the aspiration to translate it into active and concrete dialogue in Rome to accelerate action.

Update by the Dutch delegation

Then it was time to answer the question on everyone's mind; what is happening in the Netherlands? The representative of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture acknowledged the need for change in our domestic agrifood system. Especially with the agricultural agreement falling apart, uniting the different stakeholders poses a significant challenge. The Stocktaking Moment in Rome will be an opportunity to provide an update about the Netherlands and to share and learn from different experiences.

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised their commitment to food system transformation and highlighted their ongoing support for multi-year programs like FoSTr, promoting dialogue and implementation. The government actively participates in international coalitions of action related to seed, agroecology, food waste, zero hunger, healthy diets, and is exploring joining the food meals coalition. Additionally, the ministry is exploring the potential of the SDG trust fund window for food systems, to provide catalytic investments to support national pathways and implementation efforts.

The delegation shared an open invitation to the network members to feed the ministry with ideas and information to incorporate them in government policies and plans in the run-up to Rome.

In the broader context, the Stocktaking Moment seeks to promote convergence among stakeholders involved in food systems transformation, align their efforts with the broader SDG agenda and highlight the importance of effective implementation strategies. Dr Fotiou's speech highlighted another key objective of the Stocktaking Moment, which is to ensure consistency between food systems transformation and the broader goal of accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Going forward, the aim is for the results of the STM to be taken to the SDG Summit in September, as well as to subsequent events such as the Climate Change Conference (CoP 28) and the 2024 Summit of the Future, building on ongoing work and promoting sustainable cooperation, integration and alignment with other global processes for sustainable development.