UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake in 2025

The Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake is set to occur in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from July 28 to 30, 2025. This event aims to enhance investment opportunities for sustainable food system initiatives. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed emphasised the urgency of transforming global food systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With only five years remaining to fulfil the 2030 Agenda, finance plays a very important role in implementing necessary changes.

Importance of the Stocktake

The Stocktake will assess progress since the previous meeting in 2023. It will focus on monitoring commitments and outcomes within national food system pathways. Such pathways are essential for meeting SDG targets. The event is co-hosted by Italy and will generate a comprehensive report on advancements made.

Preparatory Briefings

In preparation for the Stocktake, a series of briefings will occur. These include a combined briefing at UN Headquarters in Nairobi from February 24 to 28, 2025. Additionally, five regional briefings will be held during the UN Regional Forums on Sustainable Development from March to May. These efforts aim to ensure inclusive and cross-sectoral consultations.

Global Gatherings and Collaboration

The Stocktake will coincide with several global events. These include the Fourth Financing for Development Conference in Spain, UNFCCC COP 30 in Brazil, the Second World Summit on Social Development in Qatar, and the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in France. These platforms will encourage collective action and create new investment opportunities for food system transformation.

Previous Summit Outcomes

The first Summit Stocktake brought into light the importance of public-private-community partnerships. It aimed to improve private sector participation in food systems. The outcomes included the Secretary-General’s ‘Call to Action’, which identified six key areas for action. These areas encompass securing concessional finance, investments, budget support, and debt restructuring. Furthermore, addressing food security in crisis situations was telld.

Challenges to Transformation

The urgency for food systems transformation has intensified due to rising living costs, social inequalities, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. The 2021 UN Food Systems Summit outlined a new approach, placing food at the centre of global efforts to combat poverty, hunger, inequality, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the role of finance in transforming global food systems in the context of the 2030 Agenda.
2. Estimate the impact of climate change on food security and agricultural productivity in developing countries.
3. Point out the significance of public-private-community partnerships in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
4. What are the challenges faced in implementing the outcomes of the UN Food Systems Summit? How can these challenges be addressed?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the role of finance in transforming global food systems in the context of the 2030 Agenda.

1. Finance is essential for implementing changes in food systems to meet SDGs.
2. Concessional finance, investments, and budget support are key areas brought into light for action.
3. Public-private partnerships can leverage additional resources for food system initiatives.
4. Addressing food security in crisis situations requires immediate financial interventions.
5. Investment in sustainable practices can enhance productivity and resilience in food systems.

2. Estimate the impact of climate change on food security and agricultural productivity in developing countries.

1. Climate change leads to erratic weather patterns, affecting crop yields.
2. Increased frequency of droughts and floods threatens food production systems.
3. Rising temperatures can reduce agricultural productivity and increase pest infestations.
4. Food security is compromised as vulnerable populations face higher food prices.
5. Adaptation strategies are necessary to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

3. Point out the significance of public-private-community partnerships in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

1. These partnerships encourage collaboration among diverse stakeholders for resource mobilization.
2. They enhance innovation and efficiency in addressing complex challenges like food security.
3. Public-private-community partnerships can improve access to markets and technology for local farmers.
4. Such collaborations are very important in scaling up successful initiatives and sharing best practices.
5. They help ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are included in decision-making processes.

4. What are the challenges faced in implementing the outcomes of the UN Food Systems Summit? How can these challenges be addressed?

1. Lack of adequate financing and investment remains barrier to implementation.
2. Coordination among various stakeholders can be complex and fragmented.
3. Political instability and governance issues in developing countries hinder progress.
4. Addressing social inequalities and ensuring inclusivity in food systems is challenging.
5. Establishing clear metrics for monitoring progress and accountability is essential.
6. Strengthening local capacities and encouraging community engagement can help overcome these challenges.