UN chief urges lifesaving transformation of food systems
World Food Day is not only a reminder of the importance of what we eat to everyone on the planet, but also “a call to action to achieve food security around the world”, the UN chief said in his message marking the day on Friday.
Commemorated annually on 15 October, Secretary-General António Guterres pointed out that currently, almost 40 per cent of humanity, some three billion people, can’t afford to eat healthily.
And as hunger, undernourishment, and obesity are on the rise, the economic impacts of COVID-19 “have made a bad situation even worse”, he said, noting that the pandemic has left an additional 140 million people “unable to access the food they need”.
For people and planet
At the same time, the way we produce, consume and waste food is taking a heavy toll on our planet.
“It is putting historic pressure on our natural resources, climate and natural environment - and costing us trillions of dollars a year”, warned the UN chief.
Reference this year’s theme that the power to change is in our hands, he spelled out that “our actions are our future”.
Turn commitments into actions
Last month, the world took part in the landmark UN Food Systems Summit, which set the stage to transform food systems everywhere to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs ) by 2030.
The UN chief recalled that during the summit, “countries made bold commitments” to make healthy diets more affordable and accessible and to make food systems “more efficient, resilient and sustainable at every step”.
“We can all change how we consume food, and make healthier choices – for ourselves, and our planet”, said the Secretary-General. “In our food systems, there is hope”.
‘Agri-food system’
An agri-food system comprises all the activities related to the production, processing, distribution, preparation and consumption of food.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), that’s something we play a part in, every time we eat: “The food we choose and the way we produce, prepare, cook and store it make us an integral and active part of the way in which an agri-food system works”.
In a healthy and sustainable agri-food system, local market shelves are stocked with nutritious food, but less is wasted and the supply chain is more resilient to shocks, such as extreme weather, price spikes or pandemics – all without worsening environmental degradation or climate change.
“In fact, sustainable agri-food systems deliver food security and nutrition for all, without compromising the economic, social and environmental bases, for generations to come” said the UN agriculture agency. “They lead to better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all.
© UN News (2021) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: UN News
Where next?
Browse related news topics:
Read the latest news stories:
- We Should Aim to be at Peace with Nature, Says David Cooper of UN Convention on Biological Diversity Thursday, May 02, 2024
- Gaza’s new terror: Booby-trapped cans of food for the unwary Thursday, May 02, 2024
- How Israel Has Used US Weapons to Commit War Crimes Thursday, May 02, 2024
- Press Freedom and Climate Journalism: United in Crisis Wednesday, May 01, 2024
- Gaza Journalist Describes 33 Harrowing Days in Israeli Custody Wednesday, May 01, 2024
- The Tragic Death of Palestinian Journalists Wednesday, May 01, 2024
- The Deadliest Days for Journalists in War Zones Wednesday, May 01, 2024
- World News in Brief: UN supporting East Africa flood victims, dozens more migrant deaths at sea, disinformation in Myanmar Wednesday, May 01, 2024
- Europe: Report highlights direct link between pandemic and childhood obesity Wednesday, May 01, 2024
- Palestine: General Assembly discusses failed UN membership bid Wednesday, May 01, 2024
Learn more about the related issues: