17 November 2014: The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) discussed food security and the post-2015 development agenda at its final 2014 Coordination and Management Meeting. UN Member States had an interactive dialogue with Gerda Verburg, Chair of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), and discussed CFS’ role in implementing the post-2015 development agenda.

The ECOSOC Coordination and Management meetings are meant to allow for coordination among the Council and its subsidiary bodies and for discussion of sustainable development issues. The final meeting of 2014 took place on 17 November, at UN Headquarters in New York, US, and was chaired by the ECOSOC Vice President Oh Joon (Republic of Korea).

Verburg (Netherlands) introduced a note from the UN Secretary-General and the report of CFS decisions and policy recommendations (E/2014/84). The report summarized the work of the committee, including round-table policy discussions, regional multi-stakeholder consultations, the Agenda for Action on food insecurity, and the Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (RAI), which were approved by the 41st Session of CFS on 15 October 2014. Verburg also noted that, in 2016, the CFS will propose a framework for implementation of the post-2015 development agenda.

Responding to her presentation and the subject of food security in the context of the post-2015 development agenda, the Netherlands called for particular attention to women in agriculture, while Pakistan said the food and nutritional challenges of the most vulnerable must be addressed. The US welcomed the RAI Principles. The Dominican Republic remarked on the importance of communication between the CFS and ECOSOC delegates, while Switzerland proposed that the CFS model for stakeholder engagement be applied to other sectors. The Republic of the Congo said the CFS vision should be reflected in the post-2015 development agenda, particularly the principles for country ownership. Brazil welcomed the report and the “participatory forum” model of the CFS.

Verburg responded that the CFS “will be there to stimulate implementation of the post-2015 development agenda” once it is agreed, but building on progress that has already been made. She expressed her hope to strengthen coordination between the Rome-based agencies and ECOSOC, and underscored the importance of gender in food security. [E/2014/84] [CFS 41 Webpage] [RAI Principles] [IISD RS Coverage of CFS 41] [Calendar of ECOSOC 2014 Coordination and Management Meetings]