United Nations Food Systems Summit Insights: Crucial Points from the Discussion on Food System Transformation+4
The UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4) wrapped up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 29, 2025, with a renewed focus on accelerating action towards resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems. The event brought together heads of states, ministers, and representatives from various sectors, including farmers, youth, civil society, businesses, and development partners [1][2][3].
One of the key areas of discussion was the interconnected crises that are intensifying food insecurity and malnutrition, such as armed conflict, climate volatility, economic shocks, and widening inequality. These crises have led to fragmented efforts that often do not align with national needs [4].
In an effort to address these challenges, the UNFSS process invites countries to develop "national pathways" to overhaul policies, regulations, and funding programs tailored to each country's specific conditions and needs [3]. The process, established in 2021, aims to end hunger and make food systems fairer, more sustainable, and more resilient [1].
Among the transformative efforts showcased at the event were Ethiopia’s leadership in food sovereignty and sustainable agricultural development, exemplified by initiatives like the Green Legacy tree planting campaign and integrated food systems approaches that have increased food security and nutrition [2].
Another crucial aspect highlighted was the need for stronger accountability in governance of food system commitments. Josephine Thome, Head of Programs for WHH Kenya, emphasized the importance of civil society engagement that moves beyond symbolism, and WHH's call for more dialogue and less monologue in the next Stocktake [3].
The WHH initiative, present at the event, shared insights from a decade-long land restoration program in western Kenya, reaching over 180,000 farmers with agricultural advice and promoting evidence-based practices based on soil testing [2].
The UNFSS+4 also discussed Multi Actor Platforms (MAPs) as a means to accelerate progress on the three Rio Conventions on climate, biodiversity, and desertification. These platforms aim to foster collaboration among various stakeholders to drive sustainable outcomes [4].
Traditional knowledge was also given a stronger voice in political debates, as combining traditional knowledge with scientific insights can offer particularly effective solutions. Coalitions such as the Indigenous Peoples Food Systems Coalition and the Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health played a significant role in promoting inclusive, just, and biodiversity-friendly transformations [3].
However, civil society participation in the UNFSS process remained limited, which is a gap that needs to be addressed to ensure transparency and democratic processes in funding and policy execution during constrained development assistance [3].
The climate crisis, changing ecosystems, and biodiversity loss are having a heavy impact on food security globally. Currently, 673 million people are going hungry despite there being enough food, knowledge, and resources for all. Additionally, 2.6 billion cannot afford a healthy diet [4].
The event underscored the need for unified, inclusive approaches with enhanced investment, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and improved governance to transform global food systems and tackle the persistent challenges from systemic shocks and environmental impacts [1][2][3][4][5]. It is crucial to maintain the momentum established at the UNFSS+4, establish accountability mechanisms, and push for truly inclusive food systems.
[1] United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) [2] World Health Organization (WHO) [3] World Healthy Habitat (WHH) [4] Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) [5] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- The UN Food Systems Summit +4 emphasized the urgent need to address interconnected crises intensifying food insecurity and malnutrition, such as climate change, economic shocks, and armed conflict.
- To combat these challenges, countries were encouraged to develop "national pathways" for overhauling policies, regulations, and funding programs that cater to their specific conditions and needs.
- Civil society engagement was highlighted as crucial for accountability in the governance of food system commitments, with Josephine Thome emphasizing the need for more dialogue and less monologue.
- The event underscored the importance of Multi Actor Platforms (MAPs) as a means to foster collaboration among various stakeholders to drive sustainable outcomes, addressing issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and desertification.
- Traditional knowledge was given a stronger voice in political debates, with coalitions such as the Indigenous Peoples Food Systems Coalition and the Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health promoting inclusive, just, and biodiversity-friendly transformations in food systems.
